Roading Your Bird Dog
Every fall hundreds of bird dogs are killed or are permanently disabled needlessly
by their owners. These dogs die of
heart failure, dehydration, heat
exhaustion and complications from
overexertion. Their owners are
either too lazy or are ignorant to the
fact that you cannot take an out of
shape bird dog out on opening day
and expect them to perform well. It
is no different that asking the dog’s
out of shape owners to run a
marathon. Many would also die of
heart attacks, strokes or heat
exhaustion. A bird dog, whether it is
in top condition or over weight will
hunt itself to death for its owner.
A competent bird dog owner will not risk letting his hunting dog die needlessly in a selfish
manner. This time of year it is hot and difficult to train your dog during the midday.
However you can get up before dawn and road your hunting dog and yourself for an hour.
Roading used to be done with horses at dawn to get the dogs in shape and now days some
trainers use 4 wheelers for the same job. However you can spend an hour with your bird
dog pulling you a mile at dawn, it will do wonders for both of you. Spend a few dollars and
get a harness for this purpose. Do not use a choke collar and always carry water. It is real
easy to teach a good bird dog to drink from a water bottle. Remember this is not a stroll
around the block but an exercise session for you and your hunting dog. Keep the pace up
but make sure your hunting dogs works hard pulling you along. Your bird dog will love it
and you can add some obedience refresher training as well as reinforcing the whoa
command when you are done with your workout.
After a couple of weeks when the fall temperatures begin to drop your bird dog will be
ready to do some field work. Keep your work outs to less than 30 minutes to begin with
especially if the temperatures are above 75 degrees. Again frequently offer water to your
hunting companion. Your goal should be to have your dog work birds at normal speed for
about an hour and a half in cool weather. Frequent rest in the shade even if it is the shade
from your body is important. Watch your dog’s diet and feed your dog prior to roading,
field training and hunting. Many people miss this important point. Some feel you should
feed your bird dog after you have work them but your hunting dog will not perform without
the necessary body fuel.
If you have more than one bird dog you should rotate your dogs every 30 to 45 minutes.
Dogs that are kenneled in your vehicle or trailer should have lots of ventilation and shade.
In the south where weather is warmer quail dogs are rotated and rested about every 30
minutes. If your bird dog become fatigued take a break with water and walk your dog at
heel back to the vehicle. If you have a bird dog then the hunt is about the dog work not
about how much ground you cover or how many birds you put up. As any US Marine
Platoon Sergeant knows that “if you take care of your people they will take care of you” It
is the same for bird dogs. If you take care of them then they will hunt hard and efficiently
for you. Remember never over hunt your bird dog, hunt an over weight or out of shape
hunting dog. You could kill them.
Roading Your Bird Dog