Hunting With Your Dog And How To Train A Hunting Dog

Dogs are our friends, guardians, and sometimes providers. Dogs and their owners hunted together 20,000 years ago, and some people still do it today. Humans no longer depend on wild animals for survival, but hunting still has a place in the modern world. While improvements in agriculture and the domestication of livestock reduced our reliance on survival, hunting instead for sport. While hunting can be a controversial topic, there are many human-dog partnerships that strengthen their bond by engaging in the sport in a respectful, responsible manner.

Types of hunting and hunting dogs

Hounds are divided into several categories: hunting dogs and hunting dogs. Hunters search for games of all types: those that run, those that fly, and those that hide. Hounds are used to chase running prey (rabbits, deer) and hounds to find hidden prey in camouflage (grouse, pheasant) or to retrieve flying prey (ducks).

Hounds bring hunters to their prey. They have sharp noses that can detect the presence of games and track scents. They also make loud sounds to alert hunters when they find prey. If the dog and hunter are separated in the field, a howl that spreads well helps to unite them. A loyal hound would stay under the tree, watching patiently for the squirrel or raccoon until the hunter caught up.

"The hound brings the hunter to the prey. The running hound brings the prey to the hunter."

The running hound brings its prey to the hunter. They rushed out to chase their prey, trying to get it around the hunter. They strategically seek out and manipulate rabbits, deer or wild boars to place them within the hunter's firing range.

Hounds or hounds do not track, wash away or manipulate prey. They sit by the owner's side until the hunter brings the flying prey down. Then they go into action, swimming in the water or running on dry land, bringing the bird back to the hunter.

Despite the differences, all hounds must be well trained, in good health, and have good stamina to excel in the hunt. Sensitive noses are also helpful. Running hounds track the foot odor of running animals. Retrievers don't track like hounds, but they do use their noses to detect scents in the air, helping them find felled birds.

Training

Basic obedience skills, coupled with specific hunting skills, are key characteristics of a good hunting dog. Obedience training starts very early from the basics of sitting, staying, and coming. Puppies are naturally curious and eager to learn. When preparing for a puppy hunt, exposure to new sights, sounds and smells of other animals, people and places is a key priority.

Extending this education to tracking and retrieval requires more time for dogs and hunters. Field training introduces puppies to different terrain, water, trees and weather conditions. They learn to run among thorns and briars, swim in warm and cold water, maneuver through tall grass, and sometimes endure stormy conditions. As their education progresses, they are ready for real hunting, and they do all this while focusing on their masters and game.

Tips for hunters

Hunting will be safer and more enjoyable if you keep a few things in mind.

Enjoy puppyhood. Puppyhood is a fascinating time in life, so take the time to enjoy it and develop a strong bond with your pup. It is vital that your puppy learns to trust you as his best friend. It's also important for you to understand your puppy's personality and abilities. You'll be amazed when you see his improved physical abilities, stamina, and ability to focus.

Expose your dog to the real world of animal life. A walk around the block or in a nearby park will expose your dog to local wildlife. Birds, squirrels, rabbits and even other dogs will pique his interest in the world around him. If you don't have access to nearby outdoor venues, join a hunting club to learn about the best outdoor venues.

Start with basic obedience training. Start with general commands such as sit, stay, and come. Remember, puppies have short attention spans, like toddlers, so training time is short. Review lessons regularly until they become part of your daily life.

Progress to specific training. Basic obedience lessons are followed by instruction in specific hunting skills. These lessons vary by hound and olfactory hound and include tracking, retrieval and pointing. If you need extra help, a professional trainer is available.

shape. Hunting in the wild can be physically challenging, so get your dog back in shape. As with all sports, start slowly and gradually increase the intensity to improve endurance. Make sure your dog's coat is healthy and his limbs are sound. Before hunting on rough terrain, run on a firm surface to protect his pads from tearing or chafing.

Take care of basic health care. Make sure all your dog's vaccinations are up to date. Depending on what you want to hunt with him, ask your veterinarian if you should vaccinate your dog for additional recommended vaccinations; also let them know where you plan to hunt, as some diseases are found in certain areas and not in others Regions do not. Since your dog will be exposed to parasites in the wild, keep him protected against heartworm and intestinal parasites year-round. Also, take medication for external parasites such as fleas and ticks.

Take safety measures. Never let your dog drink from a stream or pond. Carry bottled water or bring water from home to avoid intestinal discomfort. For convenience, carry a collapsible water bowl. Have a first aid kit at hand, including hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic ointment, bandage material (gauze, tape), and hemostats or forceps to remove thorns or stickers. Have emergency contact information for veterinary emergency clinics ready.

While hunting isn't for everyone or every dog, those who choose the sport achieve more than just providing game for a good meal. Ideally, hounds enjoy being outdoors and spending time with their owners.