The hunting dog is much more than a companion: it is an essential teammate. For small game hunting, especially birds or rabbits, a well-trained dog makes all the difference. Training your dog requires method, patience, and consistency, but the results are as rewarding as they are decisive in the field.
In this article, discover the key steps in training to make it an excellent hunting assistant.
Choosing the right dog breed
Before talking about training, you need to choose a breed suited to the type of hunting practiced:
- Pointing dogs : such as the Braque, English Setter, or Pointer. They locate game and freeze without flushing it.
- Flushing dogs : like the Springer Spaniel, they flush game into the hunter’s line of fire.
- Retrievers : Labrador or Retriever, perfect for retrieving shot game, especially from water.
Available at Europarm : collars, leashes, whistles, and long lines for training.
Basic training: from a very young age
Even before specific hunting training, a dog must master fundamental commands :
- Recall (“come”)
- “Sit” / “down” / “stay”
- The "no" or immediate stop
These basics are taught from 2 to 3 months of age and must be reinforced with regular and short sessions, with a reward (voice, treat, game).
Tip: always train in a calm environment at first, then gradually increase distractions.
Specific training for hunting
Searching and focus
This involves working onmethodical terrain exploration, in a straight line or zigzag. The goal is for the dog to stay within the hunter’s shooting cone, neither too far nor too close.
Pointing and marking
The dog must point as soon as it detects game. This is first trained using scented decoys, then in real conditions (aviary, pheasant, quail…).
At Simac.fr, you will find equipment for hunting dogs such as:
Retrieving game
Important to avoid losing wounded or distant downed game. Start with inert objects (dummies, fake birds), then practice with real game, using blanks.
Tip: Use a long line to maintain control at first. The retrieve must always be done without chewing, or running off.
Socialization and gunfire
A good hunting dog must be:
- Comfortable with humans and other dogs,
- Accustomed to gunfire (introduced gradually with a cap gun then a shotgun at a distance),
- Able to stay focused in the presence of moving game.
A poorly socialized dog will be fearful or distracted—two problematic traits for hunting.
Useful gear on europarm : fluorescent orange vests, canine hearing protection, foldable water bottles.
Consistency, the key to success
Training is like rifle maintenance: regular, progressive and consistent. No point in going too fast or overworking the dog. It’s better to have:
- sessions short but frequent,
- always ending on a success,
- always rewarding good behavior.