Training Tips
Here's how we make the most of each hunt
Where to Begin with Puppy Training
by SportDOG Staff
There are several different things that need to be done for and with a new puppy. First and foremost make sure all pup’s shots are on time and up to date. Find a local veterinarian and set up an appointment for your new companion. This is one of many places you...
Training Your Retriever to Dummies
by SportDOG Staff
Training a retriever can be one of the most rewarding experiences any hunter can have. There are no secrets involved: just patience, repetition, perseverance, consistency and the ability to anticipate reaction. In short, the trainer needs to be just a little smarter than his pupil. This is not always as...
Gun Dog Training: 3 Things Your Puppy Should Learn
by SportDOG Staff
If you’re reading this article, you probably own, have owned, or are thinking about owning a gun dog puppy. To train your puppy to be a retrieving machine, here are three things that are crucial to teach it from day one. 1) Socialize, Socialize, Socialize Your home is unfamiliar to your new...
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...
10 Mistakes in Gun Dog Training and How Not to Make Them - Part 1
by SportDOG Staff
The best thing about the years that ourselves and our ProStaffers have spent training dogs is that we've made the mistakes. We preach the value of mistakes because you will learn from them even more than your successes, but there's no reason you can't learn from ours. We constantly hammer...
Playing vs. Training: The Do's and Don'ts of Training Your Gun Dog Puppy
by SportDOG Staff
When you get your pup at seven or eight weeks everything you do with him is a learning experience. This includes the walks in the yard with new smells, petting and cuddling with you and the kids and even the games you play in the front room. Puppies love to...
Waterfowl Gear Checklist
by SportDOG Staff
Each year, thousands of hunters prepare for the upcoming waterfowl seasons. From cleaning neglected decoys, to getting a retriever in shape, the chance to have a productive waterfowl season begins by properly gearing up. Here is a rundown of what just about any hunter will need when going afield this...
When Your Dog Should Enter the Hunt
by SportDOG Staff
Young dogs take a while to develop into the hunting or field trial champion you want. Your knowledge that the pup you chose is from proven hunting stock is just the beginning. I have been spoiled. During hunting and field trial seasons, I have always had older, veteran dogs to rely...
SportDOG® Brand Kicks Off Fourth Annual Companions for Conservation Contest
by SportDOG Staff
We’re excited to announce the kick off of our 4th annual Companions for Conservation contest! This social-media based giveaway will result in 3 lucky youth hunters winning prize packages with items related to hunting, conservation, and dog training. Below are more details about the prizes and how to enter. Grand Prize Started...
Pup's First Hunt - Video
by SportDOG Staff
In this SportDOG Training Tip (Originally Aired on Pheasants Forever Televsision) SportDOG Senior Pro Staffer Tom Dokken gives tips on your pup's first hunt. A gun dog's first time in the field should set him up to enjoy hunting for the rest of his life.
Choosing a Dog - Video
by SportDOG Staff
In this SportDOG Training Tip (originally aired on Pheasants Forever TV) SportDOG Brand Senior Pro Staffer Chris Akin walks you through selecting a puppy. Akin discusses the pros and cons of owning, hunting and training females dogs versus males.
Choosing a Hunting Dog Puppy - Video
by SportDOG Staff
In this SportDOG Training Tip (originally aired on Pheasants Forever TV) SportDOG Brand Senior Pro Staffer Chris Akin walks you through selecting a puppy. Akin discusses the pros and cons of owning, hunting and training females dogs versus males.
AUTHORS
Tom Keer
6 articles
Tom Keer is an award-winning writer, columnist and blogger who regularly writes for over a dozen outdoor magazines. He owns The Keer Group, a full-service, outdoor marketing company and hunts and fishes with his wife and children. Don't hold it against him, but he's a setter guy. Visit him at...
Gary Sheffer
1 article
Gary has been hunting upland game for 15 years. Training Labs and German shorthairs for upland hunting is his specialty. Whether hunting pheasant or quail in Indiana, it is a great feeling to see a dog that he has trained point a bird and then retrieve it.
Ben Busby
1 article
Ben Busby has hunted since he was old enough to walk. He was fortunate enough to have a mother and father who introduced him to hunting at a very early age. He harvested his first whitetail deer with a 12 gauge out of a lawn chair at age 10. From...
Jed Finley
1 article
Jed started coon hunting with his brother and his friends when he was 7 years old. When he turned 16, he started competing in United Kennel Club (UKC) hunts. At 18, he started competing in Professional Kennel Club (PKC) hunts. He has numerous accomplishments in winning state championships, final fours,...
