Choosing a hunting dog as a puppy is a very important decision in the life of a hunter. Adopting a puppy means committing to a relationship that will last for many years. Choosing the breed, picking the puppy, and welcoming the dog into your home, we will try to guide you in the choice of your future hunting companion.
The first choice to make is the breed. Coursing dog, pointing dog, bushwhacker, or retriever? hunters, depending on their type of game, already have to think about what they are going to require from their faithful companion. A small game hunter on the lowlands is more likely to choose a group 7 pointing dog. A big game hunter will be more likely to opt for a group 6 coursing dog, a terrier, or dachshund from groups 3 and 4. Finally, a waterfowl hunter will be able to choose a breed from group 8 of retrievers.
Once you've made your choice of breed, you'll need to find a litter with available puppies. There are several ways to find an available litter. Breed clubs, breeders, social network pages and groups specialising in hunting dogs, advert sites, and also word of mouth from other hunters in your area. Nowadays, thanks to the internet, you can easily find information about the progenitors and easily consult the pedigree of the puppies. Be sure to check the hunting ability of both of the parents. Collect all relevant information to guide your choice. This includes taking part in working tests, obtaining titles, and ensuring that the parents are credited with a particular game species when hunting. Don't hesitate to go and see the breeders and meet the owners.
You shouldn't just decide on a puppy on a whim. There are several things to consider before making a commitment:
- choose the gender: in general, females are smaller and thinner than males when fully grown. Take into consideration that females have periods of heat that can occur during the hunting season.
- check the puppy's way of moving: get down on your knees and make the puppies come towards you. They should move smoothly without any problems. Take the opportunity to make sure they are not limping.
- notice which puppy responds best to your prompting. Try to see which one is the most dynamic, which one seems to fit your wishes, your character. Take this opportunity to play with the puppies to check whether they can hear and see well.
- observe the health of the puppies: check the puppies' nose, it should be wet and cold. Take the opportunity to inspect the condition of the eyes, which should be free of redness and tears. The puppies' skin should be clean and free of scabs.
We mentioned character. You can test the puppies' temperament by playing in the middle of the litter. Take a toy, wave it around to see how the puppies react. The dominant characters will come to you and try to take the toy. They will most likely push the other puppies aside to get it. The dominated ones will either give in or withdraw from the game and step aside. It is now up to you to decide which character you would like to see in your future hunting dog.
You've chosen your puppy. It will soon arrive at your home. In order for this welcoming phase to go as smoothly as possible, you need to prepare for its arrival.
First of all, it's important to inform all the members of your family so that everyone plays a role in welcoming the puppy. For example, you can involve the children by asking them to put away any small toys that could be swallowed by the puppy. For your part, you can make sure that the puppy is not exposed to dangerous products, sharp objects, or medications. You should also take the time to put away any fragile objects the puppy might knock over and any heavy objects that might fall on it.
Once all the items have been put away, you can prepare a space for your dog. You should put its bed, its bowls, and its toys in a quiet place. It is best to choose a corner of the room, where there is the least amount of people coming and going. This will allow it to see you but also to rest quietly without being disturbed. A rule to remember, especially for your children: a dog that is resting in its basket should be left alone!
You can let him sleep in a crate or a travelling crate. The puppy will quickly get used to this enclosed space and make it its haven. Knowing that it is in a safe place, you can sleep more peacefully yourself.
In conclusion, choosing a hunting dog as a puppy is an important moment in the life of a hunter and their family. Choosing the breed, the litter, the puppy, preparing for its arrival, and welcoming it home are all important steps in creating the best possible relationship.
And you, have you welcomed a puppy into your home lately?What additional advice would you give to our readers?