HUNTING
LAST-MINUTE TRAINING TIPS By Scott Haugen
H
unting season is only days away. Here are some lastminute training tips to keep your gun dog focused, in shape, healthy, obedient and having fun.
TRAIN WHERE YOU’LL HUNT Especially for first-season pups, getting familiar with the land they’ll be hunting is a good way to alleviate stress, appease curiosity and instill confidence. I’m not saying let them chase or point birds where you’ll soon be hunting. Just give them enough exposure to the area so they learn the sights, smells and terrain. Be it a hunt in the Cascades for forest grouse, valley quail in the lowlands or ducks on the river, exposing dogs to the places they’ll soon be working is a good thing. Run some quick training drills and do a bit of conditioning. Let them explore, too. Keep them under control and your pup will be excited when the time comes to hunt these places, and they’ll perform with confidence.
WATER TRAINING The intense heat of summer is a great time to get that dog in top shape by swimming. As with humans, swimming is one of the best allaround workouts a dog can have. And I’m not talking about tossing a bumper in for a few retrieves. I mean long swims. Dogs are much better swimmers than we are, so having them follow you while rowing a canoe, kayak or paddle board is a great way to keep them moving. They can also follow
Introducing new dummies keeps training sessions fun for your dog. Avery’s EZ-Bird Pheasant offers many benefits, including sight and scent training bonuses. (SCOTT HAUGEN) calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2022 California Sportsman
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