Your Retriever: Being Prepared in Season
Shawn Swearingen for SPLIT REED
Cover Photo Courtesy of Johnathon Bradshaw
There are plenty of things you can do at home in the off-season and during the season to make sure your retriever is trained and healthy for opening day. Jonathan Bradshaw, lifelong waterfowler and veterinarian in Arkansas, has advice on how to keep your retriever healthy. Clint Mann, waterfowl guide, owner, and trainer of Cold Tree Kennels in Missouri shares wisdom on how to keep your dog sharp.
When it comes to fueling your retriever, Jonathan said, “If not currently on a 30/20 diet blend, I recommend switching to one at this point to keep up metabolically with fat stores and protein availability. A retriever's need for immediate energy and protein as muscles break down and more energy is exerted greatly increases during the fall and winter.”
Their level of effort and energy changes from laying around on their dog beds or training, to chasing down your birds in the marsh. As Clint said, “Having your retriever in good physical condition is often overlooked when preparing for the season. UTV runs, kayak swims, and slow runs on the treadmills, are all used at our kennel to get our dogs in the best physical shape possible in order to last longer, prevent injury, and fight the elements. Dogs in good physical condition often make better decisions in the crucial moments when it matters.”
But, as you step up the training or even transition from training to hunting season, there are injuries you should watch for with your dog. “Limber tail is a huge discussion point and concern as we enter the first portion of the hunting season. This condition occurs due to inflammation in the musculature that controls the tail and we often can't predict who will suffer from this,” said Jonathan. “From dogs who have competed all summer to the house dog turned duck dog come November, it seems to be a random occurrence. But, one thing we do know is that once your retriever suffers from the condition, it's liable and probable that it’ll happen again. Treatment is simple, often requiring a few days of rest and a little anti-inflammatory medication. A suggestion is to ask your veterinarian to provide some dog-safe anti-inflammatory meds for you to keep on hand should the situation arise.”
Paw pad injuries and lower leg injuries are other areas to watch for after hunting. “From swollen toes to cuts and abrasions, the large majority of retrievers aren't quite prepared for the variety of new terrain they encounter during hunting season. With cuts and abrasions being prevalent and bleeding being profuse from the paw area, I tend to keep a roll of vet wrap and blood clotting powder in my blind bag to help in such an instance. Make sure to keep your dog's toenails cut as we get closer to season as this is often the root of the lower leg issues,” said Jonathan.
If you have kept your retriever healthy and had no injuries, how and what can you do to keep your retriever sharp once the season has started? Clint said, “It seems like a lot of hunters put the training aside when it comes to hunting season. The short winter days make it hard to get out in the field after work, school, hunting, etc., but training during the season is essential. Wagon-wheel, cold blinds at long distances, and poison bird blinds are some of the main drills we do to keep the balance during the season. Too much hunting and not enough training can cause the dog to become unbalanced. When the dog is unbalanced problems arise such as breaking, popping, and poor marking.”
Beyond the collar, a leash, and water, retrievers are not overly gear-intensive, but there is one thing to consider during hunting season: a vest. Jonathan said, “Vests from my perspective are a hugely important tool and aid a retriever in a number of ways. From buoyancy to cold water insulation to chest protection, vests are invaluable. I recommend if your dog tolerates the vest well to place a vest on your dog at all times while hunting. Injuries from big leaps onto debris and the ability to improve buoyancy during big swims are my major reasons for wearing a vest with these hazards being present throughout duck season.”
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