Hunting Dogs

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…

A hunter ready to take the VJP with his German hunting dog.
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…

A hunting dog find s a truffle in the thick understory of the forest.
Truffle Hunting With Your Dog

Learn how to work with your dog to find wild or cultivated truffles in the…

An old painting of early gun dogs used by nobility.
Gun Dog – The Evolution and Definition of Modern Dog Breeds

The history of gundogs and firearms are intertwined as the development of one fueled the…

Two Irish Water Spaniels on a barren landscape
Irish Water Spaniel: A Versatile Dog Breed Indeed

Discover the history, personality, hunting style, and training requirements of the unique Irish Water Spaniel…

A dog looks expectantly at its handler for a command
How to Correctly Command Your Dog

As Commander-in-Chief of your hunting dog, make sure your intended message is clearly understood “Where…

A pigeon is released for bird dog training while two Pointers stand in the background
How to Keep and Raise Pigeons for Dog Training

Considerations for pigeon loft design, types of pigeons, and reasons why keeping birds is beneficial…

Siberian Laika hunts the forest and sounds off at game.
The West Siberian Laika to the East Siberian Laika History, Breed Information, and More

The complete breakdown of the versatile Laika dog breeds Boreal forests of Europe are not…