Skip to content
FREE SHIPPING on orders over $89

Training Tips

Here's how we make the most of each hunt

Categories:

Advanced, Basic, Hound, Puppy, Upland, Waterfowl

Black lab returning with shed in mouthBlack lab returning with shed in mouth

Shed Hunting: Starting Your Dog Out the Right Way - Part 1

by The SportDOG Staff

It’s too bad bird seasons only last a few months. It seems like fall arrives and brings the excitement of pheasant and duck hunting, but then before you know it winter has set in and all you can do is dream and wait for the next season. Thankfully there’s another...

Young boy pulling dummies out of gear bagYoung boy pulling dummies out of gear bag

Handing Over the Reins...or Check Cords

by Tom Keer

Time marches on, we all know that.  A new generation grabbing the reins is exciting and terrifying, all at the same time.  There is a bittersweet part of handing over the reins, the transmitters, and the check cords.  The bitter part is that it means that we’re getting older.  The...

Beagle being quiet while wearing bark collar.Beagle being quiet while wearing bark collar.

Finding the Right NoBark Collar for Your Hunting Dog

by The SportDOG Staff

Our NoBark Collars are famous for helping teach your dog when to be silent, but how do you know which one is right for your gun dog? We offer three models of NoBark collars to allow you to pick the best solution for your dog. Below are some helpful tips...

pigeon being launched out of launcher basket with man training dog in backgroundpigeon being launched out of launcher basket with man training dog in background

What You Need to Know About the SportDOG Launcher

by The SportDOG Staff

We are proud to announce that the SportDOG Brand® Remote Launcher System is hitting stores near you. We have information about the latest in our dog training line on our website. Currently, these are not available for purchase directly from us, but they are hitting shelves at brick and mortar...

Two Setters on point in woodsTwo Setters on point in woods

Improve Your Dog Work by Hunting for a Different Species

by Tom Keer

If I were to look back on my bird hunting life, the overwhelming amount of my days in the field were spent pursuing Ruffed grouse and woodcock. The focus of my attention has been in New England and Canada, and if I were to drill down even more New Hampshire...

5 Reasons to Join a Conservation Organization5 Reasons to Join a Conservation Organization

5 Reasons to Join a Conservation Organization

by The SportDOG Staff

Through our Conservation Fund, we support National, Regional and Local conservation organizations to ensure the future of our sport. These partners, such as Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Ruffed Grouse Society and Delta Waterfowl just to name a few, dedicate themselves to protecting wildlife habitat, growing game populations and introducing new...

Yellow lab holding bumper in mouthYellow lab holding bumper in mouth

From Shelter to Field: Tips on Training a Rescue Dog

by The SportDOG Staff

The New Year often brings with it new dogs. Many of you may be looking into adding a new addition to your family as we speak. A major question we get this time of year is “can a rescue dog make an adequate hunting dog”. The short answer is yes....

English Setter Running Through FieldEnglish Setter Running Through Field

Skin Laceration Repair in the Field

by Shawn Kinkelaar

There is nothing finer than being afield in autumn’s country with bird dogs.  The whir of wings as a covey of scaled quail erupts from the sand sage can stir the cholesterol from the morning’s greasy-spoon-country-dinner breakfast.  Gun smoke clears the air as the setter climbs through the taut five-stranded...

Tom Dokken training black labTom Dokken training black lab

Tom Dokken's Top 10 Tips for Dog Training

by The SportDOG Staff

Senior ProStaffer Tom Dokken has forgotten more about dog training than most of us will ever know, so it'd be almost impossible to get everything in one place, but Tom shared some of his Top 10 Tips for dog training: 1. Never give a command you cannot enforce. If you do...

Proper Dental Care for Your DogProper Dental Care for Your Dog

Proper Dental Care for Your Dog

by The SportDOG Staff

You put a lot into your dog’s health. Make sure you don’t mess up any of your good work by overlook a vital part of your dog’s wellness regimen: Dental Care. Dogs accumulate plaque and other germs just the same as humans do and these can pose serious health risks to...

Setter on point with hunter walking up behind with gun readySetter on point with hunter walking up behind with gun ready

Is Your Dog Ready for Opening Day?

by The SportDOG Staff

For many, opening day is right around the corner. While this is the day many of us have been waiting on for months, it’s important to not get so caught up in the anticipation that you forget to make sure you and your pup are fully prepared for your first...

Black lab sitting on platform with trainer standing in front with check cord in handBlack lab sitting on platform with trainer standing in front with check cord in hand

Steadiness at Its Best

by Bradley Bradshaw

Have you ever been out hunting in the blind with your buddies and just before shooting time a group of mallards come lighting into the decoys? You know if your dog breaks on them, the hunt is over. Well I'm gonna give you a training tip that will help make...

Lyme Disease-Keeping You and Your Dog Safe in the FieldLyme Disease-Keeping You and Your Dog Safe in the Field

Lyme Disease - Keeping You and Your Dog Safe in the Field

by The SportDOG Staff

While there is nothing better than a day in the wild with your dog, it does come with its risks. One of these is Lyme disease. Most every outdoorsman is familiar with this tick-transmitted disease, but what you might not be aware of is that it is on the rise....

man walking black lab at heel while holding leash and canvas bumpersman walking black lab at heel while holding leash and canvas bumpers

The Golden Rules of Dog Training

by The SportDOG Staff

Dog training is an art man has been trying to perfect since the domestication of canines. There are almost as many theories on dog training as there are on raising children. Many of these theories are effective and having multiple options allows you to tailor your training to your dog....

yellow lab puppy running towards camerayellow lab puppy running towards camera

Leading the Pack

by SportDOG Staff

Spring time is upon us (at least that’s what the weather people are telling us) which often means new puppies to train. As you begin working with your new little hunting buddy, it’s important to remember that dogs are pack animals, and as such look for a leader. If it’s...

Yellow lab laying down in front of waterfowl gearYellow lab laying down in front of waterfowl gear

Teaching the Down Command

by Gary Sheffer

Down, sometimes referred to as the Down Stay command, is a Strong Control Command.  Down is an essential Command for all types of working and non-working dogs.  The command can be used in a boat, blind, or field. I find it very useful after the hunt, to check the dog...


Gear The Way You'd Design It