by Dave Veldman
As the heat of summer wains and the anticipation of crisp autumn days of draws near, every upland hunter’s thought invariably turn to one thing: the impending bird season. And for those of us who rely on the keen senses and undying loyalty of a bird dog, this pre-season period is a critical window. It’s not just about dusting off the shotgun; it’s about ensuring our four-legged hunting partners are physically primed, mentally sharp, and ready to perform at their peak when the first flush occurs.
Preparing your bird dog for the hunting season goes beyond a few casual walks or runs. It demands a structured, intentional approach that addresses their physical conditioning, mental preparedness, nutritional needs, and overall well-being. This isn't just about bagging more birds; it's about ensuring your dog's health and maximizing their potential in the field. Here are five key factors to focus on in the weeks leading up to opening day.
1. The Conditioning: Physical Fitness
When a bird dog is working, they're not just running; they’re covering long distances, navigating challenging terrain, and expending incredible amounts of energy. This level of exertion demands a high and varied level of physical fitness. Without it, your dog risks injury, early fatigue, drop in performance, or even worse. (but let’s not think that way).
The mistake many hunters make, myself included sometimes, is waiting until a week or two before the season to ramp up their dog’s exercise. This can likely be a recipe for disaster or at minimum have little benefit come real hunting scenario. Think of it like a human athlete training for a marathon; you wouldn't attempt it without months of progressive training. Your bird dog is no different. Begin your conditioning program weeks, if not months, in advance.
Yes, if you are like me, its hot and you really don’t want to be outside more than you have to. Start small and work when its the most cool; evenings or mornings are best. To build a well-rounded athlete, vary your dog's exercise regime. Start with small short training sessions and gradually build to long-distance runs or walks which are crucial for building aerobic capacity and endurance. Aim for sustained periods of movement, gradually increasing the distance and duration. If you have access to different terrains – open fields, wooded lots, rolling hills – incorporate them to simulate actual hunting conditions. I like to take my dog to the local field trial grounds which are open to running dogs all year long. Be sure to check for scheduled events before heading out. Start with shorter, brisk walks and slowly extend them to several miles. Consider early morning runs when temperatures are cooler, especially if you live in a warmer climate. As Brent emphasizes, he spends "several weeks in the late summer running my dogs multiple miles every day," often driving north to take advantage of cooler temperatures and wild birds. Likewise, sprinting and burst training mimic the varied disbursements of energy required for most bird dogs. If your dog enjoys water, swimming is an excellent, low-impact full-body workout that builds strength and stamina without the concussive forces on joints that running can impose. It's especially beneficial on hotter days when running might be too strenuous. If you can, hill work is a fantastic way to build hindquarter strength and cardiovascular endurance, preparing your dog for the varied topography they'll encounter in the field. Throughout this process, pay close attention to your dog's energy levels, breathing, and overall demeanor during and after workouts. Don't push them too hard, too fast. Signs of overexertion include excessive panting, lagging behind, or reluctance to continue. If you see signs of over exertion, immediately stop and cool your dog however you can. Be sure to always have plenty of water with you. A well-conditioned dog should recover relatively quickly. If you have multiple dogs, rotate them frequently in the field, particularly in early season or warm weather. As the season progresses and conditions cool, you can gradually increase their time in the field.
2. The Foundation: Foot Care and Pad Conditioning
Imagine trying to run a marathon in flimsy shoes, or worse, barefoot on rough terrain. While not exactly the same, that’s essentially what we ask our bird dogs to do if their paw pads aren’t properly conditioned. Their feet are their foundation in the field, and tender, unconditioned paws can quickly lead to painful sores or injuries, sidelining your dog for days or weeks at a time. Just as you build stamina gradually, you need to toughen paw pads incrementally. Don't take a soft-footed dog straight into a briar patch or across rocky terrain. Incorporate walks on abrasive surfaces like dirt roads, gravel paths, or even concrete for short durations; these surfaces naturally abrade and thicken the paw pads. Always check ground temps before walking on any surface, as the ground can often be twice as hot as the ambient temps. You don't need a dog starting out the season with blistered feet. If you have to, start with short distances and gradually increase over weeks. This is a key practice Brent recommends, noting, "In the late summer, I will run my dogs on dirt roads to help get the pads on the bottoms of their feet toughened up and ready for long days on the field." As your dog's paws harden, introduce them to the types of natural terrain they'll encounter while hunting – fields with stubble, light brush, and rocky areas. However, avoid overdoing it, as too much abrasive surface work too quickly can lead to cracks, cuts, and severe lameness. The goal is to build resilience, not injury.
For pre-hunt care and protection, paw balms and waxes can be incredibly beneficial. We use Pad-Tough spray during the preseason to aid in the process. Mushers Secret is also a great product for soothing your dogs paws and conditioning them for rough work. Apply these regularly in the weeks leading up to the season to moisturize and create a protective barrier. For exceptionally rough terrain, icy conditions, or if your dog has a history of paw injuries, hunting booties can offer an invaluable layer of protection; introduce them gradually during training sessions so your dog becomes accustomed to wearing them. If you do use boots, make sure you get ones that breathe easily. Most importantly, conduct regular inspections of your dog’s feet before and after every hunt or training session, carefully examining paws for cuts, cracks, thorns, or any foreign objects. Address any issues immediately, as a small cut left untreated can quickly become infected and incapacitating.
3. The Lifeline: Hydration
Dehydration is a silent killer in the hunting field. A dog can overheat and become dangerously dehydrated even on what seems like a mild day, especially when they are exerting themselves. This is perhaps the single most critical factor for early season safety and sustained performance. Proactive hydration is key; don't wait until your dog is panting excessively or showing signs of dehydration. Ensure your dogs are taking in copious amounts of water a few days before the season opens, meaning fresh, clean water should be readily available at all times. As Brent has often pointed out, ensure your dogs have constant access to water, even at night in crates, especially when traveling. He uses a hanging water bowl clipped to the grate of the door to prevent spilling, noting how much water his dogs consume overnight, ensuring they start the day hydrated and ready. In the field, carry ample water and offer it frequently during hunts. A good rule of thumb is to offer water every 15-20 minutes of active hunting, or more often in hot conditions, and never rely on stagnant puddles or questionable water sources. To encourage drinking, particularly for dogs focused on the hunt, hydration supplements* like K9 Athlete Hydrate & Recover can make water more appealing and provide essential electrolytes and nutrients. This not only encourages fluid intake but also helps prevent dehydration and protects kidneys. Be vigilant and recognize the signs of dehydration and heatstroke: excessive panting, thick ropey saliva, dark gums, lethargy, stumbling, and ultimately, collapse. If you notice these signs, stop hunting immediately, get your dog to a cool, shaded area, and provide water. If symptoms are severe, seek veterinary attention immediately.
4. The CPU: Stimulating The Mind
Physical fitness is only half the battle. A truly effective bird dog also needs to be mentally prepared, with their hunting instincts honed and their obedience sharp. Pre-season is the time to polish those skills and ensure your dog is responsive under pressure. To simulate hunting scenarios, bird flushes and retrieves using training dummies or remote-controlled launchers, even if live birds aren't available. Having a dog that is steady to wing and shot is ideal for safety and efficiency. If you dog is not quite there, practice keeping your dog steady when a bird flushes to prevent breaking, chasing, and potential injury. Reinforce "whoa" and recall commands consistently; a reliable "whoa" is essential for control in the field, and a rock-solid recall ensures your dog will return instantly, regardless of distractions. Practice these commands in increasingly distracting environments. Work on navigational commands like "over," "back," or "come in" to guide your dog through cover and keep them within effective range. Beyond formal drills, you can provide plenty of mental stimulation and focus through puzzle toys, scent work, or exploring new environments, as a mentally engaged dog is often a more focused and responsive dog in the field. Often times it takes mental stimulation to tire a dog just as much as physical exertion.
5. The Support System: Nutrition and Health
Just like your car needs good fuel and regular maintenance, your bird dog requires optimal nutrition and consistent veterinary care to perform at their best. For optimal nutrition, ensure your dog is on a high-quality dog food specifically formulated for active working dogs, which typically have higher protein and fat content to meet increased energy demands*. Here at Pyke, we all feed our dogs Inukshuk dog food. It provides a nutrient dense meal for the dog without having to overfeed. You may also want to use a dietary supplement* like New Dog or a digestion aid like K9 Pro. As you increase activity during pre-season conditioning, you may need to adjust portions to maintain ideal body weight. You may also add in supplements like K9Athlete to enhance digestion and essential vitamins. Most importantly, be prepared in the field by assembling a comprehensive first aid kit specifically for your dog, including items for cuts, scrapes, sprains, and general emergencies, and know how to use each item.
If you are the type that takes your dog(s) to the vet for an annual checkup, schedule your visit for mid to late summer. Doing this will ensure that your vet sees your dog it its condition closest to the season. If any issues arise, you have time to address them properly. You may also ask for vet for prescription drugs to carry with you during the hunting season. Not all vets will grant this, but it doesn't hurt to ask.
Final Thoughts
Getting your bird dog ready for the hunting season is an investment – an investment of time, effort, and care that pays dividends in safety, performance, and shared enjoyment. It’s a commitment to your canine partner, ensuring they are not just capable of the rigors of the field, but truly thrive in their element. By focusing on these five key factors – physical conditioning, meticulous foot care, proactive hydration, skill sharpening, and diligent health management – you’ll ensure that when opening day arrives, both you and your bird dog are not just ready, but truly primed for a successful and memorable season in the uplands. The bond forged through shared pursuits in the field is unlike any other, and a well-prepared dog makes every moment more rewarding.
*information contained in this article is that found through various internet based sources and may not be suitable for every dog. Always consult your veterinarian before using new supplements, medications, food or before starting a strenuous workout routine for your dog.
