How to train a hunting dog?

How to train a hunting dog? (Expert Guide)

For centuries, dogs have been hunting in the wild alongside humans and proved to be the human's greatest companion out of any other animal breed. Back then, they were used to hunt, find, retrieve, locate, and flush out. 

Hunting alongside your furry friend in the wild is such an experience that you would not like to miss. Those who have once hunted with their hunting dog are spoiled forever. Hunting becomes more rewarding because you go out in the wild with the buddy that you trained yourself, and watching it progress brings immense joy and appreciation. 

Dogs belong to the canine family and are naturally born to hunt. Our priority in this scenario is also not to screw the natural killer hunting instinct of our furry friend and here starts our second duty, which is to groom this natural killer instinct of our dog. 

Hunting dogs are also called gun dogs because they not only find but also retrieve games for their humans. In this article, we will go through how to train a hunting dog, starting from the selection of the right breed of dog to advanced skills of hunting. So, grab your notebook and pen because we are starting a journey on how to make an ideal hunting partner.

Breeds of Dogs Bred for Hunting

Every dog has a born-killer instinct. But not every breed of dog is a good hunter. Some breeds are afraid of water, and some are afraid of the gun sound, but some breeds are true hunters. Every dog breed has its hunting techniques. Hunting dogs are characterized based on their hunting techniques. These breeds are given below:

How to Train a Hunting Dog?

Training a hunting dog is very rewarding, yet it requires a lot of patience, time, consistency, confidence, and a deep understanding of your dog. Here is how you can train your dog.

1. Selection of Right Breed

Different breeds have different hunting techniques and styles. Some tend to fetch the prey while others tend to kill the game. So, it's important to choose the right hunting breed according to your hunting needs. Let's understand this with examples.

• If you want to hunt bigger size game, you need a hunting dog, which is equal in size.
• If you want a deer or bird to hunt them, you need a silent hunting dog. A dog barks which eventually causes the game to run away. 
• Retrievers are good for waterfowl.
• Pointer is good for the upland game.

2. Puppy Selection

This is one of the basics when you start finding your hunting partner. After the selection of breed, you need this breed puppy. Any dog can be trained to be a hunting dog. However, the selection of a puppy is always on priority because training becomes easy, and hunting partners are more active. There are certain things to keep in mind when selecting a puppy.

• Strong Genetic Pedigree: Go for the selection of that dog that has a strong lineage and pedigree and is known for their hunting history back in the day.
• Curiosity: One of the most important traits a hunting dog should have is curiosity. Dogs who have curiosity will explore everything in their environment. Such puppies are more active and will become great hunting dogs.
• Confidence: There are two types of types when it comes to confidence. First, those who run away when they see you, and second who come to you when they see you. Always go for the second one who comes towards you. Such dogs have confidence and will become hunting hounds.

3. Basic Obedience and Early Socialization

From the first day of your dog, start exposing your dog to its environment, friends, people, and other dogs. Teach basic command lessons like sit, stay, fetch, heel, and come.

• Introducing your dogs to various situations and teaching basic commands will bring out confidence in your dog.
• It will also build trust between you and your dog from an early stage.

4. Crate Training 

A crate is a safe and secure place for the rest and comfort of your puppy for the safe and comfortable travels of your puppy. This is also very important in developing hunting skills. It helps in traveling. Otherwise, your dog will tire out during walking before reaching the hunting spot.

5. Introduction to Gunfire 

Gunfire produces a very loud noise, which results in fear and stress in every breed of dog. You need to end this fear of gunfire by exposing your dog to gunfire slowly.

• Stand at a very large distance from your dog use a low-volume gun and fire the gunshot.
• Gradually decrease the distance and start using high-volume guns.
• Make sure to give a treat after every gunshot.
• Do not give to the next point unless gunfire shyness and fear are ended in your dog.

6. Train to Retrieve/Fetch 

Train your dog to fetch because if you are hunting games like waterfowl, fetching is very important. If your dog is not trained to fetch, read our complete article with the name of "How to Train your Dog to Fetch".

• Begin by training you to fetch toys.
• Gradually move towards dead birds. You can also use dummy birds to train your dog while training.

7. Introduction of Bird

Introduce birds to your dog with the purpose of developing their natural hunting instincts. 

• Tie a bird with the rope in front of your dog. Let the dog grab and hunt it.
• Allow your dog to prey and fetch it.
• Do not forget to give treats to your dog after every exposure.

8. Obedience Training 

Train your dog to fetch, sit, stand, run, place, heel, down and quiet. These trainings are mandatory for hunting dogs if you want to hunt successfully. A single mistake due to disobedience will result in failure.

9. Hunting Simulation

Before taking your dog to real-life hunting, train your dog by developing and training for hunting simulations. You can do this in two steps

• Take your dog to the hunting field and expose them to various obstacles.
• Play blind fetch with your dog. Do not show your dog what's in your hand. Just throw it away whatever you want, and your dog should fetch it to you.
• Make sure your dog follows what you command.

10. Advanced Skills

Advanced skills for hunting dogs include tracking and pointing.

• Teach your dog how to track based on scents. Dogs have naturally great smelling ability.
• Pointing means holding on to a point where the game is hunted until you pick up the game. Train your dog to reach the hunted game and do not leave the spot until you reach there.

11. Hunting Ethics 

There are some hunting ethics that should be taught to the dog.

• When your dog fetches the game, it should give it to you in your hand rather than placing it on the ground.
• Your dog should follow your commands while hunting. If you want your dog to be quiet, it should be quiet immediately. This is because no hunter wants his dog to go wild on game.

12. Practice Makes Perfect 

Train your dog for all seasons throughout the year. Some hunters who hunt specific games do not practice during the off-season. This should be avoided. Train your dog the whole year to be better at hunting.

13. Ask for Professional Help

If you are not able to train your dog, bring your dog to trainers or hunting clubs. Those people are professional and will help you train your dog for hunting.

14. Have Patience 

Some dogs learn fast while other dogs are slow learners. Do not lose hope or patience. Keep practicing and training until you see the result. Training a hunting dog requires a lot of patience and control of nerves.

Conclusion

Every dog can be trained for hunting. You just need to understand the breed first. You need to understand the dog’s personality and behavior. You need to choose your puppy wisely. You can't force anything on your dog. Train consistently and have patience. If one thing fails, try teaching and training with another step. Keep training throughout the year. 

Give as much time as your dog needs to train. We have enlisted the whole guide in this article on how you can train your dog to be a hunting dog. Now let's get started training our fury friend to get ready before our next hunt. We hope that your next hunt will be with your hunting buddy.