Hunting dog training often has unforeseen dangers that can cause serious injury to you or your pet. Learning about those dangers can help you train your dog more successfully while keeping both of you safe.
When we head out into the woods to chase down that elusive game animal, it is easy to overlook the dangers that are out there. Hunting dog training is even more dangerous than because you are dealing with a pup that has not been in that scenario before. You do have dog training that happens before you ever get in the woods, but that initial training is going to really begin when he hits the open trail for the first time. This is a very dangerous time for our little hunters and it is vital that we are aware of the dangers. Here are five hidden dangers your dog could encounter during hunting dog training excursions.
5 Dangers of Hunting Dog Training
Snakes
Depending on where you live, there are potentially dangerous snakes around. In the United States there are four primary snakes that are venomous; copperheads, rattlesnakes, cottonmouths and coral snakes. Within each of those types of snake, there are subspecies of each. In Florida we now have the added concern of large pythons that are more than capable of taking a dog. They are not venomous but they are still deadly. They kill by constriction. Knowing the dangerous species in the area you are in is quite important for you and your dog.
Predators
Snakes are hidden and they are certainly not out to get us or our hunting dogs. Other predators might be. Bears, cougars, alligators and other predators stalk the areas we hunt in and that only becomes even more amplified when you hunt overseas. If you are hunting in an area, you have to know the animals that are higher on the food chain than your pup. They are out there no matter how uncomfortable that might be.
Ticks
The little hidden dangers are just as tough as the bigger ones. Ticks and mosquitoes can cause all kinds of problems for your hunting dog and checking them under their fur should be a regular part of after training care. Ticks in particular can cause your dog to be very sick in the wrong circumstances.
Cuts
Hunting dogs are notorious for getting cuts and gashes while out on the hunt. Briars, fencing and all types of naturally sharp things can give them a cut as they run through the area. When a dog does get a cut, you need to make sure you dress it right away. The key here is to wash it out well, fill it with a cream and bandage it when you can. Then proceed to the nearest vet.
Friendly Fire
During hunting dog training, there is a better than average chance he is going to stray on occasion while he learns. If your dog is still a bit wild behind the ears, make sure they are protected from friendly fire. That is, fire from other hunters or your own bullets. These accidents happen every season and it is simply sad.
Hunting dog training is not terribly dangerous but you have to be aware. As soon as you ignore the dangers that do exist in your area, they will instantly cause you problems. Protect your dog and yourself at all times.
