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Jesse's Hunting > A Gun Dog's Life > Articles > Getting Ready for Field Trial and Hunting Season
Getting Ready for Field Trial and Hunting Season
Bryce Mann - JHO ProStaff
- Tollhouse, CA
October 19, 2007
Well it is that time of year again. The weather is beginning to change with the onset of cooler days and a little precipitation. The dry grass is beginning to soften and lay down. Hunt clubs are beginning to open. Pheasants, chukar, and quail are on the minds of gundogs and hunters alike. Trainers are busy with pre-season tune ups. Local clubs and groups like QU are beginning to hold competitive events in the uplands, which serve to be a good time, as well as putting much needed funds into conservation efforts.
While attending one of these events I was stopped and asked by several dog owners for recommendations on the preparations and training needed to enter a dog in future events. My answer is, train for the same skills and drills that you would for a regular hunting season or day in the field. The exception is that you should also be drilling for a quick response and fast action, as most of these competitive events are timed. I would practice whistle and hand signals. Marking and retriever practice is always needed as well… but there’s nothing much new there.
Get Ready for the Season
Proper grooming not only makes your dog look great in the field, it can actually help with performance and health. |
While speaking with some of these gun dog owners, I noticed a much overlooked area. The owners of long haired and wire haired breeds seem reluctant to groom their dogs for the field.
One fellow I spoke with shows his dog on the bench in the sporting group and hunts at the same time. Owners who choose this dual line of field and show are in for lots of work to keep the dog looking good and at the same time keeping the dog safe. Burrs, stickers and foxtails are of great concern to all owners of gun dogs. They can create large matted tangles of fur, along with possible injuries to skin, eyes and ears.
Most of these types of injuries can be avoided by proper grooming. I would recommend that a professional groomer who is familiar with sporting breeds and “field cuts” make the initial cut, which can be maintained throughout the hunting season. This should include a close cut of the dog’s entire underside, inside of the legs and underside of the earflaps. Removal of long hair from the ear canal and hair from between toes and pads helps to cut down on injuries from foreign objects. A medium to short cut on top and sides makes grooming easier, but remember; dogs with fair skin still need protection from the sunny days and some breeds have thinner skin and need a little added protection from heavy brush along their top line.
Owners and handlers this time of year are looking for new gear and clothing to make their days in the field more enjoyable. Please do not forget your four legged friend and make their days easier too ….see a groomer for a “field cut”.
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