Dog Conditioning

[KDM]

Hey Fellas, just a reminder to NOT forget about your canine hunting partners when it comes to getting in shape for the season. Grouse and Partridge seasons are only a month or so away and Doves are right around the corner. I've been taking Herc out the last few days for 2 mile walks on section lines and I can tell we are BOTH NOT READY to chase any of those birds yet, let alone chase those running roosters. Bring lots of water for both of you as Herc and I go through anywhere from 3-6 bottles per walk. Take care of your hunting partners so they can take care of you. Be Safe!!!!

 

[RustyTackleBox]

any recommendations on making a dog fat and lazy so I can keep up with him? lol#$%^&>

 

[D-Racer]

Potato chip and beer works for me.

 

[Fly Carpin]

Physical training and skills training happens year round for me. Labs get real fat real quick otherwise

 

[Captain Ahab]

My buddy is physically good, but toughening the pads needs to be done. Nothing worse than having them blow a pad in the field.

 

[LBrandt]

Year round conditioning weather permitting for my lab.

 

[Kurtr]

My guy comes with on all the hikes getting ready for out west. He is ready to go. Little dummy training tonight and just excited at 8 as he was when he was a pup.

 

[Duckslayer100]

My buddy is physically good, but toughening the pads needs to be done. Nothing worse than having them blow a pad in the field.

http://www.wildfowlmag.com/dogs/get-your-dogs-feet-in-shape/

 

[FishSticks]

I take my 2 year old lab on bike rides when it's not too hot out, we don't go very far but we move pretty fast. Weekends he swims and runs around at the lake all weekend.

 

[guywhofishes]

Harvested canola is great for doves... but those stems are NASTY!

 

[Duckslayer100]

Even though GWPs are a lean breed, they can get lazy like any dog. I've found that the best way to exercise them is regular training, mixed with runs a few times a week. Training is a given, and the runs keep us all in shape.

 

[wildeyes]

Dog and master get workouts every day we both need it.

 

[DirtyMike]

I make my daily goal to get my dog to stop running. She's good to go. It's myself that needs some better discipline. Treadmill and stair climber are only doing so much.

 

[BBQBluesMan]

This will be the first hunting season in over a decade that my favorite hunting pal will not be able to partake in chasing feathered critters. The arthritis in my labs hips has become terrible and he just won’t be able to hunt this year and has been officially retired to a house dog. Just plain sucks as he still has the spirit, but his body just won’t be able to take it. Going to be tough when he sees the gun and can’t come with. My favorite part about bird hunting is watching and working with the dog. Sigh…

 

[shorthairsrus]

Ribs r showing. Wish mine were

 

[Kurtr]

This will be the first hunting season in over a decade that my favorite hunting pal will not be able to partake in chasing feathered critters. The arthritis in my labs hips has become terrible and he just won’t be able to hunt this year and has been officially retired to a house dog. Just plain sucks as he still has the spirit, but his body just won’t be able to take it. Going to be tough when he sees the gun and can’t come with. My favorite part about bird hunting is watching and working with the dog. Sigh…

I hear ya on that first time in 12 years winston wont be with on opening day. He will be chasing the fields full of roosters up in heaven

 

[NDSportsman]

Yeah my 12 yr old black lab won't be doing much this year either. It's gonna kill him and me but his shoulders are getting too bad.

 

[Ponyroper]

Lost my dog Whitney this winter. She started hunting at 11 months and worked her heart out for me for 15 years. Felt so bad that she couldn't go when she was 16 so maybe it was best she didn't last much past that season. She wasn't a house dog and she was lost that last year with nothing to look forward to. Where ever she is now she's got a rooster in her mouth and she's looking for me.

 

[cooter00]

I take my griffons swimming pretty much every day or at least every other they stay in good shape but me on the other hand could use a little conditioning lol but that's why I got pointers they wait for me

 

[shorthairsrus]

we have had some nice dog condition weather. Last night was awesome. She only panted for a few minutes following a bike ride. Nice cool n wind.

Keep in mind though it is still august --- my brother did burn out his dogs kidneys and she died following an excercise. Generally I like to take the hose before real cold water comes out - and soak the stomach, kidney area and around her neck and chest after a long ride.