Check out this award worthy photo by PS Korupa!
• More types of hunting dogs added to our Breeds list.
• Training your dog to hunt in 11 steps.
• Off Season Conditioning Guide.
• Improve your dogs overall health with proper nutrition.
• How to compete in the Hunting Dog Masters circuit.
• First Aid for Hunting Dogs
• How to release your dog from a trap
• Remedies for Skunk Spray
• DC Metro - Vet Prices
Conditioning Your Hunting Dog
As the end of summer approaches, many of us begin to think about fall. Some states open up on the 1st of September for dove and goose seasons, leaving a month or so for us to get our dogs into shape once again.
The downside to summer, for dogs, is that pre-season conditioning will only involve light retrievals in the yard or possibly a walk in the morning or evening. But, when opening day rolls around, expectations are high for these lazy bums to jump into the field like they are young again, tolerating early-season heat like a champ. However, unconditioned dogs can suffer from disastrous results such as cuts, strains, sprains, and the more deadly results like hunting dog hypoglycemia and heat stroke.
Pre-season preparation and conditioning can help prevent many of these early season injuries. A big mistake I commonly see hunters make is feeding their dog the same amount year round. It is important to feed your dog properly because its energy needs are different year round. Your dogs food intake can vary from under three cups a day during the off season to as much as seven cups in the thick of hunting season. It is imperative that you get your dog's weight and nutrition balanced prior to beginning the hunting season or starting a conditioning program.
Finding time to get your dog out and excersise when its not too hot outside is one of the biggest obstacles for trying to condition your dog during the summer. It may seem like a difficult task to get up early out of bed to take your dog out for training, but for many of us this is the only option in order to still make it on time to the office. It made not be the easiest way to train your dog, but during the middle of the summer's high tempatures, this is really the only choice for safely training your dog.
Alot of hunters dismiss hunting on land and go directly out into the water, so the idea that a dog is staying cool just because it is wet, is a dangerous one. While this maybe true sometimes, it is not always. Deep water may keep cool during a sunny day, but shallow water will heat up much easier in the summer. Hunting with a dog in shallow water is about the equivalent of hunting with your dog in hot bathwater. Many dogs have also caught heatstroke in their carriers in the truck bed from being wet and creating their own sauna. Stay mindful of your dogs surroundings and their body temperature at all times to ensure your dogs safety.
Numerous hunting dog veterans know the general rule that if the outside temperature added to the humidity is above 150, you are in a dangerous situation for any dog, even cold natured ones. For a safe and successful hunting season, it is important to be smart about the conditions but it is just as important to begin getting your hunting partner in shape.
For those of us who do not have the right schedule to train our dog outdoors when the temperature is right, many dogs are easily able to learn how to use a treadmill. If you dont have one, im sure you can imagine that there are alot of treadmills available at the right yard sale or in the classifieds. With enough effort, a dog can be trained to use a treadmill in about 3 days and a few delicious treats later.
Lets break it down into a three step process-
1. On the 1st day get your dog to get on the treadmill without turning on the power, then give them a treat. Then, use treats to get them to stay on the treadmill.
2. On the 2nd day, get them back on the treadmill, start giving them treats, then turn on the treadmill at the lowest possible setting, while continuing to give them treats for staying on the treadmill.
3. On the 3rd day, just get them to stay on the treadmill for as long as possible before losing their attention and give them a treat. From there, you can ween them off treats and subsistute them with verbal positive re-inforcement.
Just keep in mind that you should never leave your dog on a treadmill without supervision. To help keep them centered, it is also a good idea to start with a harness and leash them up until they are familiar with the treadmill. You may also want to consider getting two treadmills so that you can get a good workout in with your dog, at the same time. You will also want to keep in mind that many dogs have to use the bathroom when they start to excersise. A trip outside for a few minutes will server as a good warm up prior to actually starting the conditioning. When on the treadmill, change up the elevation and speed so that your dog can benefit the most from their workout.
The more time you put into training and conditioning your dog, the most you will benefit from it in the long run. All of the conditioning put in preparing for the upcoming season will pay off during the season. Overworking or underconditioning your dog will cause it to be prone to injury and will most likely not be as productive when youre out hunting.
Our hunting dogs are athletes and should be trained and conditioned in the off-season just as any other athlete would. Spend the time with them that they need and they will prove their worth to you when hunting season rolls around.
