| Producing a "finished" hunting dog, one that will | | | | come with built-in megaphones that allow the sound |
| perform the tasks of pointing out game or retrieving | | | | to be heard more easily and direct the blaring sound |
| game, is not a simple matter. In some cases, it can | | | | away from the hunter(s). They are usually well worth |
| take several hunting seasons and specialized training | | | | the extra cost. |
| equipment to achieve the desired results. | | | | Some trainers will use a friend or "bird boys" who |
| It would be ludicrous to begin training a dog to | | | | position themselves some distance from the trainer |
| perform hunting skills without first teaching it basic | | | | and toss the bumpers high into the air to simulate a |
| obedience. Your dog must be able to sit, stay, remain | | | | falling bird. For those who train without assistance, |
| quite and come on demand before moving into the | | | | bird launchers are a big help. These launchers come in |
| more complex areas of the hunt. The success of the | | | | single or multiple bird capacity; however, they are |
| hunt, as well as the safety of the dog and its | | | | usually bulky and can be expensive. |
| handler, is directly correlated to the dog's | | | | Electric dog training collars are effective but |
| performance and self control. For example, an unruly | | | | controversial. These collars have a small electronic |
| dog that barks at incoming geese will not only spoil | | | | device attached that administers a remote controlled |
| the hunt, but will not be invited back again. Further, a | | | | mild electric shock to the dog. The control is hand |
| dog that bolts out of a blind too quickly can | | | | held by the trainer. These pieces of equipment allow |
| jeopardize a shot and even cause a shooting | | | | an immediate correction when the dog fails to |
| accident. Control is most essential. | | | | respond to the more conventional command. The |
| When the hunter is ready to begin training his dog | | | | level of shock involved has been compared to the |
| for the hunt, there is a variety of equipment that will | | | | static shock one receives from a carpet or from |
| prove valuable. Probably the first and most essential | | | | touching a car door handle in cold weather. Actually, |
| item is a piece of 3/8-inch polypropylene rope of | | | | the electric collar could be considered a humane |
| about 30 feet in length. The rope allows the handler | | | | alternative to the aggressive tactics or brute force |
| to maintain control of his dog during exercises and | | | | used by some trainers. |
| eliminates the chance of having to chase the dog and | | | | One of the best ways to embark on training your |
| correct him for straying. | | | | hunting dog is learn from the experts. Training tips |
| Most dogs have a natural fear of loud noises, | | | | and guidelines are now available on tapes that show |
| especially gunfire. Therefore, the trainer will have to | | | | the student step by step training procedures. These |
| involve a training pistol or firearm in his training | | | | instructional tapes should be on every novice trainer's |
| program. A handgun is preferable; a shotgun is too | | | | list of essential training equipment. |
| large and difficult to handle while holding the lead line | | | | When you're training your dog in the wilds you should |
| and juggling other training devices. When training the | | | | be prepared to care for him if he is injured. |
| retriever, training "bumpers" or dummies are utilized | | | | Therefore, the final thing on our list of essentials is a |
| to teach the dog to fetch. These aides come in | | | | First Aid Kit. Many of the items you'll need for your |
| various colors and sizes. White bumpers are generally | | | | dog are also appropriate for use on humans, so the |
| used for "marking" drills where the dog is being | | | | kit can be mutually beneficial to both you and your |
| taught to retrieve by sight and colored bumpers are | | | | dog. Fill the kit with such items as: sterile bandages, |
| used for "running blinds" where the dog is sent blindly | | | | topical solutions, tape, scissors, tweezers, antibiotic |
| into an area to retrieve a downed bird that fell out | | | | ointments such as Neosporin, ibuprofen (safe for |
| of sight. | | | | both humans and canines) and possibly a veterinarian |
| The retriever should be trained to respond to the | | | | prescribed anti-inflammatory such as Deramaxx or |
| sound of a whistle. The voice of the dog's handler will | | | | Rimadly. A well stocked First Aid Kit has prevented |
| not always be loud enough or distinct enough to alert | | | | many a pleasant hunting trip from becoming a |
| the dog to give up the search and return to the | | | | nightmare. |
| handler's side. Some of the more elaborate whistles | | | | |