How to Do Short Training Sessions With Your Hunting Dog

Young or old, all hunting dogs benefit from short training sessions. Hunting dogs must master challenging commands in order to be effective. Deliberately train your hunting dog to perform to your specific standards. Follow the guidelines below to make your hunting dog's short training sessions effective and fun.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Begin as early in the dog's life as possible. Hunting dog puppies can start at 2 months learning the simplest tricks and tasks.

2. Plan to do the short training sessions at least once every day. Start and finish at the same time if possible. Hold the short sessions in the same location. Schedule 2 minutes of training per day for puppies and at least 10 minutes per day for older dogs.

3. Choose the right time during the day. The best time is when the dog isn't exhausted from playing and hasn't just eaten.

4. Make the short training sessions graduated. Start at a moderate pace with easy commands. Let the dog succeed at one task before beginning another.

5. Set specific training goals. Imagine how the dog should behave in particular hunting situations. Decide what the dog needs to know so that he can behave this way.

6. Incorporate as much play as possible into the training session. Puppies need more play than older dogs. Play maintains the dog's interest in the training.

7. End the training session when the dog becomes tired or loses interest. Try to end on a positive note, when the dog has just performed something successfully.