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Hunting Dog: Training, Trainers, Breeds, Vests, Collars
By:
Published: January 31, 2007
The dog is a faithful companion that is in attendance for almost every aspect of an owner's life. Hunting dogs not only serve as companions on hunting trips, but also assist their owners with almost every aspect of the hunt. It's important for a hunter to be aware of different dog breeds, training options, and accessories in order to receive the best assistance from his or her hunting companion.
There are four types of hunting dog breeds: hound dogs, terriers, curs, and gun dogs. Hound dogs are known for their keen sense of smell and sight. This particular breed is used to track and locate a variety of animals including rabbits, bears, deer, and game birds. Some popular examples of hound dogs include the Basset Hound, Beagle, Whippet, and Lurcher.
Terrier are used to track and kill smaller hunting prey, such as foxes, rabbits, and otters. Terriers are the dogs traditionally used in England to accompany hunters on fox hunts. Curs are very similar to Terriers, but are used to track and kill larger hunting prey like raccoons and deers.
In contrast, gun dogs are used to aid hunters with shotguns. Gun dogs are mainly used by hunters to locate prey, usually birds, and to retrieve the prey after it has been shot. Examples of gun dogs include the English Setter, Labrador Retriever, and German Longhaired Pointer.
After a hunter chooses the proper dog breed, the next factor to consider is hunting dog training. Hunting dog training can be provided by the dog owners themselves or by hiring hunting dog trainers. Owners intending to administer their own training need to understand that time, patience, and hard work are vital to the ultimate success of the training exercises. There are many sources that provide dog hunting training guidance to owners including books, websites, and DVDs.
It is also important that dog owners remember to be extra patient when training puppies. Puppies usually don't understand what is going on with these training exercises. Owners must first help the puppy gain an understanding by rewarding it for a desired response in such a way that defines what is expected and meanwhile avoids further confusion.
For those opting for hiring a hunting dog trainer, make sure to choose a trainer with a training facility that similar to hunting grounds. Most training programs begin with an obedience course, followed by field handling, and familiarizing the dog to gunfire and the animal that it will be hunting. There are several different courses in which the dog can participate: a head start program for young dogs, a foundation program for formal dog training, and tune up courses. Tune up courses include basic training and obedience, a retrieving course, and field training. Many hunters opt to bring their dog to a pre-season tune-up.
Two fundamental accessories are required for dogs during a hunt: a hunting dog vest and hunting dog collar. Hunting dog vests protect dogs from harsh conditions that can be experienced during a hunting trip. The vests are usually equipped with sleeves constructed of Cordura nylon and filled with Thinsulate that keeps the dog from getting chilled. Vests are also available with added chest protection to protect the dog's undersides from briars, thorns, and brush.
Hunting vests also allow dogs to remain visible. The typical neon color makes the dog visible to hunters, thus protecting the dog from hunting accidents or fatalities. Vests also come in a camouflage color when conditions permit unwanted visibility.
Hunting dog collars are another vital hunting dog accessory that prevents the dog from getting lost. It cannot be stressed enough that hunting dogs need proper identification and information on their collars. Hunting collars provide the dog's home, owner, veterinarian, as well as crucial information regarding up-to-date shots. This information could potentially ensure the safe return of a hunting dog to its owner.
At the end of the day, hunting with a dog provides a fulfilling experience for both the hunter and the canine. Training may be frustrating in the beginning, but will eventually pay off when the dog brings the prey after a long day in the field. Remember to always practice safe-hunting for both hunter and dog to ensure that both return home safely.
Sources:
Dog Vest – Neoprene Dog Vest, Hunting Dog Vest.Gundogsonline.com.2007. 19 Jan. 2007 <http://www.gundogsonline.com/ProdDtl.asp?iProd ID=11470>.
Gun Dog Training. Gundogmag.com. Primedia Enthusiast Magazine. 18 Jan. 2007 <http://www.gundogmag.com/training/>.
Hunting Dog Training Equipment and Supplies. 2006. DOGS Unlimited LLC. 19 Jan. 2007 <http://www.dogsunlimited.com/>.
Hunting Dog Training Programs for Bird Dogs and their Owners. 2007. Access Now Group for Chico.com. 19 Jan. 2007.
Hunting Dogs. Wikipedia. 11 Jan. 2007. 18 Jan. 2007 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunting_dog>.
There are four types of hunting dog breeds: hound dogs, terriers, curs, and gun dogs. Hound dogs are known for their keen sense of smell and sight. This particular breed is used to track and locate a variety of animals including rabbits, bears, deer, and game birds. Some popular examples of hound dogs include the Basset Hound, Beagle, Whippet, and Lurcher.
Terrier are used to track and kill smaller hunting prey, such as foxes, rabbits, and otters. Terriers are the dogs traditionally used in England to accompany hunters on fox hunts. Curs are very similar to Terriers, but are used to track and kill larger hunting prey like raccoons and deers.
In contrast, gun dogs are used to aid hunters with shotguns. Gun dogs are mainly used by hunters to locate prey, usually birds, and to retrieve the prey after it has been shot. Examples of gun dogs include the English Setter, Labrador Retriever, and German Longhaired Pointer.
After a hunter chooses the proper dog breed, the next factor to consider is hunting dog training. Hunting dog training can be provided by the dog owners themselves or by hiring hunting dog trainers. Owners intending to administer their own training need to understand that time, patience, and hard work are vital to the ultimate success of the training exercises. There are many sources that provide dog hunting training guidance to owners including books, websites, and DVDs.
It is also important that dog owners remember to be extra patient when training puppies. Puppies usually don't understand what is going on with these training exercises. Owners must first help the puppy gain an understanding by rewarding it for a desired response in such a way that defines what is expected and meanwhile avoids further confusion.
For those opting for hiring a hunting dog trainer, make sure to choose a trainer with a training facility that similar to hunting grounds. Most training programs begin with an obedience course, followed by field handling, and familiarizing the dog to gunfire and the animal that it will be hunting. There are several different courses in which the dog can participate: a head start program for young dogs, a foundation program for formal dog training, and tune up courses. Tune up courses include basic training and obedience, a retrieving course, and field training. Many hunters opt to bring their dog to a pre-season tune-up.
Two fundamental accessories are required for dogs during a hunt: a hunting dog vest and hunting dog collar. Hunting dog vests protect dogs from harsh conditions that can be experienced during a hunting trip. The vests are usually equipped with sleeves constructed of Cordura nylon and filled with Thinsulate that keeps the dog from getting chilled. Vests are also available with added chest protection to protect the dog's undersides from briars, thorns, and brush.
Hunting vests also allow dogs to remain visible. The typical neon color makes the dog visible to hunters, thus protecting the dog from hunting accidents or fatalities. Vests also come in a camouflage color when conditions permit unwanted visibility.
Hunting dog collars are another vital hunting dog accessory that prevents the dog from getting lost. It cannot be stressed enough that hunting dogs need proper identification and information on their collars. Hunting collars provide the dog's home, owner, veterinarian, as well as crucial information regarding up-to-date shots. This information could potentially ensure the safe return of a hunting dog to its owner.
At the end of the day, hunting with a dog provides a fulfilling experience for both the hunter and the canine. Training may be frustrating in the beginning, but will eventually pay off when the dog brings the prey after a long day in the field. Remember to always practice safe-hunting for both hunter and dog to ensure that both return home safely.
Sources:
Dog Vest – Neoprene Dog Vest, Hunting Dog Vest.Gundogsonline.com.2007. 19 Jan. 2007 <http://www.gundogsonline.com/ProdDtl.asp?iProd ID=11470>.
Gun Dog Training. Gundogmag.com. Primedia Enthusiast Magazine. 18 Jan. 2007 <http://www.gundogmag.com/training/>.
Hunting Dog Training Equipment and Supplies. 2006. DOGS Unlimited LLC. 19 Jan. 2007 <http://www.dogsunlimited.com/>.
Hunting Dog Training Programs for Bird Dogs and their Owners. 2007. Access Now Group for Chico.com. 19 Jan. 2007.
Hunting Dogs. Wikipedia. 11 Jan. 2007. 18 Jan. 2007 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunting_dog>.
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