How to Train a Retriever to Hunt

Retrievers are excellent hunting dogs when it comes to waterfowl. On a cold winter's day, your retriever can be the perfect hunting companion to retrieve waterfowl from a lake and swim back to shore with it. Although they're born to retrieve, they don't automatically bring the fowl to you. You have to train them to repeat this behavior. Follow these steps to train a retriever to hunt waterfowl.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Train your retriever from a young age. It's best to start working with him when he is still a puppy. This will ensure that your retriever is loyal to you.

2. Introduce your retriever to the water while she is still a puppy. Make it a positive experience by offering rewards for playing in the water. Start with a child's wading pool, and work your way to lakes and rivers.

3. Instruct your retriever to sit and stay. These commands form the foundation for more complex commands that are used during the hunt. Use your retriever's favorite treats for training.

4. Use decoys and the scent of waterfowl to train your retriever to hunt. Attach the scent to the decoy, throw it in the water and have your retriever fetch and return it. Reward your retriever so the behavior is repeated.

5. Condition your retriever to perform to expectations when guns are used. If your dog isn't trained around guns used during the hunt, then he may be frightened. Take him with you when you practice target shooting.

6. Practice retrieving dummies from a boat if you're going to use a boat during the hunt. Have your retriever practice getting in and out of the boat to collect the waterfowl.