Man's Best Friend or His Worst Nightmare? The Great Hunting Dog Debate

Written by HLRBO - Alexandra Carter| 11/6/2023

Few things spark more debate among hunters than the question of whether or not to bring a four-legged companion along for the hunt. For some, having a trusted canine by their side is an essential part of the experience. For others, dogs in the field are more trouble than they're worth. Which side is right? Let's dig into the Great Hunting Dog Debate.

Pros of Hunting Dogs

On one hand, hunting dogs boast some impressive upsides…

• Expert Nose - A hunting dog's nose is incredibly powerful. They can pick up scents and track game that humans could never detect. This allows hunters to more effectively locate and pursue game.

• Flush and Retrieve - Many hunting dog breeds are excellent at flushing birds from cover and retrieving downed birds. This improves your chances of bagging birds and makes retrieving fallen game easy.

• Obedience - With proper training, hunting dogs obey commands in the field, improving the hunter's control and safety. Dogs will sit, stay, come, and more on command.

• Companionship - A well-trained hunting dog is an obedient partner you can rely on in the field. The companionship and teamwork is extremely rewarding.

• Extra Eyes and Ears - Hunting dogs can see and hear game that an unaided hunter might miss. Their senses are an asset for spotting hidden wildlife.

Cons of Hunting Dogs

However, it's not all belly rubs and biscuits when it comes to hunting hounds…

• Expense - Food, supplies, vet bills, training classes - hunting dogs are a big investment. The costs can run over $1000 per year.

• Training Required - To be an effective hunter, dogs need many hours of specialized training. Training takes time and dedication.

• Space Needed - Hunting dogs need room to run and exercise daily. They aren't suited for small apartments or yards.

• Not For All Game - While versatile, dogs excel at certain types of hunting over others. Dogs may limit the types of game you hunt.

• Leash Laws - Dogs must be leashed in many public land areas. This can limit their use.

• Overenthusiasm - Untrained dogs may break, chase, and scatter game due to excess excitement, ruining hunts.

As you can see, hunting dogs require a major commitment of time and money. For hunters willing to invest in training and care, a hunting dog can be an outstanding hunting partner and companion. But hunting dogs aren't right for every hunter's situation. Carefully consider if getting a hunting dog aligns with your hunting style, budget and living situation.

Popular Hunting Dog Breeds

If you decide to add a hunting dog to your hunting party, focus on breeds that excel at your preferred game. Here are some top options:

• Labrador Retrievers - America's most popular dog breed is also arguably the best all-around hunting dog. Labs thrive at retrieving waterfowl but can adapt to any game.
• English Springer Spaniels - With boundless energy and stamina, springers are ideal for long days in the field flushing and retrieving upland birds.
• Beagles - Driven by scent, beagles are the top choice for small game like rabbit and hare. Their energetic personalities mesh well with youth hunters.
• Pointers - From German Shorthairs to English Pointers, these methodical breeds are perfect for pointing upland birds for a hunter to then flush and shoot.
• Bloodhounds - There may be no better scent tracker than a bloodhound. Their legendary nose makes them ideal for trailing big game.

Key Tips for Training a Hunting Dog

Training a great hunting dog takes patience and consistency. Here are some key tips:

• Start young - Begin basic obedience as early as 8 weeks old.
• Use rewards - Food, praise and play should reinforce wanted behaviors.
• Practice daily - Short, frequent sessions are more effective than occasional long sessions.
• Be consistent - Everyone must use the same commands and techniques.
• Use professionals - Consider classes from pro trainers on key skills like retrieving.
• Expose to guns - Get dogs comfortable with gunfire sounds before hunting season.
• Introduce game - Let the dog sniff, chase and fetch both dead and live game under supervision.

With proper training and care, a hunting dog can be an invaluable hunting companion for years to come. Put in the time and effort, and you'll have a loyal partner by your side out in the field.

Find Your Hunting Paradise with HLRBO

If the idea of a four-legged hunting partner doesn't fit your situation, HLRBO can still help you take your hunting to the next level. As specialists in hunting land resources, we make it easy to find and lease your ideal hunting property. Skip the hassle of ownership and unlock access to top-quality hunting acreage perfectly suited for the game you love to hunt. From whitetail to waterfowl and everything in between, we have diverse hunting land for lease across the country. Contact us today to begin your search for the perfect hunting paradise!