![Pup's first hunt](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/d075r9p6/production/593e5f40fc9805606e40acbd6d3107e6017f1700-1620x1080.jpg?w=1280&h=853&q=75&fit=max&auto=format)
Pup's First Hunt - Video
Posted by The SportDOG StaffIn this SportDOG Training Tip (Originally Aired on Pheasants Forever Televsision) SportDOG Senior Pro Staffer Tom Dokken gives tips on your pup's first hunt. A gun dog's first time in the field should set him up to enjoy hunting for the rest of his life.
Related Articles
![Yellow lab wearing e-collar on green strap in duck blind](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/d075r9p6/production/45e87ce2471a7abcc9d317f234fbf265810ae3d1-1620x1080.jpg?w=1620&h=1080&q=75&fit=max&auto=format)
Pup’s First Hunt: Building Your Future
by Chris Akin
A puppy’s first season, and more specifically, his first hunt, can be the most pivotal in his life as a gun dog. You only get one chance to make a first impression, and that impression can have a major impact on how a young dog is molded into a hunting...
![Yellow lab puppy in back of SUV with window open](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/d075r9p6/production/7bee42dc5ebe50f0164b89a39e713e6d74ace756-1299x1080.jpg?rect=291,193,1008,838&w=1299&h=1080&q=75&fit=max&auto=format)
What Does “Socializing” Your Puppy Mean?
by Tom Dokken
You hear a lot about “socializing” your puppy, but what does that mean and why is it important? Socializing is actually training. By that I mean that every time you are with your puppy he is learning something. You need to make sure he’s learning what you want him to...
![Woman smiling while petting two small black lab puppies](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/d075r9p6/production/e61604ec0c8aaa4181e4767d380d9f0e1ba51a99-2000x2000.jpg?w=2000&h=2000&q=75&fit=max&auto=format)
Choosing a Hunting Dog Puppy - Video
by Chris Akin
In this SportDOG Training Tip (originally aired on Pheasants Forever TV) SportDOG Brand Senior Pro Staffer Chris Akin walks you through selecting a puppy. Akin discusses the pros and cons of owning, hunting and training females dogs versus males.
![Young chocolate lab jumping on bumper with trainer in background holding check cord](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/d075r9p6/production/4701dbe0896e45ddc2dbdfdcabcab52b7f5939c8-2000x2000.jpg?w=2000&h=2000&q=75&fit=max&auto=format)
When Your Dog Should Enter the Hunt
by The SportDOG Staff
Young dogs take a while to develop into the hunting or field trial champion you want. Your knowledge that the pup you chose is from proven hunting stock is just the beginning. I have been spoiled. During hunting and field trial seasons, I have always had older, veteran dogs to rely...
![Two black lab puppies being pet.](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/d075r9p6/production/e61604ec0c8aaa4181e4767d380d9f0e1ba51a99-2000x2000.jpg?rect=0,60,1940,1940&w=2000&h=2000&q=75&fit=max&auto=format)
Finding Your Perfect Retriever Puppy - Video
by The SportDOG Staff
In this SportDOG Training Tip (originally aired on Pheasants Forever TV) SportDOG Brand Senior Pro Staffer Chris Akin walks you through selecting a puppy. Akin discusses the pros and cons of owning, hunting and training females dogs versus males.
![Yello lab puppy jumping on puppy dummy](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/d075r9p6/production/b82edaa2844a18fb8951588efa7106a0a3841ce4-1347x1080.jpg?w=1347&h=1080&q=75&fit=max&auto=format)
Where to Begin with Puppy Training
by The SportDOG Staff
There are several different things that need to be done for and with a new puppy. First and foremost make sure all pup’s shots are on time and up to date. Find a local veterinarian and set up an appointment for your new companion. This is one of many places you...
![Young hound dog jumping on to the tailgate of a truck and in to a dog box. Handler standing behind him.](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/d075r9p6/production/71fe66e52b27db50fed7abaa361a9ff7767a5ff8-4928x3280.jpg?rect=1399,400,3529,2349&w=4928&h=3280&q=75&fit=max&auto=format)
Get That Young Hound Started Right
by Jed Finley
There are many ways to turn a young coonhound into a top-notch trailing dog, but one of the biggest things I think you can do to help him along is to help him learn independence. I’m going to tell you the basics of how I do that as part of...
![Gear The Way You'd Design It](/images/gearthewayyouddesignit.png)