Most hunting dog breeds have flop ears. This drooping ear flap contributes to a high incidence of ear infections because it decreases air circulation and traps bacteria, fungi and debris in the...

As I travel across the country attending field trials, visiting kennels and hunting, I get a lot of questions about dog food for some reason. One topic that stimulates many questions is protein...

During the 2009-2010 hunting season, most of us endured our most interesting upland season in quite some time. The entire country experienced unique weather conditions this fall and winter. Hard...

The 2010 hunting season is just around the corner, and in many states the Sharp-tailed grouse and Partridge season are the first to kick off. This is where our summer dog training and conditioning...

People seem amazed when they see a running dog instantly stop at the sound of a whistle. The funny thing is, there’s really nothing amazing about it if the dog has been trained properly. While...

If you own a waterfowl dog, chances are that sooner or later you’re going to ask it to perform upland duty. It might be a pheasant hunt as a sideline to your Dakota duck hunt, or maybe an afternoon...

It's no secret that giving your hunting dog lots of experience with live birds in the off-season will make him a better hunter when fall comes around. But what types of birds are best? The short...

It’s a term commonly heard among retriever trainers who run dogs in hunt tests and field trials: “force fetch.” Others call it the “conditioned retrieve,” “force breaking” or, the term I prefer,...

In an earlier article I talked about the importance of properly introducing the most important pointing dog command, “Whoa.” This article covers the next steps to producing a dog that reliably...

A dog that searches for birds in a consistent pattern covers ground efficiently and hunts with confidence. Whether you’re hunting quail, grouse or pheasants, the result is the same: more shooting...

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...

There are many things that you should do to prepare you and your dog for opening day of dove season. For most of us in the south it is still very hot during dove season. The most important thing is...

Pointing dog owners have long debated the merits of the various ways of keeping track of their dogs in the field. There are really only two choices: beeper or bell. The bell tends to be favored by...

Every dog training book will preach that you must be so very careful when introducing a young dog to the sight, and especially the sound of a shotgun, but rarely will they tell you how to cure a...

One of the questions I am asked most is, "how do you control so many hounds at once?" Well that's easy: you need a good multiple dog training system like the SportDOG Brand® HoundHunter® 3225 with...

Hunting seasons are in full swing. In bird fields you can hear the cackle of a bold rooster taking wing, along with the hoarse voice of a hunter screaming at his dog as it chases the gaudy pheasant...

In this SportDOG Training Tip (originally aired on Pheasant's Forever TV) SportDOG Brand Senior Pro Staffers Tom Dokken and Chris Akin walk you through selecting the right hunting dog pup. There are many things to consider when buying a puppy. Chris and Tom break down the proper way to evaluate a pup's bloodline and heritage.

In this SportDOG Brand Training Tip (originally aired on Pheasants Forever TV) Dr. Joe Spoo,DVM discusses the best way to care for your hunting dog's wounds. Dog injuries in the field are common in the sport, and can be effectively managed with a few simple tips.

In this SportDOG Brand Training Tip (originally aired on Pheasants Forever Television) Dr. Joe Spoo,DVM explains the correct way to provide first aid care for your hunting dog while in the field. Emergency care for your gun dog in the field can prevent long term dog problems from developing.

In this SportDOG Brand Training Tip (originally aired on Pheasants Forever Television) Dr. Joe Spoo,DVM discusses the best way to care for your hunting dogs feet by trimming the nails and the use of boots.

In this SportDOG Training Tip, (originally aired on Pheasants Forever Television) Dr. Joe Spoo, DVM discusses quick ways to examine the overall health of your hunting dog. This tailgate exam can help your gun dog avoid serious injury later. Checking your dog for symptoms or problems is an important part of any hunting or training regiment.

In this SportDOG Brand Training Tip (originally aired on Pheasants Forever Television), Dr. Joe Spoo, DVM discusses the importance of watching your hunting dog for signs of heatstroke. Gun dogs will work for you longer than their bodies can work for them, so it's important to keep an eye on your dog. These simple steps can prevent your dog from serious injury.

In this SportDOG Brand Training Tip (originally aired on Pheasants Forever Television), Dr. Joe Spoo,DVM explains the correct way to care for your hunting dog's eyes. Gun dogs are exposed to various irritants in the field. Proper examination and rinsing techniques help your pup continue to perform at his best in the field and avoid future eye problems.