How to Train Hunting Dogs

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Deer blood
Electric collar
Hunting dog

Step 1:
Purchase the correct breed of dog. Hunting dogs are generally used for tracking. Acquire a dog with a good sense of smell.
Step 2:
Begin with a puppy. It is easier to develop a bond with your dog if you start training her when she is young. Start training when she is 7 to 10 weeks old.
Step 3:
Train your dog to hunt by scent rather than by eyesight. A dog may not always be able to see game, but a well-trained dog can always smell it.
Step 4:
Exercise your dog during the off-season and do not overfeed her. Dogs that are not in good physical condition will not perform well.
Step 5:
Get your dog used to working in the climate that she will be exposed to during hunting season. This should be done on a regular basis.
Step 6:
Make sure your dog is well nourished. Keep a supply of fresh water available. A working dog consumes a lot of fluids.
Step 7:
Begin your training using basic obedience commands like sit, stay, come and heel. Praise your dog when he follows your commands.
Step 8:
Train your dog to respect you. Use kindness combined with discipline. When you and your dog are out hunting, you don't want to be searching for your dog when she should be looking for game.
Step 9:
Purchase an electric collar. When dogs do not follow commands or are easily distracted, a small electric shock will let them know they are doing something wrong.
Step 10:
Buy a couple of pints of deer blood if you are hunting deer. Make a trail of blood, placing a dog treat at the end. Teach the dog to follow the scent.

Tips & Warnings

Know that Labradors, basset hounds, dachshunds, beagles and bloodhounds make good hunting dogs. They are easy to train, have good senses of smell and acclimate well to the outdoors.
Most states and counties have rules regulating the use of hunting dogs. Know the laws and follow them.

More Puppy Pages

How to Train Your Dog to Hunt

Instructions Things You’ll Need: A dog breed developed specifically for hunting Flea, tick and mosquito repellent for the dog A snug collar and long leash Training "clickers" found at larger pet shops A bag of treats--pieces of cheese, dried meat...

Instructions Things You’ll Need: A dog, training dummies, whistle, water (sometimes) Picking the right dog and the training routine Step 1: Decide what you want the dog to hunt. Will you be hunting waterfowl? Or maybe running rabbits or deer? Bear...

Hi! I’m Melanie McLeroy with Taurus Training for Expert Village and it’s the time to talk about Beagles. Now, a lot of people get beagles because they don’t really understand all the breed characteristics. They are awfully cute dogs...

InstructionsThings You’ll Need:Collar Long training line Treats ToysStep 1:Make sure most of the time you are using his name to bring him to you for something positive–belly rubs, a hug, food, a game or to go out and have fun. Do not only...

Instructions Things You’ll Need: Toys Treats Regular collar or harness Leash Step 1: To better understand your puggle, learn about both beagles and pugs. Beagles are small hounds and often find "following their nose" more interesting than what you...