How to Make Your Hunting Dog More Obedient?

How to Make Your Hunting Dog More Obedient

Maximum canine obedience is beneficial to both you and your canine friend. How to train a hunting dog for perfect obedience and get a reliable friend for life? Here are some tips and methods to educate your hunting dog (or not) at any time and without brutality.

Why Sitting and Lying?

Sitting holds little significance in hunting scenarios. Its primary utility lies in facilitating the transition to the lying down position during the training phase. Teaching a young dog to lie down is notably simpler from the sitting position than from a standing one.

The bed has a double utility:

  1. This is an act of submission that is essential in certain phases of training.
  2. You may need to leave your dog still for a while in order to take care of other things.

Learn more: How to Prepare Your Dog for Hunting Season.

How to Get the Sit?

The dog is next to you on a leash. Walk with him. Stop and command the dog to sit! Pull the leash at the same time, backward in a longitudinal movement. You can help yourself by pressing on the dog’s pelvis. Once seated, reward him. Make sure that the dog is well assimilated to the seat before moving on to the down.

How to Get the Down?

The dog is in a sitting position, order him: down! At the same time, with your foot, you will press the leash closer to the collar, from top to bottom. Above all, do not congratulate the dog because lying down is a position of dominance.

Gradually you release the pressure, ensuring that the dog remains in the position by repeating: “Down! “. As long as he does not obey the command, you will stay next to him. Once this result has been obtained, you will introduce the notion: “Stay!”. You express it firmly, possibly helping yourself with a wave of your hand. Take 2 or 3 steps back, wait a few seconds, and then come back to the dog, repeating: Stay!

Gradually you increase the distances. If he tries to move, come back to him and put him back on the exact spot where you ordered him to lie down, scolding him: “I said stay! “. Once the exercise has been assimilated, you can incorporate the reminder. Be careful who says the recall, says return to the foot in the “seated” position

A Few Miscellaneous Tips

When you walk with your dog, “continued on a leash” or not, the animal must always be at your level. A dog in front or behind the handler is less controllable.

The leash should never be stretched. If so, take a big swipe and say, Hurry up!

At each change of direction, give the command foot!

As soon as you stop the movement, the dog should get into a sitting position.

Ten Successful Training Sessions

Prepare treats, a collar, a leash, and pack patience and strong nerves. When training, follow a few rules that you and your dog will appreciate.

  1. There is only one coach. The hunting dog should have its owner.
  2. Clear commands are a prerequisite for success. Don’t change their name or intonation.
  3. Train in a familiar and quiet place, only then the hunting dog can pay attention to you.
  4. The hunting dog should go out before training, but not be tired.
  5. Take regular breaks between workouts. Do the training for about 5 minutes.
  6. Build your relationship on trust. Don’t hit the dog and don’t be rude.
  7. If the hunting dog performs the command well, give praise and a reward.
  8. Be consistent and don’t give up.
  9. Don’t pass your bad mood on to the hunting dog, and worse, don’t pass it on to the animal.
  10. Repetition is the mother of wisdom and leads to successful training.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How important is consistency in training?

Consistency is key. Use the same commands and signals consistently, and ensure that all family members or handlers follow the same training methods.

Can positive reinforcement be effective in training hunting dogs?

Yes, positive reinforcement, such as treats, praise, or play, is highly effective. Reward your dog immediately after they exhibit the desired behavior to reinforce the connection between the action and the reward.

Is it necessary to start training a hunting dog at a young age?

Starting training early is beneficial, but older dogs can also learn new commands. Consistency and patience are crucial regardless of the dog’s age.

How do I address disobedience during training?

If your dog is disobedient, go back to basic commands and reinforce them. Identify any distractions or issues that may be affecting the dog’s focus and address them gradually.

Should I consider professional training for my hunting dog?

Professional training can be beneficial, especially for complex tasks or if you are unsure about your training methods. It’s essential to participate in the training to maintain consistency.

How do I train my hunting dog to respond to specific hunting commands?

Introduce hunting commands gradually, associating them with specific actions during training sessions. Consistent use and positive reinforcement will help your dog understand and respond to these commands in the field.

Can socialization improve my hunting dog’s obedience?

Yes, socializing your hunting dog with other dogs, people, and various environments can improve their overall behavior and responsiveness to commands.

Liam Dean is a Professional Blogger and Outdoor Enthusiast. He completed Masters in Sports Sciences and spend all of his free time doing sports and other outdoor activities. During vacations, he goes hunting, fishing and mountaineering.

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