Dogs are some of the best companions you can have when hunting. Having your faithful friend by your side will always make you feel safe and protected in the harsh and often dangerous wilderness. Plus, your dog can help ensure your hunting trip is successful. When properly trained, a dog can use its exceptional sense of smell to track down the precise location of a wild animal. So, with the aid of your faithful hunting dog, you can locate the game a lot faster and more accurately.
However, when going hunting with your dog you will need to equip him with some purposeful gear – the same way you yourself get prepared for hunting. Some pieces of hunting gear for dogs are absolutely necessary and others can simply make your experience a lot more convenient. That being said, here’s what you need to train and track your hunting dog while also making sure he/she is well-fed and comfortable during the whole experience.
Source: Dog Master
A GPS Dog Tracker
The areas where you’ll be hunting are vast and often covered with thick brush and trees. Although this may make the whole hunting experience a lot more challenging and as such a lot more fun, it can make it hard for you to retrieve your dog when out of its leash. Once you let your dog out of its leash, it will practically disappear into the background. So, finding your own dog can be as difficult as finding game. For that reason, it’s recommended that every hunter attaches a reliable tracking device to his dog.
In the past, hunters used collars with bells. However, these collars would make noise which could alert the game. Plus, bells can only tell you is that your dog is somewhere within earshot, and that’s not a lot of help. And once you have been exposed to loud gunfire, it gets harder and harder to actually hear the sound bells make. But luckily today, there are modern alternatives which are silent, like GPS dog trackers. A GPS dog tracker is a collar that sends signals to a handheld GPS receiver with a screen, allowing you to determine your pet’s exact location and its movements. This kind of dog tracker can successfully locate your companion up to 16 kilometres away, and sometimes even farther depending on the model. As a result, if you want to make sure you never lose your dog on your hunting trips, you may consider buying a good dog tracker.
Source: Pets4Homes
A Dog Whistle
Of course, before you get to hunt with your dog you will need to train him how to understand basic hunting orders. Instead of yelling the orders, you may want to try using an ultrasonic dog whistle. Not only can yelling tire out your voice, but it also doesn’t work over long distances, which would be the case when on a hunting ground. Plus, shouting for your dog can scare off potential game. But an ultrasonic dog whistle, on the other hand, will produce a noise that’s much louder than you can shout, which means that your dog will understand your order clearly. Additionally, the ultrasonic frequency of the whistle can only be heard by your dog, without alerting any other animals in the vicinity.
High Visibility Dog Harness
Wearing high visibility clothing is crucial for your safety when moving around hunting grounds And the same should go for your hunting dog too. To make sure that your companion is safe and visible for you as well as other hunters nearby, you will need to outfit him with a high visibility dog harness. Not only can a fluorescent dog harness make sure that no one mistakes your dog for game, but a good harness can also help protect him against the cold and the bush by providing an extra layer of insulation. It’s important to pick a harness with a bright colour such as red or yellow that will be easy to distinguish at first glance.
Source: Vebo Pet
Dog Boots
Hunting grounds have bushy, thorny and rocky terrain, which can hurt your dog’s feet. For that reason, it’s advisable to protect his feet with a pair of quality outdoor dog boots. Make sure to buy a sturdy pair with soles that are thick enough to provide protection. Also, check whether they’re made of waterproof materials which is crucial if you’re going to a wet area or plan to hunt for waterfowl. If you’re hunting in the winter, you may want to invest in boots with ample insulation to keep the dog’s feet warm.
Travel-Friendly Dog Bowls
All the running around and looking for potential game will make your furry hunting companion hungry and thirsty. That being said, you need to bring along enough food and water to replenish his energy. To avoid taking up too much room in your backpack, pick a bowl that’s specialized for travelling. Many travel-friendly dog bowls are made of silicone and can be easily folded to conveniently fit in your backpack.
