I drove to Michigan for an early-season goose hunt a few years ago. I had a bag of dog food in my truck bed, and I drove through some rain along the way. I didn't think much of it until later that evening when I went to feed my dogs. As I lifted the bag, it felt unusually light. The bottom had split open, spilling food all over the truck bed, and ruining the entire bag. Lesson learned—the hard way.

If you have a working dog, you likely have a hungry dog. Working dogs consume a lot of food, and many owners choose high-quality dog food to keep their hunting companions in top shape. Whether a bag lasts a month or a week, quality dog food is a significant investment. Protecting that investment is crucial, and that’s where a dog food storage container becomes invaluable.

Why Air and Moisture Matter

Even though high-quality dog food bags are designed to keep food fresh on store shelves, they often fall short once opened. Air, humidity, water, bugs, and even critters can quickly turn a b...

Coming out of duck season, did you have any epic moments that ended with fist pumps and high-fives around the blind? If so, it's likely your dog ran both marked and blind retrieves. These retrieves are common in hunting scenarios, and training your dog for both is crucial to developing a well-rounded gundog.

A marked retrieve is when your dog can visually see the object (like a bird) fall and knows where it is. In contrast, a blind retrieve is when the dog doesn't see the object fall and must rely on your guidance to find it. Understanding the differences between these retrieves and how to train for each is essential for effective hunting and developing a top-notch gundog.

Making Your Dog a Marking Pro

Two seasons ago, I was on a goose hunt with friends in Arkansas, targeting Speckled Belly Geese. Unexpectedly, we decoyed a flock of snow geese, and one wounded bird sailed out about 400 yards into a cut bean field. “Did he mark that?” my friend Aaron asked as he glanced at my dog, ...

If you're worried about taking a short break from retriever training, you're not alone! One of the most common questions about gundog training is, "How long is too long to take time off with your retriever?" The reality is that hunting season can be tough on a dog, both physically and mentally. Many water dogs end the season a little behind in their training compared to where they started.

Giving your duck-hunting dog a short break once the season ends can be incredibly beneficial. Your retriever has probably earned some rest between traveling, navigating cold water, and enduring demanding hunts. And let’s face it—most of us duck hunters are pretty worn out too. Taking a break won't be detrimental to you or your dog; in fact, it can be a great opportunity to recharge.

Making the Most of Your Time Off

While taking a break from retriever training, it's helpful to start planning your training strategy for when you resume. Reflect on the past season and consider what your gundog strug...

Hunting With Multiple Retrievers

Hunting with multiple retrievers can be an exhilarating experience, but it also comes with unique challenges. Training one dog for duck hunting is already a significant task, but preparing two or more dogs to work together in the field requires a whole new level of training and preparation. Even if your duck hunting dog is well-trained, there are several factors to consider before bringing multiple dogs into the blind.

Should You Hunt with an Untrained Dog?

Before diving into the specifics, it's essential to assess the training level of the other dog that will be hunting alongside yours.

If the other dog is untrained, it might be best to leave your dog in the truck or at home. An unsteady or poorly trained dog can tempt your steady hunting dog to pick up bad habits, such as breaking, making noise, or failing to deliver to hand. The risk of undoing months or even years of training may not be worth the potential rewards of hunting with both dogs.

The...

As winter's chill settles in and arctic fronts sweep across the country, hunters and their retrievers face the challenge of keeping warm during those cold-weather adventures. For those of us chasing ducks, our retrievers might spend more time in their kennels during travel. One crate that stands out for its performance in colder conditions is the Gunner Kennel G1, a top choice for many.

Why Gunner Kennels Shine in Cold Weather

Gunner Kennels are known for their durability and effectiveness, particularly in extreme conditions. Extensive testing, including cold weather assessments, has demonstrated that Gunner Kennels can maintain an interior temperature up to 20 degrees warmer than the outside air. However, wind chill remains a concern, potentially leading to hypothermia in dogs. This is where the Gunner All-Weather Kit 2.0 (AWK) comes into play.

All-Weather Kit 2.0: Design and Function

Unlike typical "cold-weather" kits, the AWK is designed to be an all-year solution. This kit al...

An electric collar (or e-collar) is a type of dog training tool frequently used across various training disciplines. This collar system consists of a remote, held by the trainer, and a receiver attached to a flat collar on the dog’s neck. The receiver is equipped with prongs that transmit either a vibration or a mild electric pulse from the remote. The intensity of the pulse, or "shock," can be adjusted, allowing trainers to choose between a quick pulse (often called a "nick") or a continuous one. Many e-collars also offer an auditory signal, like a beep, to get the dog’s attention. E-collars are battery-operated and typically have a range that exceeds 250 yards.

Over the past few decades, e-collar technology has seen significant advancements. Earlier versions were known for their strong, often painful shocks, but modern e-collars have been refined to offer much lower levels of stimulation, akin to the mild sensation of touching a 9-volt battery. Even at higher levels, the sensation i...

The Answer Depends on Reading Your Dog

One of the most common questions is, “How long should my training session be?” The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—every dog is different! Some dogs thrive with short, focused training sessions once or multiple times daily. Others do best with longer sessions that might only happen a few times a week. Then, there are those rare dogs that can train all day, every day, while some need minimal work to progress. The key to effective training lies in your ability to read and understand your dog. This skill begins the moment you start potty training a puppy and continues throughout your dog’s entire life.

The Over-Zealous First-Time Trainer

I vividly remember loading up my gear, putting my dog in the kennel, and driving twenty minutes to the training grounds. After another fifteen minutes of setup, I’d be ready to start. But all too often, after just twenty minutes of training, my Labrador retriever, "Maggie," would be done. I had no cl...

Effective timing is crucial in retriever training. Whether you’re rewarding good behavior or issuing corrections, the timing of your actions significantly impacts your dog’s learning and behavior. A reward given too late won’t reinforce the desired behavior, while a reward given too soon can distract or reinforce the wrong action. Similarly, a delayed correction can lead to misunderstandings and further complications in training. Mastering timing is essential for advancing from a novice to a skilled gun dog trainer.

The Value of Time and Reps in the Field

There’s no substitute for the hours spent training your dog in the field. Practice and experience are key to perfecting your timing. To accelerate your improvement, consider filming your training sessions and reviewing the footage. Analyze whether you rushed casts or delayed marking desired behaviors. Videos can reveal timing issues that you might not notice in real time, helping you refine your approach. Building a deep understandi...

We all want to see our gun dogs make progress. There’s nothing quite like witnessing your dog complete a challenging retrieve that just a short while ago seemed impossible. Early on, progress often comes quickly with a young puppy; they’re eager to work for food, and their minds are like sponges. However, as they grow older and formal training begins, you might notice that progress slows down, sometimes even hitting a few bumps along the way. This is completely normal for all retriever breeds.

Expecting Variations in Training Progress

Every retriever breed matures at its own pace. For instance, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers might not reach the same level of readiness as Labrador Retrievers by six months of age. Even within Labradors, you’ll find variations in maturity levels, which can affect training progress. Sometimes, we might expect one dog to progress as quickly as a previous one, but this expectation can lead to frustration and create a training slump.

As trainers, the sooner we ...

When it comes to training your retriever, it’s tempting to maximize every moment with structured activities and sessions. After all, our goal is to mold them into exceptional hunting companions. But, while it’s crucial to focus on training, equally important is nurturing a strong, trusting bond with your dog.

Why Bonding Matters

Training is just one aspect of a successful partnership with your retriever. Building a strong relationship outside of training sessions is crucial for fostering trust and cooperation. You might feel that focusing on the bond seems less productive, but these moments are vital for developing a loyal and enthusiastic partner.

Effective Ways to Bond with Your Retriever

Here are some of my favorite bonding activities that can strengthen your relationship with your retriever:

• Long Walks: Take your dog for a leisurely walk off-lead in a safe, open area. Reward them with praise and treats for quick recalls and let them explore freely.

• Patio Time: Spend t

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