The Loadout Room
Menu
  • Shooting
        • Pistol
        • Pistol Accessories
        • Rifle
        • Rifle Accessories
        • Shotgun
        • Machine Guns
        • Air Guns
        • Ammunition
        • Optics and Sights
        • Weapon Lights
        • Tips & How-To
        • Concealed Carry
        • Holsters
        • Suppressors
        • Precision Rifle Shooting
        • Firearms Training
        • 1A Gun to Ride the River With: The Smith & Wesson 686
        • The Tristar folding shotgun is ready for your wilderness adventuresThe Tristar folding shotgun is ready for your wilderness adventures
        • maxim defense cqb stock (8)The Maxim Defense CQB Stock: Short and Sweet
        • Perfecting your zero | A little help goes a LONG wayPerfecting your zero | A little help goes a LONG way
    • Close
  • Gear Reviews
      • Mission Gear
      • Camping Gear
      • Survival Gear
      • Medical Gear
      • Adventure & Travel
      • Knives & Tools
      • Overland
      • Disaster Preparedness
      • Footwear
      • Womens Gear & Clothing
        • RIP-MVehicle Preparedness: Fast access to essential items | Grey Man Tactical RIP-M
        • Midland radioOverland Essential | Midland Radio MXT275 | GXT1000
        • ppGrab your gear and go | Here’s everything you’d need to build an adventure go bag
        • Scrubba Washbag: Keep your clothes clean in the fieldScrubba Washbag: Keep your clothes clean in the field
    • Close
  • Men’s Lifestyle
      • Fitness
      • EDC
      • Eyewear
      • Watches
      • Electronics & Technology
      • Downtime
      • Mens Clothing & Accessories
      • Manly Skills
      • Style & Grooming
      • Gentleman Drinks
      • Crate Club
        • The Outdoor Edge ParaClaw: A concealed stingerThe Outdoor Edge ParaClaw: A concealed stinger
        • How to determine how long you have before the sun setsHow to determine how long you have before the sun sets
        • fireWilderness survival expert breaks down how to build a fire
        • 5.11 Tactical Expedition Long Sleeve Shirt5.11 Tactical Expedition Long Sleeve Shirt, SWAT Tested and Approved
    • Close
  • News
  • Video Demo
  • Shop

How to Select a Hunting Dog

How to Select a Hunting Dog

May 4, 2015 by Robert McCartney 3 Comments

During my tenure with Customs and Border Protection I had the opportunity to work as a K9 Officer. I spent approximately 7 weeks on the East coast learning how to keep up with what my dog already knew (K9 School). My dog was trained to detect narcotics (marijuana, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and ecstasy) as well as concealed humans. I always found it fascinating that a dog could differentiate between people riding in a conveyance, and those who were intentionally concealing themselves for illicit entry into the United States.

My intention with this series is to get you from pup selection through the first 12 months of training your hunting pup. I have a new puppy on the way and I will be following all the same principles that I am writing about. I will draw upon my personal experience as a K9 Officer, information from books and articles, and when I need extreme technical support I will hit up my dad, who is a practicing veterinarian.

Why get a hunting dog? For one, they will make you a better hunter. A dog’s olfactory acuity (sense of smell) allows them to find what we cannot even see. In K9 School, it was explained through the cheeseburger. Where you might smell a cheeseburger, your dog would smell ground cow muscle, pickle, onion, mustard, whole wheat bun toasted, tomato raw… You get the point. Another consideration is the overall enriching experience of working with a dog to achieve a goal.

Gun Dogs: An Introduction
This dog has flushed a pheasant for his hunting partner to knock down. (Image courtesy of gundogmag.com)

How to select a breed? First, you need the right tool for the job. I break gun dogs down into three groups, although there are more complex categorizations available: retrievers, flushing, pointers/setters. Retrievers are typically used to hunt water birds (ducks). These dogs have to be comfortable in water and remain still for long periods. Flushing dogs are used for hunting upland game (grouse, pheasant, etc.). These dogs will remain fairly close to the hunter and assist in aggressively flushing birds. Pointers are also used for upland game, however, when they detect their game they freeze in place (pointing), allowing the hunter to get into a shooting position. This allows them to operate further away from their human partner.

Gun Dogs: An introduction
Retriever waiting in a duck blind. (Image courtesy of greenhead.net)

In addition to these three categories, there are versatile hunting dogs. These dogs were developed to search, point, track and retrieve (from land and water). These breeds are not as acutely developed for a singular task, so they may not display the same intensity (ex. pointing) as the breeds that are subject matter experts. However, they can be used in a more versatile manner.

Learn about the breeds you are interesting in prior to deciding. If possible, find someone with that breed or go visit breeders. Remember that other than the 3-4 months of hunting, this will inevitably and enjoyably be a family or personal pet. Take everything into consideration: kids, exercise requirements, work schedule, typical medical conditions, etc. Once you have done that, then you can move on to selecting a breeder.

(Featured image courtesy of cascadegriffs.com)

Share This

Filed Under: Dogs Tagged With: bird hunting, Dog, gun dog, hunting dog

About the Author

Avatar

Robert McCartney served with the 2nd Ranger Battalion from 2003-2007 where he deployed four times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. He attended Jump school, Ranger school and has served as a riflemen progressing to a team leader. After leaving the Military Robert became a Customs and Border Protection Officer, working at both Seaports and Airports. During his time at CBP he has been utilized as a Range Safety Officer and K9 Handler, and EMT. When not spending time with his wife and kids, Robert spends his time bowhunting in Washington State, and lifting heavy things. Fun Certifications: CF-L1, Firefighter I, EMT. (Instagram: robert.mccartney)

See All Robert McCartney Articles

More From The Loadout Room

Comments

What’s Hot

Top 8 upgrades every Kel-Tec Sub 2000 owner needs: MCARBO parts review
Featured

Top 8 upgrades every Kel-Tec Sub 2000 owner needs: MCARBO parts review

Why .45ACP is an outdated caliber
Ammunition

Why 45 ACP is an outdated caliber

Dogs

Tactipup Extreme Collar and Leash: Tactical dog gear, Perfected

Featured

Stories from Delta Force Selection: When not to dance

What Do You Really Need in Your Trauma Kit?
Medical Gear

IFAK - What do you really need?

Email Newsletter

Sign up to receive email updates daily and to hear what's going on with us!

In Case You Missed It

Gear Reviews

A Gun to Ride the River With: The Smith & Wesson 686

October 9, 2019 Leave a Comment

Camping Gear

The MSR Pocket Rocket | Your little camp dragon

October 8, 2019 Leave a Comment

The Outdoor Edge ParaClaw: A concealed stinger
EDC

The Outdoor Edge ParaClaw: A concealed stinger

October 7, 2019 Leave a Comment

Gear Reviews

A plate carrier for the big boys: AR500’s Testudo Gen 2 is a good pick for large frames

October 7, 2019 Leave a Comment

Get it on Google Play

© Copyright 2021 Crate Club Group · All Rights Reserved.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Advertisers