Dog Training

A dog trainer holds a long lead for a dog
Basics of Training Dogs with a Long Lead

Is using long leads to train dogs a relic of the past or a timeless…

A resident of Monata trains his bird dog on wild birds
Montana’s Bird Dog Training Regulations: Balancing Ethics and Impact on Wild Birds

Montana’s new regulations for training dogs on wild birds call for more than enforcing an…

Bobwhite quail in a pen
Above-Ground versus Ground Housing for Pen-Raised Quail

Explore the pros and cons of above-ground and ground housing for pen-raised quail, tailored for…

A hunter trains a pointing dog while hunting wild birds
Transitioning a Dog from Training and Testing to Hunting Wild Birds

This guide will help you troubleshoot and transition onto wild birds with your pointing dog…

A dog retrieves a bumper from the water
How to Introduce a Dog to Water Work

Keep these tips and ideas in mind when introducing your dog to water training Sweat…

A group of bird dogs ready to pull a dog sled
Using Bird Dogs for Kicksledding

Pursue a new hobby in the off-season by participating in winter dog sports with your…

Two German Dogs Holding Pheasant
The Jagdgebrauchshundverband ( JGHV) – the German Versatile Hunting Dog Association

Learn how the German hunting dog testing system works and how it built the breeds…

Dog trainer Jason Carter commands his dog in the field
Understanding Bird Dog Field Terminology and Commands

Bird hunting and dog training are full of terminology and words that new hunters need…

A dog heeling during a hunting dog test
Comparing NAVHDA, JGHV, and AKC Hunting Dog Tests

Learn about the various hunting dog testing systems from the puppy level to the finished…

Teaching a dog to heel
Teaching Your Dog To Heel

A guide to teaching a dog the heel command from training methods to correction. Hiking…

A deutsch langhaar puppy at his new home.
How to Prepare for a New Puppy

Bringing home your first puppy should involve proper preparation and expectations to make a positive…

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 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 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 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,…

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…