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Training Tips

Here's how we make the most of each hunt

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Advanced, Advanced Test - Swarna EN-US, Advanced- US, Basic, ET test category, foobar, Hound, swarna test advanced, swarna test advanced, Upland, Waterfowl

Understanding Canine InfluenzaUnderstanding Canine Influenza

Understanding Canine Influenza

by The SportDOG Staff

If you have been watching the news lately or reading metropolitan newspapers, you may have noticed articles about a “new” flu outbreak in dogs. In some sections of the country, veterinarians are reporting a near-panic situation around this canine flu news. Here are the facts. Canine Influenza Virus is a relatively...

What Does “Socializing” Your Puppy Mean?What Does “Socializing” Your Puppy Mean?

What Does “Socializing” Your Puppy Mean?

by Tom Dokken

You hear a lot about “socializing” your puppy, but what does that mean and why is it important? Socializing is actually training. By that I mean that every time you are with your puppy he is learning something. You need to make sure he’s learning what you want him to...

4 Good Reasons to Crate-Train Your Dog4 Good Reasons to Crate-Train Your Dog

4 Good Reasons to Crate-Train Your Dog

by Rick Grant

One of the first things you should do when you get a new puppy is get him used to spending time in his crate, or portable kennel. If your dog lives in the house, the crate is a good place for him to be when you don’t want him underfoot....

Retriever Training: The Transition to WaterRetriever Training: The Transition to Water

Retriever Training: The Transition to Water

by Tom Dokken

Retrievers love water, so you wouldn’t think that transitioning from land retrievers to water retrieves would be difficult. It isn’t, as long as you follow a few simple guidelines. The key to a smooth introduction and continued improvement on water retrieves is to work in baby steps, just like you did...

Talent Is Not ObedienceTalent Is Not Obedience

Talent Is Not Obedience

by The SportDOG Stafftestswarna

Whoa! Can your hunting dog “whoa” or stop on a dime? Does it always come when called? Will it turn on command or always sit or lie down when instructed? Will it gently deliver a bird to your hand without chewing the least little bit? Good bird dogs have been...

Where to Begin with Puppy TrainingWhere to Begin with Puppy Training

Where to Begin with Puppy Training

by The SportDOG Stafftestswarna

There are several different things that need to be done for and with a new puppy. First and foremost make sure all pup’s shots are on time and up to date. Find a local veterinarian and set up an appointment for your new companion. This is one of many places you...

Where to Find a Dog with the Right Stuff - Part 1Where to Find a Dog with the Right Stuff - Part 1

Where to Find a Dog with the Right Stuff - Part 1

by Charlie Jurney

Each time someone calls to ask about locating a puppy, I have flashbacks to my first dog, Sam. I purchased Sam from a friend who had an athletic eager hunting dog. He decided to breed his girl to a very nice looking male whose ancestors found fame in the show...

Understand This Before you TrainUnderstand This Before you Train

Understand This Before you Train

by Charlie Jurney

Every animal on the planet has an alpha or beta relationship with every other animal. We usually think of “beta” as submissive and beaten down, but in wild packs or herds, that is not the case. The beta dog in a pack of wild dogs is still quite happy and...

Reward Based Training for LabsReward Based Training for Labs

Reward Based Training for Labs

by Charlie Jurney

Imagine you go to work this week giving your best efforts to satisfy the boss and make the company successful. During that time you forgot to return one phone call and came in five minutes late on Thursday because of a wreck on the highway. The rest of the week...

Watch for Displacement BehaviorWatch for Displacement Behavior

Watch for Displacement Behavior

by Charlie Jurney

No matter what breed of dog you’re training, at some point the dog will try any number of tricks to avoid giving up its alpha position. Yawning, scratching, sniffing, head shaking and licking are all ways in which your dog will attempt to delay performing a command. Your dog may...

Don't Forget to Introduce Your Duck Dog to DecoysDon't Forget to Introduce Your Duck Dog to Decoys

Don't Forget to Introduce Your Duck Dog to Decoys

by Charlie Jurney

In our excitement to build a retriever into a top-notch waterfowl dog, it’s easy to forget small but important details. For example, your dog might make you proud when he completes a long retrieve. But the first time you ask him to swim through four dozen decoys to retrieve a...

Training Your Retriever for Double DutyTraining Your Retriever for Double Duty

Training Your Retriever for Double Duty

by Charlie Jurney

If you own a waterfowl dog, chances are that sooner or later you’re going to ask it to perform upland duty. It might be a pheasant hunt as a sideline to your Dakota duck hunt, or maybe an afternoon of quail hunting after a morning goose hunt. Most retrievers handle...

Poor Performance in Bird DogsPoor Performance in Bird Dogs

Poor Performance in Bird Dogs

by The SportDOG Staff

Your bird dog has been a strong, eager hunter with lots of pizzazz and snap, but now he has lost that snap, speed and stamina. He still eats well, is bright and alert and has normal bowel movements. Have you over-trained the dog or is it poor nutrition, heartworms or...

Rigors of a Tough Hunting SeasonRigors of a Tough Hunting Season

Rigors of a Tough Hunting Season

by The SportDOG Staff

During the 2009-2010 hunting season, most of us endured our most interesting upland season in quite some time. The entire country experienced unique weather conditions this fall and winter. Hard winters often turn most of our thoughts and concerns towards, "how are the birds going to make it"? A question...

Straight Talk About Protein for Hunting DogsStraight Talk About Protein for Hunting Dogs

Straight Talk About Protein for Hunting Dogs

by The SportDOG Staff

As I travel across the country attending field trials, visiting kennels and hunting, I get a lot of questions about dog food for some reason. One topic that stimulates many questions is protein quality and protein’s role in dog nutrition. Protein is required by the body for two reasons: To provide...

Understanding Hunting Dog Ear InfectionsUnderstanding Hunting Dog Ear Infections

Understanding Hunting Dog Ear Infections

by The SportDOG Staff

Most hunting dog breeds have flop ears. This drooping ear flap contributes to a high incidence of ear infections because it decreases air circulation and traps bacteria, fungi and debris in the ear. The flop ear also makes it slightly more difficult for the owner to see ear problems promptly. Contributing...


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