FREE SHIPPING on orders over $89
800.275.6797
Training Tips
My Account

Training Tips

Here's how we make the most of each hunt
Training Tips

Categories:

Advanced, Basic, Hound, Puppy, Upland, Waterfowl
English setter with aEnglish setter with a

Working with Different Dogs

by Tom Keer

I’m a setter man. I’ve owned Irish setters and English setters, and some day I’ll probably own a Gordon setter. I like the way they hunt with their heads held high, their energy, and their biddable natures. Setters like people, and even better than that they like having a job...

Gear on a table including gloves, a gun, and e-collarGear on a table including gloves, a gun, and e-collar

E-Collars: Finding the Right One and Using it Correctly

by Lynne Frady

I’m not sure if any other training tool stirs a debate like e-collars. Some people love them and others think they were made by the devil himself. This leaves many novices confused about what they’re getting into with an e-collar. After years of training and experience, I can officially tell...

Black lab with deer antler in mouth walking next to man also holding deer antlerBlack lab with deer antler in mouth walking next to man also holding deer antler

Shed Hunting: Help Your Dog Help You - Part 2

by The SportDOG Staff

In my last article I described the benefits of shed antler hunting in the off-season and how to get your dog started in this fun sport. Now let me go into more detail about how to teach your dog to efficiently hunt for sheds. A dog has three weapons to use...

Black lab returning through water with jumbo black and white dummy in mouthBlack lab returning through water with jumbo black and white dummy in mouth

Spring Training for Your Gun Dog

by The SportDOG Staff

The warm weather is upon us and the dogs are no longer content to spend time inside. It’s time to be working and getting ready for season. Polar vortexes may have limited your ability to be out this winter, so it’s very important to be out now enjoying the sunshine...

Black lab returning with shed in mouthBlack lab returning with shed in mouth

Shed Hunting: Starting Your Dog Out the Right Way - Part 1

by The SportDOG Staff

It’s too bad bird seasons only last a few months. It seems like fall arrives and brings the excitement of pheasant and duck hunting, but then before you know it winter has set in and all you can do is dream and wait for the next season. Thankfully there’s another...

Beagle being quiet while wearing bark collar.Beagle being quiet while wearing bark collar.

Finding the Right NoBark Collar for Your Hunting Dog

by The SportDOG Staff

Our NoBark Collars are famous for helping teach your dog when to be silent, but how do you know which one is right for your gun dog? We offer three models of NoBark collars to allow you to pick the best solution for your dog. Below are some helpful tips...

pigeon being launched out of launcher basket with man training dog in backgroundpigeon being launched out of launcher basket with man training dog in background

What You Need to Know About the SportDOG Launcher

by The SportDOG Staff

We are proud to announce that the SportDOG Brand® Remote Launcher System is hitting stores near you. We have information about the latest in our dog training line on our website. Currently, these are not available for purchase directly from us, but they are hitting shelves at brick and mortar...

Setter wearing e-collar with ruffed grouse in mouthSetter wearing e-collar with ruffed grouse in mouth

Making a Difference for the Grouse Population in North Dakota

by The SportDOG Staff

Susan Felege and her partners with the University of North Dakota received a SportDOG Brand Conservation Fund Grant in 2012 for their work in investigating the Nesting Ecology-Response to Gas and Oil Development in Western North Dakota. A year into the project, the team has learned a lot about nesting...

The backs of a Chesapeake Bay Retriever on a stand and a handler watching a dummy hit the water with a splashThe backs of a Chesapeake Bay Retriever on a stand and a handler watching a dummy hit the water with a splash

Don't Overlook Steady in Your Wetland Training Arsenal

by The SportDOG Staff

When you think of wetland hunting with your pup, the importance of water retrieves is probably the first thing that comes to your mind. Steady is also an incredibly important command for a waterfowl dog. As we all know too well, the sport takes patience for yourself and your dog....

Black lab running through grass while panting Black lab running through grass while panting

Top 3 Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe This Summer

by The SportDOG Staff

Summer is upon us, which means there’s even more reason to be out in nature with your pup. Whether you’re fishing, training, camping, hunting, or hiking, we have a few tips to keep in mind when bringing along your four-legged friend. These simple suggestions will make sure you and your...

Setter on point in woods with hunter walking up behindSetter on point in woods with hunter walking up behind

Habitat is Key

by Aaron Robinson

You’re likely aware of the famous phrase by Benjamin Franklin who stated, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Now to an upland bird enthusiast I would amend this to say, “Nothing is certain in the world of upland game, except changing weather”....

Two black lab puppies being pet.Two black lab puppies being pet.

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.

Man putting e-collar on yellow labMan putting e-collar on yellow lab

Moving to E Collar Training - 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 transitioning your gun dog from a leash training program to an electronic collar dog training program. Chris makes this lesson simple and easy to follow. It can be applied...

Yellow lab running through a grassy fieldYellow lab running through a grassy field

Downed Bird Hunting Dog Training - Video

by The SportDOG Staff

In this SportDOG Training Tip (originally aired on Pheasant's Forever TV) SportDOG Brand Senior Pro Staff Tom Dokken walks you through teaching your dog to continue searching for a downed bird, even if he didn't see it land.

English Pointer being handled by man. English Pointer being handled by man.

Quick Gun Dog Eye Exam - Video

by The SportDOG Staff

In this SportDOG Training Tip, (originally aired on Pheasants Forever Television) Dr. Joe Spoo, DVM discusses quick ways to examine the overall health of your hunting dog. This tailgate exam can help your gun dog avoid serious injury later. Checking your dog for symptoms or problems is an important part...

Footcare for Your Hunting DogFootcare for Your Hunting Dog

Footcare for Your Hunting Dog - Video

by The SportDOG Staff

In this SportDOG Brand Training Tip (originally aired on Pheasants Forever Television) Dr. Joe Spoo,DVM discusses the best way to care for your hunting dogs feet by trimming the nails and the use of boots.

PrevNext

AUTHORS

Ben Busby has hunted since he was old enough to walk. He was fortunate enough to have a mother and father who introduced him to hunting at a very early age. He harvested his first whitetail deer with a 12 gauge out of a lawn chair at age 10. From...Ben Busby has hunted since he was old enough to walk. He was fortunate enough to have a mother and father who introduced him to hunting at a very early age. He harvested his first whitetail deer with a 12 gauge out of a lawn chair at age 10. From...

Ben Busby

1 article

Ben Busby has hunted since he was old enough to walk. He was fortunate enough to have a mother and father who introduced him to hunting at a very early age. He harvested his first whitetail deer with a 12 gauge out of a lawn chair at age 10. From...

Ben Garcia believes there is one secret to dog training: "Know where you want to go and where you want your dog to finish." Ben says that goal is the key to develop your best friend in the field.  With this in mind, Ben treats every dog as an individual,...Ben Garcia believes there is one secret to dog training: "Know where you want to go and where you want your dog to finish." Ben says that goal is the key to develop your best friend in the field.  With this in mind, Ben treats every dog as an individual,...

Ben Garcia

1 article

Ben Garcia believes there is one secret to dog training: "Know where you want to go and where you want your dog to finish." Ben says that goal is the key to develop your best friend in the field.  With this in mind, Ben treats every dog as an individual,...

Shawn Kinkelaar was born and raised in the town of Effingham in central Illinois. Kinkelaar grew up hunting quail and pheasant over pointing dogs with his grandfather and uncle. He began field trialing in the early 1980s and in the late 1980s he began working for and with several of...Shawn Kinkelaar was born and raised in the town of Effingham in central Illinois. Kinkelaar grew up hunting quail and pheasant over pointing dogs with his grandfather and uncle. He began field trialing in the early 1980s and in the late 1980s he began working for and with several of...

Shawn Kinkelaar

3 articles

Shawn Kinkelaar was born and raised in the town of Effingham in central Illinois. Kinkelaar grew up hunting quail and pheasant over pointing dogs with his grandfather and uncle. He began field trialing in the early 1980s and in the late 1980s he began working for and with several of...

Bob has hunted with beagles from Alabama to the Quebec border in pursuit of swamp rabbits, the eastern cottontail, and hare. He has owned beagles since 1985 and trains his hounds year round, sometimes competing in field trials, but always conditioning his pack with an eye looking forward to the...Bob has hunted with beagles from Alabama to the Quebec border in pursuit of swamp rabbits, the eastern cottontail, and hare. He has owned beagles since 1985 and trains his hounds year round, sometimes competing in field trials, but always conditioning his pack with an eye looking forward to the...

Bob Ford

1 article

Bob has hunted with beagles from Alabama to the Quebec border in pursuit of swamp rabbits, the eastern cottontail, and hare. He has owned beagles since 1985 and trains his hounds year round, sometimes competing in field trials, but always conditioning his pack with an eye looking forward to the...

Gear The Way You'd Design It