Safety Measures When Hunting With A Dog

Safety measures when hunting with a dog

Hunting dogs bring a special joy to hunting. They find more game, help the hunter shoot, and find already killed game that may have gotten lost in the bushes. Hunting with a dog is exciting and rewarding, which has proven popular with hunters from all over the world.
But hunting with a companion also requires great caution, and of course, the four-legged companion is no exception. Adherence to safety rules should be an absolute must for every owner of a hunting dog.

Let us discuss the most obvious, yet necessary safety points, so first of all, vaccination

Required vaccination package for a hunting dog:

• rabies vaccination for hunting dogs must be done two weeks before the upcoming event. It is easy to underestimate the importance of this vaccination, but remember that a dog coming into contact with a fox or rabbit in the forest is a big deal and the consequences for him and his owner can be very serious.
• when spring comes, ticks begin to actively spread and transmit dangerous pathogens, so it is important to vaccinate your dog against ticks. At least three days before hunting, the dog must also be treated. It is not advisable to treat it the day before, as it may come into contact with water during the hunt, resulting in a loss of effectiveness. The choice of products available nowadays is wide: from sprays to droppers you have to choose the one that suits you best

Choosing equipment for a hunting dog

The first important piece of equipment is a leash, which allows the hunter to have his hands free. Walking with a leash in your hand is not very comfortable, as it can get caught or wrapped around the dog with every movement, which is not comfortable for either the dog or the hunter. A short leash that you can hang over your shoulder is ideal and helps you focus on the goal of the outing. It is advisable to practice getting off the leash quickly beforehand.

Even a simple but effective remedy such as a collar tag should not be neglected. A simple dog tag with the dog's name and owner's contact information will always help find the home of a lost dog. For those who want to be sure that their dog is safe, a collar with a GPS tracker is a good idea, because this way you can see every step of the dog even from a distance.

The standard equipment looks like this:

• handy leash
• water bottle
• first aid kit
• whistle (if necessary)
• collar with a dog tag
• tracking device for hunting dogs

Basic and mandatory safety and weapons training during a hunt are more important than ever. It must be remembered that even a hunting dog is always a dog, and a gun shoots to death. Therefore, you must remember to keep your rifle unloaded and your ammunition in their holders when camping.

Training a dog to hunt:

One of the most important safety skills of a dog is the ability to take a game or to follow it around the owner with a game in the mouth until the owner arrives. A dog that brings a game to the owner and either drops it at the owner's feet or does not retrieve it at all can create a dangerous situation by falling down with a gun in his hand, for example.

Proper reloading of the gun is a basic safety precaution. Pull the gun away from any live target (including the dog) after the shooting. If a dog is in the way, it pays to restrain it for the duration of the reload.
Overcoming obstacles is another risk a hunting dog owner must be prepared for. Natural obstacles such as rivers, swamps, and ditches require special attention. Often dogs are swept away by the current, pulled by beavers or other animals that an inexperienced dog begins to compete with.

Some breeds are naturally easygoing, and this can have serious consequences, for example, if the dog tries to befriend a wild boar, which can be fatal. Don't underestimate an encounter with a snake; in the event of a snake bite, identify the snake and seek immediate veterinary attention.

When hunting game with a dog, it's best to whistle to calm the dog and don't let it get too close to the game, but give it the opportunity to bark at a distance.

The potential and possibilities of using a hunting dog in almost any hunt are endless, but the owner's carelessness can turn the process into a tragedy that will weigh on the hunter's soul for a lifetime.