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Training Tips

Here's how we make the most of each hunt

Categories:

Advanced, Basic, Hound, Puppy, Upland, Waterfowl

Two black lab puppies in the waterTwo black lab puppies in the water

Where to Find a Dog with the Right Stuff - Part 2

by Charlie Jurney

In Part 1 of this article series, I discussed purchasing a puppy and considering bloodlines. Now we'll dig into the best breeder and how to pick the right litter. The most reasonable way to locate a well-bred puppy for yourself is by doing a great deal of research. Ask each breeder...

Yellow lab laying down being petted while in crateYellow lab laying down being petted while in crate

Understanding Canine Influenza

by The SportDOG Staff

If you have been watching the news lately or reading metropolitan newspapers, you may have noticed articles about a “new” flu outbreak in dogs. In some sections of the country, veterinarians are reporting a near-panic situation around this canine flu news. Here are the facts. Canine Influenza Virus is a relatively...

Yellow lab running through tall grassYellow lab running through tall grass

Introducing Your Retriever to Upland Hunting

by Rick Grant

One of the most common questions I’m asked when I’m doing training demonstrations for SportDOG is this one: “How do I keep my retriever hunting in range?” Without a doubt, keeping your dog from getting too far out in front of you when he gets on the scent of a...

Man and woman petting and rewarding yellow lab for retrieving dummyMan and woman petting and rewarding yellow lab for retrieving dummy

Keeping the Fun in Retriever Training

by Charlie Jurney

Wouldn’t it be nice in the middle of a rough day if someone stopped by and said a few words that made all your cares go away? Instantly your negative feelings would disappear and you’d be happy. Well, in retriever training, there is something that can have that effect on...

Yello lab puppy jumping on puppy dummyYello lab puppy jumping on puppy dummy

Where to Begin with Puppy Training

by The 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...

Man and woman sitting in grass with two setter puppies.Man and woman sitting in grass with two setter puppies.

5 Reasons to Own a Hunting Dog

by The SportDOG Staff

If you already own a hunting dog you know there are a million reasons to do so. If it's a decision you've been debating, we've pooled our TOP 5 REASONS why should go ahead and pull the trigger bring home that pup. Health – Ever heard the expression “if your dog’s...

Yellow lab laying down behind small white fence flagsYellow lab laying down behind small white fence flags

How In-Ground Fences Help with Hunting Dogs

by The SportDOG Staff

In-Ground containment fences are becoming more and more popular among dog owners, and for good reason: they allow your dog to enjoy freedom in the yard without the expense, hassle, and eye sore of a fence. On their own those are great reasons to consider a fence, but these containment...

Young boy sitting with black lab. Both looking to sky for ducks.Young boy sitting with black lab. Both looking to sky for ducks.

Hunting with Kids

by The SportDOG Staff

Hunting with kids is an entirely different animal. There are two very important things we must all remember. First, it’s all about the kids, not you. Second, no matter how mature you think a kid is, they do not think like an adult. Let’s look at the first one; it’s...

black lab walking on heel with man who is holding leashblack lab walking on heel with man who is holding leash

Where to Start with a Finished Dog

by The SportDOG Staff

I get clients from time to time that want a dog that is already well on its way to being trained. They don’t want to go through puppyhood and all the pleasures of house breaking, chewing, obedience, and those razor sharp teeth. No, they want a dog that is between...

Holding your Kids’ Attention When They Are YoungHolding your Kids’ Attention When They Are Young

Holding your Kids’ Attention When They Are Young

by Tom Keer

When my daughter and son were younger, they both wanted to be firemen. That passion came about after our local Fire Chief Joe and his crew visited their school. The demonstration included an inspection of the fire truck, the helmets, the axes and pike poles, and the siren. I thought...

setter panting next to dog crate.setter panting next to dog crate.

Dealing with a Heat-Related Emergency

by The SportDOG Staff

We lose more dogs to heat-related emergencies than almost any other. If you take preventive measures before heading out to the field, there’s much less of a chance your dog will get into trouble. But when a dog starts to show signs of heat stress, knowing how to deal with...

handheld transmitterhandheld transmitter

Picking the Right E-Collar

by Tom Dokken

Purchasing your first SportDOG Brand® remote training collar or upgrading from an older model isn’t particularly difficult, but it does require some thought about which features are most important to you and how the collar is going to be used. Thankfully, SportDOG offers enough products that you can easily match...

Charlie Jurney kneeling by yellow lab holding white plastic dummyCharlie Jurney kneeling by yellow lab holding white plastic dummy

Training Commands: Talk Less, Reinforce More

by Charlie Jurney

No matter how good our intentions, we hunters and dog trainers as a whole commit one error that sets our training progress back and creates additional problems. We commit this error over and over again, and it’s vitally important to recognize it and fix it. What am I talking about?...

Young hound dog jumping on to the tailgate of a truck and in to a dog box. Handler standing behind him.Young hound dog jumping on to the tailgate of a truck and in to a dog box. Handler standing behind him.

Get That Young Hound Started Right

by Jed Finley

There are many ways to turn a young coonhound into a top-notch trailing dog, but one of the biggest things I think you can do to help him along is to help him learn independence. I’m going to tell you the basics of how I do that as part of...

Setter running through tall grass.Setter running through tall grass.

Building a First Aid Kit

by The SportDOG Staff

My background is a bit different than many of the dog handlers on the SportDOG® ProStaff. I’m a tactical paramedic. I work with law enforcement and service dogs. In fact, I’ve never hunted with dogs. However, I’ve trained explosive-detection canines, and I specialize in cadaver dogs. Today, I teach canine...

5 Things Dog Trainers Do Best5 Things Dog Trainers Do Best

5 Things Dog Trainers Do Best

by The SportDOG Staff

Dog trainers are a one of kind. We all come from different backgrounds, careers, and experiences. We have different styles and beliefs about what we do, but still, there are a few things we all share. We all share some pretty awesome strengths. Here are some top 5 places where...


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