Shed Hunting Dog Training from Start to Finish

Shed hunting dog training is a journey that requires patience, persistence, and positive reinforcement. A well-trained shed dog can be a game-changer for any hunter, but it starts with the basics.

The first step in training a shed dog is to introduce them to the concept of finding and retrieving small objects, such as balls or toys. This helps build their sense of smell and encourages them to use their nose to locate items.

A good shed dog should be able to follow a scent trail for at least 100 yards, but with consistent training, they can learn to follow a trail for miles.

Before you begin training your shed hunting dog, it's essential to have a few basic things in place. You'll need a suitable location for training, such as a field or a wooded area with plenty of underbrush.

The ideal time for training is early morning or late afternoon when the air is cooler and the scent is more pronounced. This allows your dog to focus on the task at hand.

Your dog should be at least six months old and have a good basic obedience foundation before starting shed hunting training. This will make the learning process much smoother and more enjoyable for both of you.

You'll also need to introduce your dog to the concept of following a scent trail, which can be done by hiding treats or toys with a strong scent and encouraging your dog to find them.

Most hunting companions have a natural drive to retrieve, making them excited about finding antlers.

A simple game of fetch builds a foundation that gets them started on this journey.

Playing fetch with a shed helps develop their drive for antlers, and plastic training antlers can be used with an added shed scent to prevent mouth pokes from sharp tines on real antlers.

For more insights, see: Training a Dog to Retrieve

Choosing the right dog for shed hunting is crucial.

Peak shed hunting is a short season, so it's better to focus on finding a dog that's well-rounded and has a good temperament, rather than one that's specifically bred for the task.

Jeremy Moore, a professional trainer, recommends dogs that are eager to please their owners.

Retrievers are a great option because they're natural hunters and instinctively want to bring things back to their owners, making training easier.

In fact, Moore prefers dogs from United Kingdom field-trial stock, as they tend to do well with shed hunting and family life.

Training an older dog can sometimes be easier than training a puppy, as Moore learned from his experience with an 8-year-old Lab that became his main bird dog and shed dog.

Building a foundation with your hunting companion is key to a successful hunting experience. Most hunting companions have a natural drive to retrieve, which can be encouraged or developed with a shed.

Playing a simple game of fetch is a great way to build this foundation. This gets them excited about finding antlers and lays the groundwork for future training.

Plastic training antlers are available to use with an added shed scent when starting a new dog. This helps prevent mouth pokes early on from potentially sharp tines on antlers.

A real shed can be introduced at any time when the dog's drive for antlers is high.

Here's an interesting read: When to Start Dog Obedience

Exercise and training are essential for a shed hunting dog. Building a foundation is crucial, and most hunting companions have a natural drive to retrieve.

Start by playing a simple game of fetch to build a foundation that gets them excited about finding antlers. This is easy to encourage or continue to develop with a shed. Plastic training antlers are available to use with an added shed scent when starting a new dog.

As you progress, you'll want to introduce real sheds to your dog. This can be done at any time when the dog's drive for antlers is high. A great way to do this is to hide the antler out of the dog's line of sight and let them work the area.

The goal is to encourage the hunt drive, so only give hand signals or cues if they struggle. Increase the difficulty as the dog gains confidence and learns to use their nose for sheds. This transitions naturally into finding antlers on your first hunt.

To avoid confusion, it's essential to provide distinct commands for shed hunting versus upland bird hunting. This eliminates confusion and increases communication on expectations with your athlete.

Additional reading: Why Use a Clicker for Dog Training

Start with short, frequent rewards to keep your dog engaged and motivated during shed hunting training. This is especially true for young dogs or those with short attention spans.

Use a whistle or a specific command to signal the end of a training session, helping your dog learn to associate the end of the session with the reward.

Choose a consistent location for training to help your dog learn to generalize the behavior. Consistency is key when training a shed hunting dog.

Keep training sessions short and fun, ending on a positive note to leave your dog eager to learn more. This will help prevent boredom and frustration.

Use high-value rewards, such as chicken or cheese, to motivate your dog during training. These rewards will help your dog associate the behavior with a positive outcome.

Gradually increase the difficulty of training by introducing new environments, distractions, and shed types. This will help your dog generalize the behavior and become a skilled shed hunter.

Use a "find it" command to encourage your dog to search for shed, helping them develop their problem-solving skills and nose work. This command can be a game-changer in shed hunting training.

Related reading: What Is Positive Reinforcement Dog Training

The goal of shed hunting is to encourage the hunt drive in your dog, which means allowing them to use their nose to find sheds without giving them away.

This process involves hiding the antler out of the dog's line of sight and letting them work the area, increasing the difficulty as they gain confidence.

A bird dog's drive for a living, breathing prey is unmatched, so it's essential to provide distinct commands for shed hunting versus upland to eliminate confusion.

Reinforcing a consistent retrieve is crucial for any hunting dog, and shed hunting is no exception, reminding the dog that chasing deer is never tolerated.

Shed hunting keeps the handler and dog conditioned, while also encouraging the dog to continue utilizing their nose, making it a great way to prepare for bird hunting in the fall.