conditioning?

[jimmyp]

So you guys out there that upland hunt your dogs what have you found works best too keep your dogs goin on long hunts? Took my girl out for a put and take and after the first hour we took a break cuz she was run down. Watered and rested then went back out and she started like a champ but slowed down quick. Also do your dogs learn to pace themselves or do you hafta keep em in check? She had been on a few put and takes but this was her first solo hunt in the upland. I'm finding out its a big difference from waterfowl hunting shape to upland. (For both of us. Haha)
Jim

[Mistyriver]

Jim I have been thinking about this a lot lately also. Will be interesting to here some suggestions. My dog gets so jacked up that she is only good for an hour or less also. She is in good shape, not overweight or anything. I thought about putting her on the treadmill. I have heard of folks roading them but that would be hard to do where I live. I really try to hunt upland when it is very cold out so she does not tire out so fast but even that does not always work.

[munsie]

You might try learning to bicycle with your dog. I do it by holding a 4 foot lead and keep the dog on a pinch collar on your left side. You will probably ride with only your right hand on the bars. My bike has a computer on it and we usually gait at about 7 mph. I do this in cool weather for 1-2 miles a few times per week when training. Do not overheat your dog and watch out for her pads. Her feet will have to be conditioned over time, especially if you are running on concrete. Don't run on hot pavement either, obviously. Check the pads periodically if you ride for more than a mile or two and most importantly, do not push her too far too soon. Watch her breathing, her tongue and her speed and don't pull her if she starts to want to slow down - those things will tell you when she is near her limit.

This can be fun for both of you.

[Matt's Grizz]

My dogs get plenty of exercise daily. They go on 30-45 off leash runs at the local ptark, then get some retriever training 4-5 days a week. The problem with this is that dogs just like people get use to this regimen. So a month before hunting season I start lengthening their off leash runs to try to get them up to the time I will be hunting them. I think if you gradually increased the time in the field while hunting, then your dog will be use to it. I think dogs get use to the exercise pretty fast. Just a thought....

[jimmyp]

Well I had been taking her and letting her run here lately at a local park and had been letting her run off leash in some fields. Usually for 1/2hr to an hour. I'm a little leary bout roading dogs due to an incident that occured with a hound when I was a kid. My biggest concern is about whether or not she will learn to pace her self. Once she gets out of the crate after watching me load hunting equipment all morning she's wound tighter than an 8day clock, and when I release her to hunt its like she's been shot out of a cannon for the first 30min or so then she hunts good for another half hour then she struggles. I can't help but think if shed slow down and hunt at a steady half speed she could last a lot longer.
Jim

[jeff t.]

Here's a link to an RTF search that yields multiple threads regarding conditioning.

http://www.retrievertraining.net/for...archid=1007786

[Mistyriver]

Here's a link to an RTF search that yields multiple threads regarding conditioning.

http://www.retrievertraining.net/for...archid=1007786

Hey Jeff, it did not work:

Sorry - no matches. Please try some different terms.

[Flats3]

This was a concern of mine also as my dogs, 10 and 5, were not in top condition because we weren't able to do much summer training. I was reading some of my upland books to refresh myself on techniques and the one thing that hit home was to slow down and stop periodically. This not only made the pheasants more nervous but it also had the benefit of not pushing the dogs quite as hard.

So when we went out I concentrated on this and it helped both the dogs and myself who was also not in hunting condition. I would also call them in a little more frequently for water and a short break before continuing. We hunted for about an hour and a half and then called it quits. It was sunny and in the 60's so I didn't want to push it too much for the first time. In mid season they're normally good for at least 5 hours if I can last and it's not too warm.

Hal

[T-Rav]

for conditioning I try to run him about 2-4 miles 3-4 times a week, sometimes more often but my schedule usually doesnt allow for that. I either run with my pup or I drive my 3-wheeler and cruise along with him (this method usually happens more then me running haha), its best if you can work your dog on grass, avoid concrete, asphalt, gravel, etc.. as they can be very hard on pads of feet and joints. Make sure you pay close attention to your dog and how they are doing, dont over do-it. I hunt ducks and geese alot more then upland but when we do get out upland my dog will NOT pace himself at all and would run himself to death if I wasnt careful so I keep a very close eye on him. Fitness it very very important, if the weather if warm and you are in tall cover the dog will definitely wear out faster.

[jeff t.]

Let's try this again

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http://www.retrievertraining.net/for...d.php?t=27988&


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