HUNTINGsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Hunting dogs are used to flush, drive and search for game animals. If properly trained up, they’ll also retrieve dead or wounded birds and point out game birds like pheasants, ruffed grouse and woodcock.

As long as they’re well-trained and in good shape, hunting dogs can be a really effective hunting tool—and man’s best friend makes for good company out there in the woods.

Old Dawgs

Here’s something to think about: Hunters wear ear protection to keep from going deaf from exposure to firearms, but dogs don’t. So, you can bet that your old hunting dog will have some serious difficulty hearing anything from all the years spent standing beside you… and your firearm. Understand that a deaf dog is a wandering hazard in the field and know when it’s time to retire your dog to the sunny spot on the front porch.

Check This Out: Lap Dogs Belong On Laps

Putting a camouflage collar on a Chihuahua doesn’t make it a hunting dog. Not all dog breeds are meant for hunting. Having said that, even dogs that are a good breed for hunting should be left at home if they aren’t properly trained. If your dog freaks out at the sound of a gunshot and isn’t trained to stay at your side, you’ll be frustrated and it could make for a dangerous situation.