As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, it only means one thing, hunting season is approaching. The excitement is creeping in and you’re getting the itch, hunting with your special companion is a thrilling and rewarding experience. As you are preparing for the hunt, take these necessary precautions to ensure your canine athlete is well-prepared too.
Visibility: What gear does my hunting dog need?
In the excitement of the hunt, it’s easy to lose sight of your dog, especially when covering vast or dense areas, low-light conditions, etc. To help keep track of your hunting dog’s location and ensure they are visible, invest in a bright colored dog vest, reflective collar, or bandana. Additionally, you can consider using a tracking collar or GPS device to get real-time location updates, ensuring you can quickly locate your dog if they wander off or get separated from you.
Your hunting dog could also potentially encounter rough terrain, thorny bushes, or inclement weather conditions while on the hunt. To keep them safe and comfortable, you can consider investing in protective clothes such as vests, jackets, or booties made from durable, water-resistant materials.
Scouting: How do I ensure my hunting dog’s safety?
Dogs are naturally curious and adventurous, sometimes leading them into precarious situations. By scouting hunting areas before visiting them with your active dog, you can spot any potential hazards and know which places to avoid. While scouting, pay extra close attention to the ground for any traps, snares, or other hidden dangers that could harm your dog.
Additionally, it may be tempting to join popular hunting spots, but prioritizing your hunting dog’s safety is more important. Crowded areas increase the risk of accidental injuries and conflicts between other dogs. Instead, choose quieter hunting locations when you can better control your active dog’s movements and minimize potential dangers.
Nutrition: How do I fuel my hunting dog?
Ensuring your dog is ready for the hunt not only safeguards their well-being, but it enhances their performance. A healthy and secure active dog will be more focused and alert, improving their ability to assist you in the field. A hunting dog needs to be in great shape to perform at their best, and this comes with the right high performance dog food and nutrition. Native Dog Food’s extensive range of high protein dog foods will support any hunting dog’s health and energy levels.
Native Dog Food uses the EnergyFIT System (FIT = Formula Intensity Technology), which formulates Native products into six different energy levels. Each canine athlete has specific dietary needs based on their breed, size, and activity, so these different levels ensure your hunting dog is receiving the best nutrition for them.
Not to mention, your hunting dog is most likely not as active in the off season. With all levels being formulated with similar ingredients, you can easily move your dog down a level or two to meet their lessened energy requirements without any digestive upset.
Your hunting dog’s preparation for the season is just as important as your own. Ensure their visibility, scout for their safety, and provide them with high performance dog food year-round to set the stage for a successful and enjoyable hunt!
