When you want to find a dog, perfect for hunting, you need to make sure you get a specific breed for the job. Many dogs can be trained to seek and perform other actions, however, only a hunting dog has the natural abilities to follow instincts and find its prey. It is important to understand the different breeds of hunting dogs, how they work, their techniques, and how to best train them for your hunting excursions.

Knowing the races

While there are many different breeds of dogs, there are only certain breeds that are great options for helping hunters. There are four specific categories of hunting dogs and these are:

Hounds – This category of hunting dogs includes hounds and bloodhounds. These hunting dogs are used to hunt large predators, coyotes, raccoons, and hares. A sight hound, like a Whippet, is excellent for speed and visual awareness. They can see their item from afar and then move away to quietly and orderly chase, then kill their item. Not only are they very sharp visually, but they are independent, quiet and extremely fast.

Bloodhounds that use their sense of smell instead of sight are called olfactory hounds. These dogs have sensitive noses. Scent hounds like the Coonhound are great at tracking other animals. In most cases, they do not kill the prey, but instead drive the hunter directly towards it. If necessary, they will kill the animal, but will usually make it run up a tree.

Hunting Dogs: In this category, dogs are most compatible with hunters who use shotguns as their main source of game. These hunting dogs are not easily startled and are not sensitive to the sounds of a shotgun. In this category of hunting dogs, it is divided into different classes.

The Retriever class, like the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, is useful for both land and water, in multiple weather elements. They are generally used for bird hunters and respond well to commands through whistles, verbalization, and hand gestures. Water dogs, like a poodle, are included in the retriever class.

The Setter class, like the English Setter, these dogs are used primarily by hunters who need dogs to “pull” game birds.

The Spaniel class, like the English Cocker Spaniel, is another breed of hunting dog that does well for small game and highland birds. They have the unique ability to not only shoot prey, but also locate it.

The Pointer class, like the Pudel Pointer, is perfect for spotting and shooting, they use the technique of finding and then targeting prey.

Terriers – Terriers, such as Lakeland Terriers, Fell Terriers, and Jack Russell Terriers, are perfect for hunting mammals. These have the ability to find, aim, kill or capture with extreme force.

Curs – Curs like the Catahoula leopard dog, is used for very large animals which can include cougars, raccoons and wild boars.

Training

While many of these breeds have the natural ability and instinct to hunt, training is still a requirement. These dogs are specifically bred for hunting in most cases, but that doesn’t mean they are born with the knowledge of what you want them to do. You will notice early on that these dogs are instinctive with natural abilities. However, it is up to you to train them to be sharp and knowledgeable hunting dogs.

For example, you will want to breed your Retriever by teaching him the different signals that he will use. The dog needs to be trained to respond to your specific commands. It is also important that you develop a very close and trusting relationship with your hunting dog.

You need to have discipline and control. You don’t want your hunting dog to run after something it sees in the woods. You want your dog to only respond and act when necessary. This requires personal training and bonding between you and your dog.

What about armed dog training?

Armed dogs are a special breed that has special requirements. You will definitely want to consider special training for your hunting dog. This does not mean that you have to find a professional, but there are many resources available on the Internet to help you understand what steps to take.

For hunting dogs, specific training is required. You will need to teach them different signals and commands that you could use. In other words, you will need training in hand signals, commands, and whistles. For most gun dog owners, they will start training using a fake bait, such as a fake bird or other animal. Once the animal is comfortable with the doll, it will be ready to accompany you on your hunting trips.

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