If you love your dog, train yourself to exercise and condition him all year long.

In my youth, I wondered at my Granddad's regimen of releasing his prized pair of beagles on cool summer evenings to chase the local bunnies. Several evenings a week, Pap would take the dogs to the forested ridge across from our rural home and loose them from the dual chain. Max and Jack would run rabbits until they got called back at dark. While beagle music echoed off the hills, Pap simply leaned against a tree, smoked his Lucky Strikes and listened. He made no effort to head off the rabbit -- as we would later, come October -- or even give the dogs any instructions. He simply let them run and listened to the chase with appreciative ears.

Only years later did I realize that what he called "trainin' the dogs" was more than providing rabbit-running experience. It was physical conditioning that paid off later in a limit of rabbits, even under the worst of winter conditions.

Well-trained dogs in good condition that could hunt all day were as uncommon back then, nearly 50 years ago, as they are today. Earning a living and meeting the ever-increasing family and social obligations of modern life leaves little time for dog training during those long months closed to hunting. But getting afield with your dog for training can be a therapeutic diversion from life's demands for both of you.

Granddad's "dog trainin' " was a form of love that Max and Jack obviously responded to. Their abilities on the trail and their athletic fitness assured enjoyable hunts and many tasty rabbit meals from Grandma's kitchen. Pap took great pride in his highly efficient dogs. In earlier years, he'd trained his beloved bird dogs with equal diligence, and many an upland game dinner had been the reward.

For years, my work obligations required many long hours of travel. But at every opportunity, my Brittany traveled with me. Each day I took advantage of little-used roads or private farm lanes where we were welcome, and where it was safe to "road the dog." That is, the dog was permitted to run ahead of my vehicle and explore the many interesting smells along the way. During lunch breaks, we would locate an out-of-the-way spot, usually near a stream, for him to explore while I munched a sandwich. Lunchtime provided an additional exercise opportunity, and the stream provided the fresh water that's so vital to canine health. Best of all, it was fun for the dog. That daily exercise kept him fit and eager, year-round.

GET TO WORK
Hunting dogs are bred for work and they need and enjoy exercise. But if your four-legged hunting partner has grown soft during the off-season, you must conduct pre-season conditioning with special care to avoid overdoing it and inflicting lasting harm to the animal.