Training Duck Hunting Dogs

by Jean Smith

Training a good duck hunting dog is a pursuit that builds an unbreakable bond between the owner and the dog. To begin with the dog must have a solid foundation of obedience once it has matured beyond the puppy stage. It is helpful to ensure the dog spends as much time as possible in the outdoors, getting plenty of exercise and honing its native curiosity.



The hallmark of a well-trained duck hunting dog is the ability to locate a bird the dog did not see fall. This requires a unique trust between master and dog. The dog must learn to trust that the handler will direct him to the fallen game.



Hunting dogs are first taught how to fetch the bird and return directly to the handler. After that the dog is taught to take a straight line to the bird. The importance of this skill is to teach the dog to take the most direct route to the bird. It is also the means in which you can keep control when he is far from you in the field. It will be well worth your time and effort to teach this skill as the results will reward you over and over again in all kinds of hunting situations.



To begin the process let your dog watch you put a dummy in the field. Walk back about 30 feet from the planted dummy and send you dog to retrieve it. Repeat the exercise backing up further each time until your dog is able to take a line across the field.

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To challenge your dog more, add an additional line, your dog will be tempted to return to the original site, but teach your retriever he must go and come back on the new line.



If you have a started puppy at about 6 to 8 months line drills can be introduced. These lessons help reinforce basic obedience as well as teaching your dog to go where you send him.



Teaching your dog to respond to hand signals is another important skill for duck hunting dogs. for example, your dog suddenly veers off course the dog can be stopped by a whistle command and wait until the hunter gives a hand signal which directs him back on line. It is important that the handler place the dog in the most advantageous location to retrieve the bird. Learning to work together as a team is the ultimate communication which results in the greatest satisfaction for both dog and handler.


Jean Smith competed in field trials during the 1970s turning professional in the early 1980s. She has condensed years of retriever training experience onto two DVDs. Jean focuses on the fundamentals, detailing each step on how to train a retriever.