Many people think that golden retrievers are just family dogs. There is no doubt that they are loving, caring, friendly and family dogs. But Golden retrievers were actually bred as hunting dogs a lot of years ago.
They have a natural strong hunting instinct. Because of this hunting instinct they can become excellent hunting dogs. Now they are mostly used as a family dog. But they can easily become hunting dogs by proper training.
Why Golden Retrievers Excel At Hunting?
Natural Retrieving Instinct
Golden retrievers excel at hunting because they have a natural ability to find something.
High Intelligence And Trainability
Golden retrievers are very intelligent and trainable dogs. They are also known as the smartest dogs. Golden retrievers are fast learners and easy to train.
They can easily learn hunting commands. Golden retrievers also have a good stamina which keeps them active for a long time.
Types Of Hunting For Golden Retrievers
There are 2 types of hunting:
Waterfowl Hunting
In waterfowl hunting they hunt ducks and geese from water. Their double coats give them advantage in damped and cold areas.
Upland Bird Hunting
Golden retrievers have a great sense of smell. This can help them to hunt pheasants, quail, and grouse. With this ability they can easily find them.
Training A Golden Retriever For Hunting
- Make a training session for them daily.
- Teach them basic hunting skills.
- Take for a walk or run.
- Make them familiar with gunshots.
- Teach them directions by using hand signals.
- Use dummy birds in training sessions.
Hunting Gear For Golden Retrievers
Following are some hunting gears ⬇️
Hunting Vest: Hunting vests protect the dog body against some harsh terrain.
Training Dummies: Dummies helps the dog to develop preying and retrieving techniques. They can be used for practice.
Tracking Collar: You can track the location of a golden retriever.
Protective Boots: It protects the paws from sharp objects.
First-Aid Kit: May be necessary if the dog is injured or has cuts on its body.
Hunting license: When you are going for hunting, then a license is mendatory.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take To Train A Golden Retriever For Hunting?
Most Golden Retrievers can be hunting-ready in 4–8 months with the help of consistent effort. But it also depends on other things like the dog’s age, personality and previous training.
What’s The Best Age To Start Hunting Training For A Golden Retriever?
You can introduce hunting skills to golden retrievers around 4–6 months of their age.
Do Golden Retrievers Need Special Diets For Hunting?
You can say yes because special diets such as high-protein support energy, joint health and muscle recovery. Also consult a vet for recommendations.
