How to Choose the Best Game Dog Breeds

The training for this role begins before the pup is born. Choosing the correct breed and temperament is crucial, even when unable to buy a pup from a champion line.

It is best to begin, if possible, by choosing a dam and sire. It is preferable that the parent’s are gaming dogs themselves, but if not, they should be active, alert and amenable to training.

It is important to remember that some pups don’t have the inclination or temperament to be working dogs, no matter how well chosen the parents were. This limitation cannot be surmounted by any amount of training.

You'll also need to be definitive in what you intend to use the dog for. Flushing dogs stay close to the hunter, typically within a few dozen yards. Spaniels are often seen in this role.

Pointing dogs have the role of finding birds, then holding a point until the hunter arrives to flush them. Many pointers will also be trained to retrieve downed birds.

As suggested by the name, true retrievers find downed birds and retrieve them. This can require moving through thick, tall brush or swimming out in water you would find too cold and fetch a bird.

Once you've chosen a breed and found a pup, it will take several months to determine whether it can be trained in the role. While important, intelligence and a willingness to learn are not the only factors. It must also be able to take instruction and not become distracted easily. Puppies tend to be active and easily distracted at first. Only time will determine whether that energy can be directed to suit your goals.

When you've concluded you have a good candidate - healthy, good stamina, responsive to commands, eager to please - real training can begin.

As with any training, the basic commands are taught first. Just as they’re used at home, they'll be needed out in the brush or woods. Sit (or hup), stay, leave it, drop, down and a number of specialized behaviors will all be used.

Added to those elementary tasks, a pointer will need to be taught self-restraint. It should locate and point, not flush game early. A retriever needs to locate, retrieve and then release the game. A candidate fails when they insist on retaining game, or put up a struggle.

Training is normally required for at least an hour every day, preferably two in separate one-hour sessions. ‘Started’ dogs can be bought, for a substantial price, for those who haven't the time, expertise or patience for initial training. A 'started' dog is one bought slightly older and already trained up to a point.

The training received will vary distinctively, so don't be shy when asking for details regarding the training program. It is not unusual to be charged $2,000 for a ‘started’ dog, two or three times the cost of an already expensive pup. You want to make sure you're getting your money's worth.

To ensure the dog is able to carry out its intended duties, even a ‘started’ pup will require further intensive training.

         

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