Complete Guide to Pheasant Dog Training and Care

Getting a pheasant dog is a big decision, and it's essential to do your research before bringing one home. Pheasant dogs are a specific breed, requiring specialized care and training.

Pheasant dogs are bred to hunt pheasants, and their energetic and curious nature makes them perfect for active families. They need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.

With the right training, pheasant dogs can learn to be gentle and well-behaved companions. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key to successful pheasant dog training.

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Training your pheasant dog is a journey that requires quality leadership and training from you, the owner. Start training your dog as a puppy for best results, but don't worry if you have an older dog - they can learn new tricks, it just might take a bit more time.

Positive reinforcement is the best way for dogs to learn. Rewarding good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior will help your dog learn faster and develop better field habits.

It's always best to start training early, but with patience and consistency, you can teach an old dog new tricks.

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Desire to hunt is a crucial aspect of a pheasant dog's training. A dog with a burning desire to hunt pheasants is essential for success in the field.

According to Rick Van Etten, editor of Gun Dog Magazine, desire to find pheasants is one of the main factors in making a good pheasant dog. A dog's desire to hunt can be described as its wild enthusiasm to find gamebirds of any kind.

You can't 'teach' desire to a pheasant dog, but you can 'enhance' it by giving your dog lots of exposure to ringnecks. This is the advice of Jim West, a full-time trainer at Wild West Kennels in Sidney, Iowa.

To enhance desire, have some training sessions at a hunting preserve using pen-raised, released pheasants. Most commercial preserves have lots of birds, good habitat, and a season that typically runs from September 1 to March 31.

Here are some benefits of using a hunting preserve for training:

Remember to have control over your dog with a check cord or an e-collar, especially as your pointer or flusher quickly develops a burning desire to hunt pheasants.

Size matters in training, and it's not just about the dog's size, but also its ability to adapt to the terrain.

Professional trainer John Haugland favors Chesapeake Bay retrievers for hunting in snow-choked cattail marshes because they're durable and can withstand harsh conditions.

Dogs like Haugland's Chesapeake Bay retrievers can handle strong winds and blizzards without flinching.

Anthony Hauck, on the other hand, swears by his English cocker spaniels, which are perfect for finding pheasants in the same tunnels they use.

These smaller dogs are also more fuel-efficient, eating less than their larger counterparts.

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Training your pheasant dog to "hunt dead" on command is fairly easy, according to John Luttrell, head dog trainer at Oak Tree Hunting Lodge in Clark, South Dakota. This means your dog will find a dead rooster whether they've actually seen it fall or not.

To teach your dog to "hunt dead", start by taping some dried out rooster wings to a retrieving dummy, either canvas or plastic type. Throw the dummy on the lawn in your yard so your dog will get enthusiastic about finding and retrieving it.

Once your dog dependably finds the dummy in the grass on command, move to a cattail slough next to a road where you and your dog can see over and into the cover. Throw the dummy up close then far out each time saying "dead bird." After several repetitions, most pheasant dogs will get real good at finding the dummy and eventually dead roosters no matter where you drop them.

Keep the dummy with the taped on pheasant wings in your vehicle at all times so you and your dog can practice the "dead bird" routine at every opportunity. Alternatively, consider buying Tom Dokken's Dead Fowl Trainer "Pheasant", which has the look, feel, weight, and size of a real rooster.

A great hunting dog is the product of quality leadership and training from their owner. It's always best to start training your pheasant hunting dog as a puppy, but you can teach an old dog new tricks, just might take some more time.

The best way for dogs to learn is through positive reinforcement, rewarding positive behavior rather than punishing for bad behavior. This will help your dog learn faster and create better field habits.

Desire to find pheasants in the field is one of the main factors in making for a good pheasant dog. A dog with a burning desire to hunt for these birds in all types of habitat and in all kinds of conditions is essential.

To enhance the desire to hunt pheasants, give your pointing or flushing dog lots of exposure to ringnecks. You can do this by having some training sessions at a hunting preserve using pen-raised, released pheasants.

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At Northern Plains Outfitters, Inc., a well-trained dog is essential for a successful pheasant hunt. Their Started Dogs are trained in obedience, including responding to commands like Sit, Here, Heel, Place, Whoa, and Kennel.

Their training program also focuses on Collar Conditioning, where the dog learns to respond positively to E-Collar Pressure. This helps the dog to stay focused and respond to commands in the field.

A good pheasant dog should have the natural ability to intelligently search for gamebirds by quartering through the field in a methodical pattern. This means covering the field in a regular and purposeful way, rather than running erratically.

To develop this skill, training during the hunting season and throughout the year can improve the dog's innate traits. This can be achieved by gradually introducing the dog to birds, starting with fun activities like finding and chasing them.

To lead your pheasant hunting dog effectively, you need to be calm and assertive. This means using a stable, commanding voice with no hints of doubt or indecisiveness. Dogs can read your body language, so it's essential to maintain a calm and assertive demeanor.

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Here are the key aspects of a Started Dog's training program at Northern Plains Outfitters, Inc.:

Feeding your pheasant dog one time in the evening instead of the morning can be beneficial for their energy levels and endurance. This allows for greater use of carbohydrates for energy generation, which is ideal for a dog that will be exercising in the morning.

Feeding 17 hours or more before exercise results in greater use of fat as energy, which can be uncomfortable for dogs while running around. It makes sense that a full stomach might not be ideal for a dog that needs to be agile and quick.

Take note of your dog's response to this new feed-time system, and adjust accordingly. If they're responding well, you can make it a part of their full-time routine.

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Feeding your upland dog in the evening instead of the morning can have a significant impact on their energy levels and endurance.

Research suggests that feeding dogs 17 hours or more before exercise results in greater use of fat as energy compared to feeding six hours before exercise.

This means that your dog will have a more efficient energy source for hunting, which is especially important for upland hunting where dogs need to run and chase birds.

Feeding your dog in the evening also makes sense from a practical standpoint, as it's less likely to cause discomfort while they're roosting pheasant.

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Staying in Shape is crucial for your hunting dog's overall health and fitness. It's easy to forget that all dogs need to build up their physical fitness and endurance.

A 20-30 minute walk or jog is an ideal exercise routine for your hunting dog. This can be done in the morning or evening to avoid the heat of the day.

Taking your dog swimming is a great way to keep them in shape. It's also a fun way to give them a full-body workout.

Exercising with your dog can be a great motivator to get you back in shape if you've fallen out of it.

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Keeping your pheasant hunting dog hydrated is crucial, especially in extreme heat. Over 100 gundogs died on a South Dakota pheasant hunting weekend due to heat and lack of conditioning.

Take water from home and ensure you have enough for you and your pup. Don't forget to pack it in your hunting gear.

Dogs don't react to and benefit from electrolytes the same way humans do, so sports drinks like Gatorade might not be the best choice.

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Pheasant dog training requires patience and consistency, as we've learned from the importance of establishing a strong bond with your dog.

With a solid foundation in place, you can start training your pheasant dog to follow commands and track scents effectively.

The use of positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, is crucial in this process.

Remember, pheasant dogs are bred for hunting, so it's essential to introduce them to the sights and sounds of the field early on.

By following these steps and being mindful of your dog's individual needs and personality, you can develop a loyal and skilled hunting companion.