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…

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…