Training

Keeping cool on warm, early season days

The shooting season is here again and many of you will be looking forward to picking-up with your dogs, writes Jayne Coley.

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August and September can be incredibly warm so always have plenty of fresh water in your vehicle to keep your dogs hydrated. Dogs cope with the heat better if they are fit and not carrying excessive weight. However, older dogs can struggle on hot days and if you have a dog that puts its all into picking-up, you must keep an eye on them, too. It might be sensible to keep these dogs at heel (on a lead if necessary) and only let them work for part of each drive or, keep them in a well-ventilated vehicle (safely locked in, with water, and parked in the shade), getting them out for every other drive.

Fit, trim dogs, that have been taught to jump confidently are less likely to get caught up on a fence. However, should this happen, always put a coat or something over the dog’s head before it is lifted off the wire as even the sweetest natured dog may try to bite simply out of panic and discomfort.

Carry leads for each dog you have out with you. You never know when you might need them.

Keep a basic dog first aid box in your vehicle, including antihistamines. Some dogs react quite badly to stinging nettles when they have to spend a lot of time hunting in them.