How to Prepare Your Dog for Hunting Trips

Hunting dogs naturally enjoy the chase, but they do need a bit of preparation before going out on hunting adventures with you. Here are a few ways you can prepare your dog for hunting trips. 

Get them to their optimal health and weight

Before trekking out into the woods, it's important for your dog to be in good health and at an optimal weight. Take your dog to a veterinarian for a complete health workup and to get any necessary vaccinations to bring the vaccine record up to date. Weight is often a factor in the health of dogs and can also be an issue in the dog's ability to chase wildlife, especially over long distances. Ask the veterinarian for dietary guidelines that will help put your dog at the optimal weight for their breed while giving it the nutrients it needs for an active lifestyle. 

Improve your dog's agility 

Improving your dog's agility with training exercises can increase your chances of a successful hunting trip. One way to do this is by attaching a stuffed animal to the end of a lunging whip, which can be purchased at equine centers and pet stores. While working with your dog, use the lunge whip to dangle the stuffed animal in the air and on the ground for your dog to chase after. Change things up on your dog by suddenly reversing the direction of the lunge whip. Or, you can whip the stuffed animal through the air from one side to the other and then continue the circle in the opposite direction. The maneuvers that this will force your dog to do will help with its dexterity. Avoid going in the same direction all of the time so that your dog will develop a well-balanced muscle tone. 

Buy protective gear for your dog

While your dog is out in the woods chasing wildlife, there's no doubt that your dog's feet and body could easily be injured by things like thorns, branches, and sharp rocks. Buy protective gear for your dog, particularly boots and vests. If your dog is short in stature, consider a vest that has a built-in tummy protector. Stick with bright-hunter orange in case there are any other hunters in the same area. 

Learn dog first aid

In case there is an injury in the woods, you'll need to act quickly to give your dog first aid. Ask the veterinarian to teach you how to give first aid to your dog for injuries such as deep wounds and broken bones. Alternatively, you may find first aid classes regularly scheduled at local dog training centers and dog hunting supply stores. Also, it's a good idea to understand the various warning signs of health risks that your dog's breed are prone to having. That way, you may be able to recognize from afar when something's not quite right with your dog's health. 

Pack a first-aid kit for your dog

Due to the risks of injuries while hunting, it's important that you have a well-stocked first-aid kit designed specifically for your dog. Obviously, you'll want to prepare a pack that can be easily carried or can fit into your backpack. Include things like gauze, cotton balls, splints, antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone cream, styptic powder, eye wash, saline solution, iodine, alcohol prep pads, and pain reliever. If your dog will not be wearing boots for hunting, pack a pad protector and healing ointment as well. Since it can be challenging to find all of the necessary ingredients for this type of first-aid kit, consider purchasing one that is already designed for hunting dogs. These can be found in pet stores that cater to hunting dogs. Talk to stores such as Lion Country Supply for more ideas.