Include hunting in spring gundog training

Every spring and summer, author Scott Haugen hunts California ground squirrels with his dogs, which create numerous training situations. (SCOTT HAUGEN)

SPRING TRAINING SHOULD INCLUDE HUNTING TOO

By Scott Haugen

Ibreak down my spring dog training sessions into four categories: fixing what needs fixing; staying in shape; having fun; and hunting. Yes, hunting.

First and foremost comes fixing what flaws I saw last hunting season. For me, it was cutting down on the aggressiveness of Echo, my female dog, when hunting with other dogs. To do this, I’m training with bird skins and wings, disciplining her to focus on pleasing me and not getting too wrapped up in the bird. Next, I’m training her alongside my male dog, Kona, that she was most competitive with on retrieves last season, even to the point of taking birds out of Kona’s mouth as he brought them in. It’s taking time and discipline, but it’s working and we’ll be ready for next season.

MY SECOND SPRING TRAINING goal is to

biggest mistakes hunters make in the off-season is letting their dogs get lazy and out of shape. Nothing cuts a dog’s life shorter than being overweight. My vet once told me that by taking off Echo’s extra 11/2 pounds one summer, I added a year to her life; that’s how critical a good diet and exercise are to a dog.

To keep my dogs in shape, I run them twice a day, going on hikes at least three times a week. My dogs are pudelpointers and have slender

back ends, so I keep those muscles in shape by running them up hills and in rough terrain, where they have to push with their back legs.

Do intense training in the morning and evening, when it’s cool, so dogs don’t overheat. As water temperatures warm up, swimming is a great way to keep dogs in shape. Running them alongside you on a mountain bike is another good option, because simply jogging with your dog won’t get them in shape, as it’s too slow for them.

Third, have fun with your dog. Having fun both inside and outside provides great mental stimulation for your dog. Be sure and change things up because you don’t want your dog to get bored. Take them to different fields to play, as well as different places in the yard and even in the house on those rainy days. Having fun with your dog still requires communication, which helps to continuously build the bonds between you and your dog, while allowing you to instill discipline and other important training rules.

FINALLY, GO HUNTING WITH them. A

dog’s level of intensity instantly escalates once you break that gun out, even in the spring and summer. Go on a hunt for varmints or invasive birds and your dog will be forever grateful, not to mention put into a great training scenario.

My dogs love hunting California ground squirrels and it’s great restraint for them being by my side as I cover ground, making them hold when I shoot, then directing them on retrieves. Marking an approaching duck or

Running your dog in rugged terrain keeps them strong, in good shape and toughens their feet. (SCOTT HAUGEN)

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Eurasian doves are an invasive species that can be hunted year-round in most states, making them ideal birds for off-season training. (SCOTT HAUGEN)

flushing quail is easy, but not often do dogs see ground squirrels before you shoot, meaning control and communication are important to achieve a successful retrieve.

One summer I was at a dog trainer’s house when he pointed at a giant cherry tree.

“That right there is my most valuable training tool. I’ll sit here all day long picking off starlings that come in for the cherries. Dogs of all ages benefit from training while hunting,” he said.

Eurasian collared doves are another invasive species that can be hunted year-round in most states, including California. A couple buddies shot 450 of these doves one afternoon in a cattle feed lot, and said they didn’t begin to scratch the surface. Eurasian doves are larger than mourning doves and easy for dogs to mark, and they’re great eating.

Rock doves are another invasive species that can occur in large numbers. Rock doves decoy well, making them ideal off-season targets for duck hunters and their dogs.

This spring and summer, make every effort to regularly get your dog in the field. Each time you’re out with them is an opportunity to communicate and train. And the more exercise and hunting they can get, the better hunting dogs they’ll be. CS

Editor’s note: Scott Haugen is a full-time writer. See his puppy training videos and learn more about his many books at scotthaugen.com and follow him on Instagram and Facebook.