Turkey Hunting Dogs
Going turkey hunting with dogs can be regarded as a way of improving your hunting technique. This traditional method of hunting has maintained its importance until today. While some hunters consider hunting with dogs an option, waterfowl option are aware of the advantages brought by working with dogs.
However, training a dog for turkey hunting can be demanding. Turkeys are known to be very shy and as they have a good sense of hear, they immediately leave the once they sense the danger. Therefore, you must teach your dog to be as silent and as discrete as possible. The training must be done thoroughly and constantly, thus making sure that the dog will apply and practice the new information you are teaching him.
After choosing the appropriate breed for goose hunting, you should make sure that the dog has the right bird hunting instincts, and then to improve them. Regardless of the breed, the fundamental obedience commands are decisive and this could be confirmed by any professional trainer. The basic commands the dog should know before going hunting are stay, sit, come, heel and who. The most important thing when training a dog is dealing with obedience.
Among the best breeds used at turkey hunting, there are the English Setter and the Appalachian Turkey Dog, which is a mixture between several breeds. These are the most popular turkey hunting dogs. However, the Mountain View Cur, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon and the Golden Retriever should not be left aside, either.
Dogs are very important in turkey hunting, although sometimes this can prove to be quite challenging. Developing a good relationship with the dog will only be of benefit to you, as it is a good opportunity to improve your hunting skills.
However, training a dog for turkey hunting can be demanding. Turkeys are known to be very shy and as they have a good sense of hear, they immediately leave the once they sense the danger. Therefore, you must teach your dog to be as silent and as discrete as possible. The training must be done thoroughly and constantly, thus making sure that the dog will apply and practice the new information you are teaching him.
After choosing the appropriate breed for goose hunting, you should make sure that the dog has the right bird hunting instincts, and then to improve them. Regardless of the breed, the fundamental obedience commands are decisive and this could be confirmed by any professional trainer. The basic commands the dog should know before going hunting are stay, sit, come, heel and who. The most important thing when training a dog is dealing with obedience.
Among the best breeds used at turkey hunting, there are the English Setter and the Appalachian Turkey Dog, which is a mixture between several breeds. These are the most popular turkey hunting dogs. However, the Mountain View Cur, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon and the Golden Retriever should not be left aside, either.
Dogs are very important in turkey hunting, although sometimes this can prove to be quite challenging. Developing a good relationship with the dog will only be of benefit to you, as it is a good opportunity to improve your hunting skills.
Top 5 Turkey Hunting Dogs
Appalachian Turkey Dog
Despite the fact that this breed is an unofficial one, the Appalachian Turkey is the second most popular choice of the hunters, after the English Setter. Being a combination of setter, pointer and Plott hound, this dog has a bit of each breed: stylish looks from the setters, stamina and speed from the pointers and the desire to chase from the Plotts. These dogs are perfect for a hunting niche that requires a bit of the above mentioned breeds.
Mountain View Cur
This is a very intelligent dog, that can be easily trained. They are known to be very protective with family, but also property. Generally, they are happy and obedient, and perform their jobs thoroughly. They always want to please their masters. Primarily used for hunting squirrels and raccoons, the Mountain View Cur will fight the enemy to death. However, if they are not allowed to word or hunt, they will become anxious and bored. Read more.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
The Pointing Griffon is a strong and graceful hunting dog. It is a medium-sized rough-coated dog with a large and long head along with a square muzzle and bushy eyebrows. The dog’s neck is quite long, without dewlap and a skull that is the same length from the stop to the occiput as it is from the nose to the stop. The Wirehaired has large eyes with either brown or yellow irises. Read more".
English Setter
Although the English Setter is known to be an affectionate and gentle dog, that does not mean it is less of a hunter. Although it has a mix of endurance and athleticism, the problems may around its coat. The main body coat is short to medium length, but it requires a lot of attention during heavy cover hunting. Having a great personality and ability to be trained, the Setter is a good dog for quail hunting. Read more
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a large-sized breed of dog, a sturdy and beautiful dog with a well-proportioned body and a golden-colored coat. The dog’s outer coat is water-repellent and the undercoat is dense. They are very good hunters, as they were bred as gun dogs to retrieve shot waterfowl. Golden Retrievers have and instinctive love of water and they are very smart dogs, loyal and friendly to their human friends. These dogs are calm and have an exceptional eagerness to please. More info.
Turkey Hunting Dogs Video
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