Welcome to Hunting Dogs Training

Hunting dogs training in many ways is like training a household dog, except of course for the training that is hunting specific. As a hunter, if you train hunting dogs in obedience basics and establish you as the alpha leader, you will find training your dog to hunt game a much easier and pleasurable experience.   Training does not have to be done by an expert, be expensive, or be difficult. You, as the owner of hunting dogs, have the opportunity to train a well rounded, well behaved companion that will be an asset to your household, and your hunting. This website will give you all the tools you require that are simple to implement but effective. 

BENEFITS OF HUNTING DOGS TRAINING 

Hunting dogs, through effective training, will quickly learn how to respond to specific, well delivered commands. And during this process you will learn how to give those commands in a manner that is suited to the psychology of dogs. Many hunters neglect their end of the bargain in owning hunting dogs. Hunters have high expectations of their dogs but fail to provide the training that allows their canine to meet these expectations. Hunting dogs training is a two way street. If you give your all to the training of the dog, the dog will give its all to you in return.        

  • Leadership 

Dogs by nature are pack animals. No matter whether it is one dog and one human or a team of dogs and multiple humans, dogs will seek to establish their place in the pack hierarchy. Many problems present in hunting dogs are due to the dog being more advanced in the pack’s pecking order than its owner. You may not be aware of the hierarchy but your dog sure will be. Hunting dogs that have a strong leader in their owner are better behaved at home, and on a hunt. Obedience training provides the perfect avenue for you to establish your place as the head of your dog’s pack. This allows you to be in charge at all times, and have a dog that listens every time you require its attention. Your leadership is essential. Without leadership, hunting dogs will be difficult to control, and advanced training will not be effective.        

  • Basic Commands 

Although the ultimate goal is to train your dog as a hunter, the importance of basic commands should not be overlooked. Commands like sit, stay, heel, speak, and quiet, are easy to teach and start hunting dogs off on the right path. You can take these basics and build on them to train your dog in the specific behaviours which are needed in the type of hunting you do. These initial lessons will make your dog more responsive when it really matters. These five, simple behaviours will form the foundation of everything else you want to teach your dog as their training becomes more targeted.        

  • No Biting or Barking 

Unnecessary biting, nipping or barking, are three of the most common problems hunters experience with their hunting dogs. Beginner, intermediate and advanced training can deal with these specific behaviours and ensure that your dog does not act out of line. Again you will use basic commands to teach your dog about appropriate biting, or barking. More advanced training includes being able to teach your dog to recognise times when barking or biting are required i.e. such as treeing quarry or catching game.         

  • Walking 

Walking hunting dogs on a leash may not seem useful but having a dog on a lead provides great opportunities for training, and establishing leadership. Even training that is specific to hunting can be done using a lead. Effective leash training will allow you to control your hunting dog’s movements, keep them from running around on you, teach them not to chase unwanted animals or things, and teach them to sit, heel etc. on command. You can alter these basic leash techniques to train your dog in the hunting skills it needs. It is also a handy skill for your dog to have when it is not out hunting but may need to be taken for a walk for some exercise. Remember that your hunting dog is also a family pet.        

 Hunting dogs training in the above areas is important because it prevents or addresses the many issues that might arise at home, and on the hunt. If your dog is under a year old or simply does not behave properly, consider basic training to help you get started.  Remember, once hunting dogs know the basics then the more targeted and advanced commands become easier to instil.        

Maintaining Hunting Dogs Training

Basic, hunting dogs training is only the beginning. Remember you need to be consistent. You must reinforce your leadership constantly, and other family members must do the same. Humans in a dog’s pack must always be higher in rank. This ensures your dog is well behaved whether you are around or not.        

Always use the same commands that you have taught your dog. Even slight variations in the way you say or do something gives your dog conflicting information and you may have trouble with your dog understanding your commands.        

The second you start to giving hunting dogs confusing messages or forgetting to reassert your leadership, they will start to revert to the original behaviours that you worked so hard to train them out of.        

This site will provide you with free tips, information and advice on the best methods for hunting dogs training from the basic to more advanced issues.  We will also recommend some good training programs – both professional and those that you can undertake yourself.        

So not matter whether you are looking for information on specific breeds such as Catahoula dogs, or Bull Arab dogs, or information on general hunting dogs such as hog dogs, pig dogs, or duck dogs, you will find all of our information helpful.        

Enjoy our site and HAPPY HUNTING!   

Nick Lawson