HUNTING
STOCKING STUFFERS FOR GUN DOGS By Scott Haugen
C
hristmas around the Haugen house has always been filled with excitement and chaos, especially since bringing a pair of gun dogs into the family. As puppies, Echo and Kona – both pudelpointers – loved opening everyone’s gifts, tearing into the wrapping paper and playing with bows. Nowadays our dogs like opening their own presents. Over the past year I’ve used and tested a lot of dog gear, and if you’re looking for some stocking stuffer ideas for your four-legged hunting partner this Christmas, consider these items, which I’ve used and recommend – and so would Echo and Kona.
HEALTHY TREATS While I don’t formally train my dogs by giving them treats, I will use treats to occasionally praise them in more casual settings. Usually the low-key praises are meant to commend my dog for carrying out basic obedience. I keep treats stashed around the house, in the shop, even in my truck, so they’re handy to give the dogs. Treats can be addicting, and I don’t want my dogs becoming conditioned to them. I give them sparingly, randomly, and what I give them optimizes their health. When I say healthy treats, I don’t mean ones that gas station attendants or coffee shops might hand out. I mean treats that are healthy, all the way around. My top three healthy dog treats used this year are Jerky Treats by NutriSource, OC Raw Dog’s freezedried food in bite-size pieces, and PureVita’s Nutritious Dog Treats. A lightweight, grease-free, proteinrich treat my dogs go crazy over is the
The soft, pliable material of the Zisc, made by West Paw, makes it fun and safe for even the most aggressive dogs ... (SCOTT HAUGEN)
NutriSource Jerky (nutrisourcepetfoods .com). These grain- and gluten-free treats are a great energy booster throughout the day. I like the variety of nutritious blends used in the making of the NutriSource Jerky Treats, but if your dog is picky consider PureVita Jerky, which is created from a single protein. NutriSource is also the maker of PureVita premium pet food, and their new line of Nutritious Treats are great. My older dog sometimes experiences
joint discomfort, and the PureVita Hip & Joint treats are ideal for her and deliver noticeable relief. PureVita also has a Skin & Coat nutritious dog treat. Both treats are made with real meat and enhanced with glucosamine, chondroitin and vitamin C, while the Skin & Coat treats also offer omega-3 oil and multiple fatty acids. I slightly vary the diet of my dogs from time to time, and routinely feed them raw meat of various types. When on the road, I often feed
calsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2020 California Sportsman
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