Prepping Pups

PRACTICAL PUPPY PREP

How to strike the balance between a hunting dog and a family pet

BY JASON CARTER

Awell-bred hunting dog is much like a Ferrari in overdrive. So how do you get your hunting dog to idle quietly in your home? The answer lies primarily in your own preparation and mental attitude.

The pandemic-related changes to many of our daily lives meant less time commuting, less time in the of ce and more time pursuing our passions in the eld. The stay-at-home lifestyle undoubtedly brought a rush of new puppy owners. For sportsmen and women, this raises an age-old question: Can you live with your hunting dog? Does bringing your hunting dog indoors steal the hunt from it — and can hunting dogs make good pets?

In the hunting community, it has only recently become generally acceptable to cohabitate with our eld dogs. The results have been exceptionally rewarding. Inviting dogs into the domestic setting strengthens our fundamental understanding of how they think and act, allowing us to adapt training to the character of that puppy. The home environment helps establish the trainer as the pack leader and fosters a trusting partnership. With the pup spending more time with its trainers, learning becomes ongoing. The animal gets used to living within the boundaries you set, including how to settle and control its emotions.

Jerry Holden Jr., director of operations for the southern region of Ducks Unlimited, refers to a hunting dog’s transition from eld behavior to home life as “The Switch.”

Inside, the dog becomes an extension of the family. Focusing too much on eld training while neglecting home training puts a strain on the household and can be problematic for both the family and the animal. The more re ned and reliable the pup is with basic commands and socialization, the more rich its life will be because it will get to do many things with the family that are not associated with eld work.

PICKING THE BREED AND BREEDER

In the wing-shooting community, the Labrador retriever is revered for its tenacity and versatility in the eld. Combined with its house-friendly demeanor, it makes an ideal choice for many hunting families. German shorthaired pointers, German wirehaired pointers and the wirehaired pointing griffon are other ne hunters known to have an “off switch” in the home.

If it’s a smaller dog you’re after, many would agree that the English cocker spaniel will steal your heart in the eld and at home. Among >

Pudelpointer pups join their owner in the field. The breed is a good choice for a combination gun dog and house pet.

German shorthaired pointers are fine hunters known for having an “off switch” in the home.

larger breeds, the spinone Italiano is popular for its mild-mannered temperament and reasonably paced hunting style.

Selecting the breed with the genetics that marries well with your lifestyle is rst and foremost. But the breeder is an important part of the equation. As A.J. DeRosa, founder and creative director of the lm series “Project Upland” and creative director of Northwoods Collective explains, “It is so important to properly vet the breeder, breed and bloodline before getting a dog. Often, the more popular the breed, the more chance (of) some puppy mill turning out bad genetics, which can result in neurotic dogs. There is no x for that. People need to put time into that selection process. There are certainly some breeds and bloodlines that are a better t for family dogs than others.”

ESTABLISH RULES AND SET LIMITS

Establishing limits early is key to teaching the puppy to accept constraints and to live within the boundaries you set for it. You are helping to imprint

on your pet the rules it will live by. As long as your will is stronger, the dog will quickly learn to accept your leadership. Don’t waiver. Begin training as soon as the puppy comes home, and provide a consistent, structured environment. Include all family members in the training and decide on house rules: Will the puppy be allowed on the furniture or in the bed? Will it be fed leftover scraps from the table or be asked to wait quietly on its bed during mealtimes? Most eld commands overlay well into the home environment and help keep the dog safe and manageable. For example, if you drop and break a glass, a dog will almost always run to the sound to investigate the noise. Having a “stay” command to freeze the dog in place while you sweep up the mess can protect it from harm. Another example is the “leave it” command. This can be used to deter a dog from chewing on household items. Build a relationship with MANAGEMENT Preparing the home for your new pup will reduce the chances of inconyour puppy and find what venient and potentially dangerous incidents. Puppies have an uncanny knack for nding trouble, but with works best advanced planning, you can prevent for you and most problems. Maintain a regular house-breaking your dog. routine by taking the puppy outside every time it wakes from a nap or starts snif ng or circling an area. Keep a leash, ashlight and container of treats handy near exits and in vehicles to get the puppy out and back as ef ciently as possible. Decide if you want your puppy to sleep in a crate or contained area like an exercise pen. Use a crate when the dog is left home alone. A crate is also a safe space away from children. Find a quiet area where it won’t be disturbed. “Consistent, diligent use of the crate is the most important item. Feed them there, have them sleep there. A crate is a home, not a prison,” says Holden. >

Due to its size and athletic ability, the vizsla is a great field companion but requires clear parameters at home.

Place dog beds strategically around the house to provide comfortable resting spots if you don’t want your puppy on the furniture. Keep chew toys readily available in the crate and on dog beds to occupy busy mouths.

TRAINING

Research various training systems and decide what methodology best aligns with your philosophy. Spend some time investigating whether a professional trainer or local mentor would be helpful. Organizations like the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association can also provide guidance and resources.

Follow a continuous training regimen. A puppy only knows what you teach it; the mistakes it makes are due to lack of exposure and understanding.

Keeping your dog active and working will encourage it to settle in your home. As DeRosa explains, “It really comes down to a couple things. The rst and foremost is a tired dog is a good dog. More importantly, it’s about the dog getting the exercise that’s properly needed. Keeping your dog conditioned with regular running provides both physical stimulation and mental stimulation. These breeds are smart and are not your standard house pets when it comes to energy. As an owner, it’s your responsibility to provide those outlets.”

Utilize toys, play, food, touch and praise to motivate your dog. Food can be a strong motivator. Start by hand-feeding meals from day one using the food to teach basic commands.

Be playful: Making drills motivational and fun will build your dog’s bond with you. Keep training sessions short and frequent.

Julie Griswold, director of testing for the North American Deutsch Kurzhaar Club, cautions owners to “remember that all puppies learn at different rates and in different ways. Build a relationship with your puppy and nd what works best for you and your pup. Putting in the work when the puppy is less than a year old will make for years of enjoyment later on.” l