“gundogs”

The dog days of July and August are a misnomer. Hunting dogs need action, but it’s too hot for exercise. Neither old Drake nor young Lady can afford to vegetate now. Hunting season is just around the corner. In a month or two they’ll launch all-out assaults on fields and meadows, woods and waters. How do you get them in shape for that without killing them?

If there was ever a bird hunt that didn’t need a dog, a dove hunt is it. But use one anyway.

Grass kills. Dogs. Maybe yours. And we’re not talking medical marijuana here.

Bird seasons are months away, but right now is prime time for getting your dog back into the swing of things. Make the most of it by having the right gear on hand.

A great way to get pup acclimated to gunfire is to take him on frequent trips to the clays range.

The simple truth is too many hunters are too wrapped up in the fun of the hunt to pay full attention to dog handling. So the following advice is directed more toward you and me than our retrievers.

Hunting hounds have the anatomy of a carnivore. Does that mean raw meat is the best meal for your dog? Consider these dietetic details before letting your canine eat like its ancestors.

Don’t let hunting season become your dog’s “backsliding season.” Remain alert for opportunities to reinforce good performance, and be sure to avoid reinforcing the bad. Here’s how to focus on the right moments after the shooting starts.

Poor training or breeding can leave any dog with a bad case of hard-mouth, but with a bit of work it can be corrected.