Reprinted Articles

If you’ve ever seen a hunter with his dog, you know that the bond between them is very strong. The hunting dog listens and responds to every command quickly and precisely. This takes time to accomplish but is well worth it.

Types of Retrievers: Breeds such as Labrador retrievers and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling retrievers are excellent gun dogs having been bred over hundreds of years for just that purpose. However, despite centuries of breeding, dogs can still be willful.

Basic Commands: Commands such as Whoa, No, Kennel, Sit and Come are vital. Your dog must know and obey all of these commands before you take him out to the field. If your dog won’t obey you when he’s on a leash he certainly won’t obey when he has the freedom to run at will. Your dog should be taught in a realistic situation in the field and not at home.

Start Field Training: Your dog’s field training can begin once he or she has been taught not to fear gun noise. Initiate the training by using a dummy. Beginning the process with a dummy is a great way to let your dog get the hang of what he is meant to do before he starts trying to retrieve birds.

Dummy Training Methods: Be sure to choose a dummy that is suitable to your dog. Dummies may be made of plastic or fabric and some are made to look like game birds. You’ll know he’s ready when your dog has learned to gently retrieve the dummy without shaking or damaging it.

Sometimes switching from the dummy to a real bird confuses or upsets the dog; just switch back to the dummy and add some feathers and streamers similar to the bird you are hunting and work with him for a few more days. A decoy streamer will copy the movement of a bird that is not quite dead, so that your dog will not be scared when he comes across the real thing.

Decoys: Transition to the real bird slowly if your dog shows fear the first time he is asked to retrieve it. You can even get a stuffed duck or pheasant from a taxidermist and use it as a decoy dummy.

Last 5 posts by Rebecca Foxton

• The Dog Rescuers - July 19th, 2008
• Wonderful World of Dog Accessories! - July 19th, 2008
• Canine Accessories Galore! - July 18th, 2008
• Give Your Dog A Little Charm. - July 17th, 2008
• Ear Mites & Symptoms To Care For Dogs & Cats. - July 17th, 2008

Tags: Cats