Dog Training

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…

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,…

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…

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 …