Summer is a crucial time for your gun dog. It’s hard to believe but September is less than four months away and what you do now might very well determine the fate of your dog’s upcoming season…
Conditioning is key right now. A lot of dog injuries happen from hunting a dog that is in no condition to hunt. Sitting on the couch all summer and feeding your dog the occasional bag of Cheetos is not going to help Fido out come fall…
It is very important to maintain a decent exercise schedule during the summer months. At the very least, strive to get your dog out on a few thirty minute, off leash runs twice a week to keep their head and heart both happy and healthy.
Summer is also a great time to brush up on a little training! Maybe you’re tired of watching your dog bust birds or failing to honor another dog’s point, now is the time to get out and do some real training.
The warmer months are also a great time for taking your dog out of the field and working on a trained retrieve or force fetch program. This process takes time but after it’s done your dog is simply going to be a polished performer. There is no better time than summer to get your dog force fetched so he is ready to retrieve birds to your hand next fall!
If this summer finds you and your family traveling, be sure to check out our training program. If you are planning on boarding your dog, why not give them the pleasure of getting out and worked on live birds by professional trainers? Next fall your buddies will be impressed and you will watch your bag limits go up!
So this summer be sure to stop by Valhalla on Saturdays for our Gun Dog School of Excellence and inquire about private and monthly training sessions. Next fall our goal is for your favorite gun dog to be the talk of the lodge!
Valhalla Kennels & Gun Dogs