Hunting Dog Training
Hunting dog training teaches dogs and their owners to work as a team, ensuring that the dogs will be confident and obedient and that hunters will see maximum retrieval of the game they are seeking during hunting trips. Dogs are most commonly used in the hunting of fowl such as pheasants, quail or ducks. This means that a good hunting dog must be equally comfortable working on land or in the water. Dogs are also used to hunt raccoons and wild boars in some parts of the world.
A dog's role in hunting is to determine where a target has fallen and seek it out, it then remains with the target until the owner arrives or retrieves the target bringing it back to the hunter. Dogs need to be trained to break the habit of looking towards a gun when it is fired, and instead keep their attention on the target. Most hunting dog training relies on positively reinforcing good behaviour through verbal praise or treats. A "forced retrieve" is a more disciplined form of training in which the dog will continue to feel discomfort, usually from an electronic collar, until it brings the game back to its owner.
Whether it's a book, video or professional training, a good hunting dog training program should examine topics such as how standard training equipment is used, canine psychology, obedience training, commands, whistle and hand signals, directional control, retrieving a dummy, water work and pointing. Pointing is a dog's natural ability to creep very close to prey to increase the likeliness of a kill for food. Since prehistoric times all dogs have had this trait and it can be enhanced to assist in hunting.
Labradors, pointers, retrievers, setters and spaniels are all popular breeds to train as hunters. Training puppies can begin as early as six weeks after birth. In order to train a hunting dog some basic supplies such as training dummies, bird scent, whistles and electronic collars will be required. Basic training dummies are brightly coloured, soft plastic sticks with grips which are easy for a puppy to see and carry. Dead pigeons or pen-raised birds are also used to make puppies familiar with the feel and smell of actual fowl. A puppy can be trained to retrieve in its own backyard, but as training progresses, more space will be needed so the dog can learn to retrieve targets from a greater distance, and in a variety of environments.
Years ago dog training was a skill passed down in hunting and rifle clubs by the older generation. Today, many clubs have gone online, with their members posting free advice about how they get the most out of their hunting dogs. There are also books and training videos on the subject, and professional trainers are available as well. Professional programs and schools tend to provide space and game for field work training, which may be an advantage for beginners who don't have an adequate location or who don't want to raise caged birds for their dogs. Professional training is recommended for anyone who wants to enroll their dogs in competitions and can help experienced trainers turn a disobedient dog into a champion hunter.