Gundog Puppy Training Tip ~ Keep up the Basics

Gundogs will forget commands and skills if they aren't practiced. Even after shooting season ends, practice with your dog in your garden and take it to the field whenever you can. Keep practice sessions short. They should last only 30 to 45 minutes for an adult retriever. If they are any longer, your retriever could get bored and distracted. In addition to retrieving, keep your dog up-to-date on its basic obedience skills. Include commands such as "heel" "sit" and "stay" in its daily routine. Take it on walks to secluded areas where you can let it off the lead. If it gets used to being confined, it might wander off when the shooting season finally does come around. Off-lead, retrieving and basic obedience skills should all be practiced year-round..