IS THE DOG THE FIRST AMBASSADOR OF HUNTING?

IS THE DOG THE FIRST AMBASSADOR OF HUNTING?

For hundreds of years, the hunting world has been linked to the history of the dog. And conversely, our companions maintain a special link with hunting. You certainly know the adage that a hunter must know how to hunt without his dog... but it must be recognized that man's best friend has become over time an inseparable partner of our universe.

Loyalty, dedication, assistance, complicity... these are the first adjectives that come to mind when we talk about this animal that has gone through history by our side. It is not for nothing that the interest and affection that we have for him constitutes a strong singularity. When the first voice calls are heard in the beat, or during a hunting trip in front of you when the stop is made, the hunter always experiences the same feelings at his side: pride, joy and admiration.

And while it is true that the vast majority of hunters own one or more dogs, our auxiliaries have undeniably become the seductive asset of hunting.

#1 THE HUNTER AND HIS DOG: TWO INSEPARABLE ACCOMPLICE

"The hunting dog is a mediator between humans and wild animals. He is an animal among hunted animals, and yet he only lacks speech" (source: Larousse de la Chasse). As proof, it is given a name, it understands the orders given to it, and the hunter understands thanks to it the presence and the tricks of the game. The moments of complicity and sharing with his auxiliary, regardless of age and race, are unique for most nemrods. Carlos, happy owner of a Breton spaniel, dares to admit it: "what a pleasure to admire the work of my dog in the early morning, in the middle of copses alternating with meadows, crops and dense wooded areas".

Three quarters of French hunters own a dog. And the trend is even accentuated with young hunters (those representing the 16-35 age group), who do not hesitate to consider their animals as true members of the family. Moreover, it is also interesting to note that the relationship with the dog is one of the main motivations of young women to pass the license. And when you know the range of breeds available, the different hunting methods practiced on French territory and the qualities (physical, sensory, aesthetic) specific to each dog, any hunter can find what he is looking for.

Clément, immersed in the world of hunting since his childhood. Having grown up in the North, more precisely in Bailleul, he is passionate about waterfowl. It was therefore quite natural that he turned to a retriever: "Oxo, my young Labrador, accompanies me almost everywhere. Of course, as soon as I leave for the marsh he follows me, and it is a pleasure to see him move by my side when I tend my team. What a satisfaction to see him run, jump, listen, observe his environment and be, like me, on the lookout for any mallards that might come along. It's also thanks to Oxo that I was able to introduce my companion to hunting: she, who had not seen any particular interest in it until then, even passed her hunting license.The relationship she could have with the dog when she accompanied me hunting played a big role, that's for sure".

#2 THE HUNTING DOG, THIS HIGH-LEVEL ATHLETE

For many hunters, the affective dimension with canines is omnipresent: rightly, between man and dog, unbreakable bonds have been woven since prehistory, when this instinctive and common passion for hunting was born, until in our era. Interesting also to note that France wants to be one of the very first nations in the world where the different dog breeds are the most represented. Is it therefore a coincidence that the number of purebred dogs registered with have been increasing for several years?

Is it also a coincidence that the initiatives carried out by the departmental federations and other associations work to organize specific days: discovery of breeds, familiarization with the work of the dog, advice from veterinarians and professional breeders in terms of education , training, feeding, etc. ?

We must realize that our dogs are athletes. Each owner must take advantage of the mental and physical abilities of his dog.

They must train them well that's why having a good Tracking and Training E-Collar is very important.

This is TR Dog Houndmate100/R50 Tracking and Training Collar, one of the best new collars . 

The hunting dogs have an activity which varies according to the season: in fact, during the year, our companions can pass from a period of moderate activity with little effort to a period of stronger activity, especially during the hunting period when the efforts will be much more sustained. 

Also we must properly managing this food transition period is therefore essential: your dogs must have the proteins and fats necessary for its energy expenditure needs. 

In the end, if hunting had not existed, would this strong bond built between man and dog for millennia have seen the light of day? We are entitled to ask the question. Anyway, for us, it seems obvious that the dog remains one, if not THE, main ambassador of hunting. And you, what is your opinion on the subject?