Great Outdoors
My new bird dog is still too little to hunt
I wish I could have timed it better this year, but my new bird dog wasn’t born in time to get out and actually hunt this season. He’s coming along nicely in his training, and […]
hunting dog
Great Outdoors
All dogs are not created equal
My first Golden Retriever, Cricket, was a nearly perfect dog. Her only flaws were that she would tear up something that had my scent on it if I left her in the house for too […]
Great Outdoors
Is your retriever as big a fan of the cold as you are?
Ducks Unlimited has a great library of excellent tips for hunting on its website. You don’t have to be a member to access most of the advice, but if you do join, your membership fees […]
Great Outdoors
I’d forgotten how much work puppies are
I’d forgotten how much work it is having a puppy in the house. I haven’t been this sleep deprived since my kids were little. It’ll be worth it when he gets a little bigger, starts […]
Great Outdoors
Sunday’s the day — I get my new hunting dog
Before you start making fun of me for picking the wrong breed of dog for a hunting dog, just know I don’t care. I don’t need the most amazing hunting dog ever to grace the […]
Great Outdoors
Your next great dog could come from a pound
Probably the most common way to get a hunting dog is to go to a breeder. It’s also probably the most reliable. Dogs that come from reputable kennels have pedigrees that prove their family track […]
Great Outdoors
There are great gifts out there for your dog
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – and I’m sure my wife will agree: I’m not a good Christmas shopper when it comes to finding good gifts for people. However, I believe […]
Great Outdoors
Missing my bird dog more than usual today
On a cold morning 15 years ago, I made the trip out to Albin to bring home the best bird dog I’ve ever had. She wasn’t the best bird dog ever – don’t think I’m […]
Great Outdoors
I wish there were a market for dog hair
My Australian Shepherd sheds enough in the fall to make a new dog every week. It doesn’t matter if I brush her every single day, and even multiple times a day. She just sheds. A […]
Great Outdoors
Training a hunting dog is an excuse to get outside more
I got a black Lab a few years ago, and I immediately started working on her hunting ability. I think she’s hopeless as a hunting dog, but I keep trying to turn her into one […]