Is Your Young Retriever Ready for Dove Hunting This Season?

Is Your Young Retriever Ready for Dove Hunting This Season?

Opening day of dove hunting season is around the corner for those of us in the United States. If you have a new puppy or a young dog, there is one question to ask: Should you take your young retriever dove hunting this year? You aren't the first person to ask this question, and you won't be the last. Every year, dove hunters across the country come face to face with this dilemma.

Your young retriever's first hunt is pivotal in its development as a good hunting dog. The best dove hunting dogs are normally trained well and have had a great first hunting experience. So, how do you train a dog to retrieve dove and have a great first experience?

It all starts with knowing if your dog is ready to hunt.

How to Tell if Your Dog is Ready For Dove Hunting Season

Age vs. Skill Level

Many hunters want a defined age to know if their dog is ready to hunt. Unfortunately, age isn't a great indicator of whether a dog is ready to hunt or not. A better way to determine if your dog is ready for dove hunting season is to figure out if it has acquired the proper skills in training.

That said, it takes time to train a dove hunting dog. So, if you start training at the age that we recommend training at, then there are general timelines that you can go by.

• 2 to 6 Months Old: If your puppy is within this age range, it's best to leave them at home. They haven't had enough time to learn the necessary skills to be successful and safe on a dove hunt.
• 7 to 10 Months Old: Even if your puppy is excelling in training, they likely haven't had enough repetition or maturity to handle the challenges of a dove hunt. It's advisable to delay their first hunt until next year.
• 11+ Months Old: At this age, if you have been training consistently, your dog may or may not be ready. Evaluate their skill level and make the best decision for you and your dog.

Skill Level and Required Skills

Control and obedience are crucial when you're out in the field. Whether you're in Texas dove hunting, or the start of Alabama dove hunting season, your dog needs to respond reliably and remain calm amid the chaos of a dove hunt.

There are a few essential skills that a good gun dog has that can make it a great dove hunting dog. If you will train your hunting dog to master these skills before the opening day of dove season, it will go well for you.

1. Steadiness: Your dog should remain at heel or place when commanded.
2. Marking: Ability to spot and remember the location of fallen birds.
3. Lining: Running straight lines to the target.
4. Gunfire Introduction: Properly introduced to gunfire to avoid fear or confusion.
5. Retrieving Birds: Comfortable with retrieving doves.
6. Whistle Commands: Comfortable with whistle-stop and recall commands.
7. Generalization: Adaptability to different terrains and cover.

Don't know how to teach your dog these skills? Our video courses will help you train your retriever step by step. They cover everything from starting out to handling problems that arise in training.

Tips for a Successful First Hunt

Once you have mastered the skills mentioned above, your retriever is ready to excel on its first dove hunt. Remember, your dog's first real hunt is a first impression, so make it count. You can ensure it is a positive and manageable experience by the following:

• Start with Easy Retrieves: Begin with simple tasks and gradually increase difficulty.
• Watch Your Dog: Keep a close eye on your dog, especially if it's their first field experience.
• Stay Cool: Be mindful of the weather. If it's hot, consider hunting during cooler parts of the day or providing plenty of water and shade.

Other Considerations

• Number of Hunters: Fewer hunters mean less chaos and a safer environment for your dog.
• Type of Terrain: Ensure the terrain is suitable and safe for your dog.
• Hunter Safety: Make sure the hunters you are with are experienced and mindful of your dog's presence.

How to Train Your Dog to Retrieve Dove: "Mock Hunt"

Once you have considered everything I've mentioned here, there's one more thing that is of utmost importance. The dove fields can be a place where your dog faces many first and new experiences. Whether it's your dog's first time seeing dove decoys or another dog breed, like a golden retriever, it's a good idea to prepare.

One of the best ways to finalize your hunting dog's preparation for the opening day of dove season is via a "Mock Hunt." A "Mock Hunt" is exactly as it sounds. A simulated hunt where you try to make it as close to the real thing as possible. If you are hunting white-winged dove or mourning dove, it is helpful to practice with a couple of frozen birds from last season.

If you don't have a frozen dove, a Dokken Deadfowl trainer is a great substitute. Retriever Training Supply offers a gear pack designed to help you prepare your dog for dove season. It would be a great compliment to your mock dove hunting training.

Your mock hunt should closely resemble what you expect your dove hunt to be like. If you normally fill your 15 bird bag limits, then your mock hunt should include a lot of shooting and a lot of retrieving. You should also spend some time conditioning your dog for the rigors of hunting in heat.

If you normally only take a few birds, then your mock hunt should include a lot of sitting and waiting. This will help ensure that your dog isn't trained for action when steadiness and patience are required. No matter what, consider what your hunt will be like, and do your best to "walk through" it like it's the real thing.

Final Thoughts

Take the time to evaluate your dog's readiness. If they're not quite there yet, it's perfectly fine to leave them at home this season. You want your dog's first dove hunting experience to be positive, setting the stage for many successful seasons to come.

Retriever training takes time and patience. Being ready for a hunt involves completing advanced training. If your retriever isn't ready this year, focus on preparing them for the future.

For comprehensive training on how to prepare your dog for dove hunting, check out our Huntable Retriever or the Complete Retriever courses.

BuildFromHere,

The CGA Team