New/Prospective Owners

Training a puppy to become a hunting dog requires specific items to ensure both the puppy's development and the acquisition of hunting skills. Here's a comprehensive list of items you might need.  Many of which is a must, while others are just a suggestion to help.  Links are provided as an example.

1. 1. Dog Crate or Kennel: For safe transportation and confinement during training sessions.

      1. Ruffland Kennel

         1. Kennel Fan

      2. Wire Crate

   2. Collar and Leash: Essential for control and training exercises.

      1. Prong Collar

      2. Hands Free leash

   3. Dog Bed or Mat: A comfortable place for the puppy to rest during breaks.

      1. Kennel Mat

      2. Dog bed

   4. Training Treats: Small, tasty treats used as rewards during training sessions.

      1. Hotdogs

      2. Cheese

      3. Puppy Chow

   5. Dog Food: High-quality puppy food to support growth and energy needs.

      1. Proplan

   6. Water and Food Bowls: Stainless steel or ceramic bowls for feeding and watering.

   7. Toys: Chew toys and interactive toys to keep the puppy engaged and mentally stimulated.

      1.  Yak Cheese

      2. Rope Bone

      3. Nylabone

   8. Training Whistle: A whistle specifically designed for dog training purposes.

      1. Fox 40

   9. Training Dummy: A retrievable object (usually a dummy or a bumper) used to simulate hunting retrieves.

      1. SportDog Plastic

      2. SportDog Canvas

      3. Dummy Launcher

   10. Long Line: A long leash (about 20-30 feet) for training recalls and commands at a distance.

       1. Check cord

   11. Hunting Vest or Harness: A vest or harness designed for dog training and protection.

       1. No Pull Harness

       2. Chest protector 

       3. Cold Water Hunting Vest

   12. First Aid Kit: Basic supplies for treating minor injuries or cuts during training sessions.

       1. Field Trauma Aid Kit

   13. Training Books or Guides: Resources on training techniques specific to hunting dogs.

       1. NAVHDA AIMS and Rules Book

       2. The Training and Care of the Versatile Hunting Dog

   14. Scent Training Kits: Scented articles or materials used to introduce the puppy to different scents encountered during hunting.

   15. Grooming Supplies: Brush, nail clippers, and shampoo for regular grooming and hygiene.

       1. Cowboy magic - helps prevent and detangle burs

       2. Nature's Miracle - eliminates smells and stains

   16. Training Journal: A notebook to track progress, notes, and observations during training sessions.

   17. Bird Launcher/cage: Used for training exercises involving pointing or steadiness.

       1. Manual Launcher

       2. Remote Launcher

       3. Cage

   18. Bird Bag/Carrier: Used to transport training birds to training grounds and out to the field to be planted.

       1. Bag

   19. E-Collar/GPS Tracker: Especially useful for off-leash training and ensuring the puppy doesn't wander too far.

       1. GPS

       2. Invisible fence/trainer

   20. Bird Wings or Feathers: Used to introduce the puppy to the scent and sight of birds.

   21. Training Videos:

       1. Standing Stone Kennels - https://www.youtube.com/@StandingStoneKennels

These items will help you create a structured and effective training program for your puppy, setting a solid foundation for developing into a skilled hunting dog. Adjust the list based on specific hunting dog breed characteristics and your training goals.