Hunting Dogs

A dog on point while ruffed grouse hunting
How Dogs Develop on Ruffed Grouse – A Guide to Preparing a Dog for Grouse Hunting

Hunting guides and dog trainers share their thoughts on how owners can prepare their bird…

A Deutsch Langhaar recalls to its owner.
Training and Troubleshooting the Recall Command with Dogs

Learn about the recall command and how to troubleshoot any issues that may arise with…

A trapper setting up a leghold trap
How to Remove a Dog From Foothold Traps, Snares, and Conibear Traps

Learn about the types of traps a hunting dog can encounter, how to handle it,…

A pointing dog picks up on a scent during a hunt.
How a Bird Dog Understands Scent Cones with Bill Allen

Read the excerpt ‘Scent Cone Primer’ from The Unforgettables and Other True Fables, a collection…

A Springer Spaniel rests after a training session.
Fungal Infections and Hunting Dogs: The Warning Signs and What to Do

Told from first-hand experience, the author shares the story of the loss of his puppy…

A dog pointing a woodcock during the spring training season
Spring Woodcock: The Quiet Period and Pointing Dog Training

Explore the ethics, laws, and dog training opportunities of the spring woodcock season The afternoon…

A bird dog puppy sleeps in its owners arms.
A Tired Dog is a Good Dog: Managing the Seemingly Boundless Energy of a Bird Dog

No matter the age, understanding the energy needs of your bird dog is crucial for…

A German Shorthaired Pointer training in a field
German Shorthaired Pointer – ‘The Most Popular Versatile Dog in the World’

The author explores the German Shorthaired Pointer’s multiple connections with hunting dogs around the world…

A hunting dog runs in the snow for exercise.
How to Keep a Hunting Dog Conditioned in the Winter

From the peaks of Alaska to the bayous of Louisiana, dog trainers and experts discuss…

Preparing for the hunting dog VJP test
How to Prepare a Dog for the VJP Test

Getting your dog ready to run in the puppy natural ability test for the German…

a group of setting spaniels
The Word “Setter” Does Not Mean What We Think It Does

The truth behind the word ‘setter’ has quite the history behind it; one you may…

An Irish Water Spaniel points at cover.
The Importance of Training Steadiness in Bird Dogs

There are many reasons to train a dog to remain steady from flush to fall,…

A painting of the Brown and White Norfolk or Water Spaniel.
Extinction: The History of Lost Dog Breeds

Among pointing dogs, a number of breeds have already disappeared; others may follow them unless…

Jordan Wells demonstrates his force fetch training method.
Old Dogs, New Tricks: Smith-Inspired Innovations and the Wells Method of Fetch

At the center of bird dog training and handling is a community of inherited thought…

A Brittany holds a bird dummy during retrieve training
Introduction to Force Fetch for Pointing Dogs

Demystify the process of training your pointing dog to reliably retrieve any object on command…

A dog drinks from a water bottle during a hunt.
Protect Your Dog from Overheating and Heat-Related Illness

Joe Spoo DVM, DACVSMR explains the signs of heatstroke in hunting dogs and how to…

A Wirehaired pointing Griffon watches his owner handle a ruffed grouse.
Ticks on Dogs: Comprehensive Guide to Prevention, Removal & Diseases

As ticks and related diseases and illnesses are becoming more prevalent, know how to protect…

Rick Smith trains a Brittany to be steady
The Smith Method of Bird Dog Training with Rick Smith

DIY bird dog training using the Smith Method with trainer Rick Smith This article is…

A Large Munsterlander dog retrieving a red fox
How to Acquire Furred Animals for Dog Training

Training a versatile hunting dog may require the use of mammals in your training program;…

A dog's face covered in porcupine quills
Porcupine Quills and Dog Encounters: A First Aid and Avoidance Guide

Exploring the dangers, first aid best practices, and avoidance training of porcupines and dog encounters …

A Springer Spaniel puppy in a forest
A Puppy Buyer’s Guide to Finding a Bird Dog

These tips will help you find a breeder and a puppy that will fit with…