Bird Dog Training

Dog Training Commands A good command to teach first is to "Come". Next you can teach them to "Heel".

People are amazed at watching a well trained bird dog in action. We are often in awe at how well and quickly they obey their owner’s commands. Then we think - How could this be possible? You may wonder if bird dog training will help bring out the best in your dog.

The simple answer is yes, but you have to invest hard.

There are some breeds that have a natural lineage, giving them the ability to becoming a good bird dog. Teaching them to obey basic commands is the best place to start. Professional dog trainers know how very important it is for dogs to understand what it is their owner wants from them. In this type of training, there are main commands that should be mastered by both the owner and the dog.

The "Stay" Command

Teaching your dog to respond to your ’Stay’ command, is very important for them to learn early during training.

Dogs that follow their masters command without hesitation will demonstrate obedience and respect to his owner. Dogs will express obedience to their master by doing whatever they are commanded to do, even if their master walks a great distance before giving the command.

The ’Whoa’ or ’Easy’ command is useful for dogs that are going too far ahead, when the dog is flushing the bird and the owner wants him to stop, or when the dog wants to play with the bird. When this happens it is easier for the owner to come to the dog and reward him for a job well done.

Teaching them to ’Come’

This command simply suggests that the dog should approach you as commanded. The uses of this command are rather simple. A good reason to teach them to come, would be that when retrieving something, they bring it back to you when instructed to do so. Some dogs can be stubborn and may want to play or even begin to go off in another direction. Teaching your dog to ’Come’ will help keep him within the range you need, for them to obey any additional commands.

The ’Heel ’Command

Teaching your dog to respond to the Heel command, is used when wanting them to walk by your side.

It is normally matched with another one-word command such as "okay", or "go" to signal his release. By using this command your dog will know they did a good job during the hunt and you are pleased with them.

Each and every time your dog performs correctly for you as he was instructed, always reward or praise him generously. Fine dogs are born with the instinct to please their owners. When you begin to reward your dog in this way, let him know he is behaving correctly and that you want him to continue that type of behavior. Over a period of time, he will learn to do the same actions for which he was rewarded and praised.

Bird dog training is not easy. It is because of this, there are few well trained bird dogs today. Always be confident that your dog can become a fine hunter if you do what it takes to make him successful, by showing him patience in teaching him to obey basic commands.