How to Introduce Important Skills to your Hunting Dog and Prevent Problems from Developing
Once you have decided on the breed you are ready to take the next step which is to become acquainted with the techniques of training. One theory of training your hunting dog is to expose your pup to birds before obedience training. Pups as young as 9 or 10 weeks can learn to flush birds. Introduce retrieving by doing fun marks using puppy-size canvas dummies. Get on the ground, holding the puppy so he can easily see the mark, and let him go while the mark is still in the air. Marks should be short and few because a young dog’s attention span is short.
Before beginning obedience training it is important to allow your puppy time to adjust to the house rules, boundaries, and be introduced to the leash. Even though the brain of a pup is completely developed, the focus is scattered, and he will bounce from one activity to another. Your puppy will often drop off to sleep since physical growth takes so much of the energy.
To get him use to the collar and leash bring him into the house and keep him by you on the leash. The lesson is to keep him quiet in the house leaving playtime to the outdoor area.
Before your dog can retrieve properly he must be able to successfully heel, sit, stay, and come. These commands provide you with control in the field. The heel command can be taught in an area the size of the basketball court. Proceed in stages so the dog becomes accustomed to the 6-foot leash when doing turns. While doing this the sit command can be taught as well. This is the point where you teach your dog to sit on the sound of the whistle.
Hunters will be very happy to have taken the time to teach their hunting dog basic obedience before going hunting. Not only do the lessons bond the dog and handler but gets this special partnership off in the right direction. You will need a plan of action, a list of essential equipment to do the job, how to use that equipment, and the strategy to develop your dog into a willing worker. In order to control your dog you need to be able to anticipate your dogs’ next move. You can only do this if you have been working with him.
Start marking lessons using voice only. After your dog has learned what is expected introduce the athletic starter pistol. The gunner should alternate between voice and the pistol. After that, try using a shotgun doing the same single marks. This procedure should take several weeks.
Use every opportunity to work your dog. Take him with you on every outing, business or otherwise. You will eventually have favorite places to work your sight blinds, etc. The Chesapeake breed in particular need to be with their handlers and will work better under those circumstances.
Training a hunting dog can become the highlight of the day, prevent problems from developing, and at the same time give your dog all the exercise he needs.
