To Own Or Not To Own A Sporting Dog

The working Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds on the planet, and there are many reasons for this title! Labradors, by breed definition, are well-rounded, even-tempered, and hardworking family dogs with an innate desire to please. But did you know that Labradors are also high energy, high drive, and hard-charging? They can be vocal, diggers and chewers?  That they require a lot of exercise and a job to do?  

The fact that Labs were the #1 AKC breed on the planet for decades has been a blessing and a curse for the Labrador Retriever (and I lump Goldens into this group as well) because owners have equated their easy-going obedient nature with ease of ownership. The two are mutually exclusive. This great and popular breed has been loved by many but has also shown up more frequently at shelters and rescues because the essence of what a working Lab is, and what he is, is often overlooked. 

So you want to go one step further than owning one of the most popular dog breeds on the planet and venture into the sporting dog world, or train your dogs to hunt? You will need to make some very specific decisions that will increase your chances of success. Planning to train your dog for competitions and hunting takes a great deal of time, effort, and resources so a plan is required because there are no “do-overs” in the dog world, and time is of the essence. 

It’s no secret that dogs spend so little of their life in puppyhood, so the best dog training plan and strategy for dog training is necessary. In our podcast this week, I detail a sample ownership roadmap to help get you going in the right direction before getting your puppy. Deciding what you will be training your dog to do is the cornerstone of your dog training plan for success. Whether you want your dog to be a good family pet or a stellar hunting dog you will need to plan appropriately to be sure that your dog training plan is age-appropriate, and that you are not playing catch up when hunting season comes or hunt test season kicks off. 

So what does the ideal training plan for dogs look like? It starts with a pedigree, and the AKC breeder registry is an excellent place to start. A dog’s pedigree will tell you what kind of start he will have in life based on his dame or sire. The best sporting dogs usually come from solid field trial or hunt test lines because a dog’s genetics give him the athletic blueprint to be a solid sporting or hunting dog with the right drive and desire. 

A solid pedigree is a strong indicator of the temperament and athleticism of your pup. It isn’t a guarantee of success, but it is a solid foundation on which you can build. However, no one can accurately predict how those genes will carry a dog to a successful career because, without proper training, a dog’s full potential can not be realized. The next step in your plan should include a good trainer if you will not be training the dog yourself, which is the ultimate goal, in my opinion. 

How do you go about selecting the right trainer? Do your research! It is critical that you talk with fellow competitors and check the records of your trainer, such as how many dogs they pass out of the total number of dogs entered in hunt tests. Or, how many new champions are made at their kennel year after year, not just repeat champions.  The same should be studied on the field trial side; how many trials are won? How many dogs are placed at a trial? Competition records are important for pros because it shows that money and time invested are well spent and that the trainer has the integrity to tell you if your hard-earned dollars are being well spent on a dog. 

 A trainer must be direct and honest with his clients, and if a dog can not compete at a certain level, be clear with that dog’s owner about expectations.  You should visit the trainer’s kennel and place of business before sending your dog off – you have to be sure that the kennel meets your standards, and don’t assume that a popular trainer or kennel does just that without inspecting it first. 

These are just a few essential beginnings for your dog, and it starts before your new puppy comes home. Overall, it’s important that you get serious and commit to the best possible outcome for the dog you select to bring into your family for the health and happiness of the dog and your family.