How to Train Dogs for Pheasant Hunting

Train your gun dog to hunt pheasant.

From the Basset Hound to the Airedale Terrier to the Vizsla, there are several dogs that have been bred to hunt and retrieve prey. If you are an avid pheasant hunter, then nothing would be more rewarding than purchasing your very own puppy to learn and grow with you and eventually take on a hunting trip. There are several ways to make the newest member of your family into a well-trained gun dog.

Things You'll Need

• Shotgun
• Treats
• Bird call
• Dummy pheasant

Instructions

1. Teach your dog the "stop" command. This will be very important because your dog will be very excited during your first hunting excursion and will need to know you are the boss. With a stern voice, place your hand, palm out, on the dog and tell him to "stop."

2. Give your dog a treat if he stops. If not, tell him the command once again and keep trying until he does respond favorably.

3. Help your dog become used to the sound of gunfire. If you do not perform this step, the dog will become frightened when it hears the first shot go off. Shoot the gun in the air several yards away from the dog and gradually move closer as the dog becomes less stressed by the noise.

4. Throw a dummy pheasant out at the dog and say the command "retrieve." The dog's natural hunting instincts should kick in, and he will eventually go after the dummy and bring it back.

5. Give your dog a treat once he successfully follows the "retrieve" command.

6. Make other noises your dog may be distracted by in the field so he does not lose focus. These distractions could include the sound of a bird call.

References

• Daily Puppy: How to Train a Dog to Hunt
• Daily Puppy: Bird Dog Training Tips