Training Hunting Dogs

Training hunting dogs like your Weimaraner, can be very rewarding and lots of fun. Weimaraners work especially well as bird hunting dogs and for rabbit hunting and fox hunting.

If you have a Weimaraner or other hunting breed puppy, you may be looking for hunting dog training tips.

There are some tricks of the trade when training your dog, but there are also a number of dog training aids available.  Hunting dog collars, for example, can help you immensely when getting your dog ready for hunting with you.

Start Training Hunting Dogs Early

Dog breeds and personalities are as unique as people, and Weimaraner hunting dogs are no exception.

Whether you prefer bird hunting, rabbit hunting, or fox hunting, hunting dog training takes time and patience.

However, the most important aspect of training hunting dogs, is the bond that you build between you and your dog.

One of the keys in training a dog for hunting, is to begin training as early as possible.  In the beginning you will teach your dog potty training and house rules, in addition to basic commands like “sit”, “come” and “stay”.

When you puppy responds appropriately to general commands, it’s time to start teaching her commands that you will use, when hunting.  Weimaraner hunting dogs love to please the lead dog – namely you.

Keep in mind that Weimaraners can be a bit headstrong due to their intelligence, but the more you integrate them into your home life, the happier your dog will become.

Remember firm dog training does not mean harsh training. You are building a trusting relationship with your dog. He needs to know the boundaries and what is expected of him, but corrections should be firm, yet gentle.

The dog training system developed by Doggie Dan is very effective and helps you bond immediately with your dog.  It establishes you as the leader, with your dog becoming a delighted follower.

Training Hunting Dogs in the Field

Once the indoor work progresses, it’s time to start training your hunting dog in the field.

Some people get a professional trainer to work with hunting dogs, while others prefer working with their puppy on their own. The advantage to working with your puppy yourself is that you build a bond—and you both learn to work together!

In either case, the first step is controlling and directing your dog in an open area. Start out with simple tasks. Reward success, and repeat…

Weimaraners are unique among hunting dogs in that they can learn to track, flush out game, point and even burrow.

It’s best to work with your dog on one specific task at a time, until she masters it. Then move on to a new skill.

Don’t forget to practice each task that your dog has learned, as you’re training your dog for the next skill.

When you do this, your dog will be immediately successful, before she tries to learn her next skill.

New to Training Hunting Dogs?

If you’re new to dog training consider contacting an AKC (American Kennel Club) for classes for both you and your pup.

The American Kennel Club offers obedience training and hunting and retrieving practice in a non-competitive atmosphere.

Over time, working together on these tasks improves skills for both you and your dog.

In addition to the AKC, there are private clubs for hunters that have areas for training and other hunters with dogs, who will help your dog learn hunting skills.

One of the very best books on training hunting dogs is Game Dog: The Hunter’s Retriever for Upland Birds and Waterfowl.

Training Mature Weimaraner Dogs

Working with adult dogs is more difficult than working with a puppy, and it requires more time.

If your new Weimaraner is a rescue dog, be aware that teaching a mature dog to hunt, if he has emotional issues, may prove to be futile. And, depending on your dog’s experience in previous homes, he may be gun shy or frightened when he is introduced to hunting and guns.

Like any canine, Weimaraner hunting dogs are creatures of habit. Your dog has become used to her home and its surroundings, noises (or lack of them) and routine activities.

If your mature dog has never been around a hunting environment, he or she may become distracted easily or fear the sound of a gun.

However, even if you can’t teach your dog to hunt, if you provide her with plenty of exercise and activity, she will still make an excellent family companion.

Hunting Dog Training Tips for Your Family

Weimaraners were bread to hunt. They have a natural drive for seeking out prey. Even if they are in a fenced area, they’ll seek out rabbits, squirrels, or rats, and bring them to your door.

If you have other pets, it’s important to introduce this breed (to your other pets) as a puppy, and work tenaciously on taming any aggressive behaviors toward your other pets inside the home.  The Doggie Dan System can help you with this.

Keep in mind that, A Weimaraner, left unchecked, will consider your cat or small dog to be his prey.  Address this early, and it won’t become a problem.

Most of all, whether you are inside or outside, you must always remain the pack leader for the greatest success with this breed.

If you would like detailed information on training hunting dogs, a great resource, perhaps the best book on the market for training hunting dogs is: Game Dog: The Hunter’s Retriever for Upland Birds and Waterfowl.