How to Train Dogs for Bird Hunting in Texas

Training makes the most of a dog's natural hunting instincts.

Hunting involves a lot of waiting, retrieving and searching for prey. This all can be simplified if you have a hunting dog. A hunting dog can make hunting more enjoyable and pleasant when bird hunting, and hunting dogs love it too. In order to prepare your dog for bird hunting, there are several aspects of training you do not want to ignore. Time, patience and persistence will reward you with a helpful, happy hunting dog.

Things You'll Need

• 50-foot lead
• Training bumpers
• Training treats
• Waterfowl dummy

Instructions

Obedience Training

1. Teach your dog some basic commands before allowing your dog to roam off leash. You want to make sure your dog obeys and listens to basic commands such as, “no,” “heel,” “fetch,” “come,” “stay” and “sit.”

2. Practice and repeat. Start with short frequent training sessions from 10 to 15 minutes, two to three times a day. Use positive reinforcement, such as praise or dog treats to reward your dog for following a command.

3. Say your dog's name first to get his attention. Then say the command once in a firm tone. You may need to say the command two or three times before your dog associates the word with the command. When your dog accomplishes the task, reward him to encourage continued behavior.

Bumper Training

1. Start to prepare your dog for bird retrieval with bumper training, which is like playing fetch except your dog is in a controlled environment. The term "Bumpers" is derived from boat bumpers and are plastic training tools that you can buy at local pet stores.

2. Take your dog to an open field and attach a 50-foot lead to your dog’s collar. Hold the bumper in front of you and say your dog’s name to get his attention. Throw the bumper a short distance of about 10 feet. Say "back," "go" or "pick up" or any variant of "retrieve" as long as you're consistent. Extend the distance gradually up to 20 feet.

3. Move on to throwing soft waterfowl dummies that you can pick up from your local pet store and then actual dead waterfowl. The idea is to get your dog exposed to a variety of training tools until he can simulate retrieving your prey in a live hunting environment. Repeat same retrieval practice method.

Water Training

1. Introduce your dog to water. A bird hunting dog will need to know how to navigate in water to be an effective hunting partner. Find a gentle pond or pool and allow your dog to explore the area off leash.

2. Do not try to coax or throw your dog in the water, but let him find his way into the water. When he does, give him enthusiastic praise. Repeat this process when he discovers the shallow end of the water. Let him know it is safe.

3. Throw a ball to the deep end for him to fetch. When he does, praise him loudly and enthusiastically. Repeat this step 10 to 15 times.

Tips & Warnings

• If you’re planning to train your dog for bird hunting, it is important to begin socializing him when he is a puppy. Let him experience new sights and sounds, so he won’t be frightened. Remember that good socialization breeds security and confidence. Your dog should know that ultimately you are in charge.

• Expose your dog to gunfire slowly, and from a distance, to avoid scaring him.

References

• Best Gun Dog: Train Your Hunting Dog to Flush Out Birds
• Ducks Unlimited: Preparing a Retriever for Duck Hunting
• Dog Breed Info Center: Training Your New Puppy or Dog
• Hunting Dog Training: Retrieval

Resources

• Gun Dog Supply: Dog Bumpers, Dog Training Dummies, Retriever Dummy Training, Retrieving Dummies