GET TO WORK
In the early stages, 10- to 15-minute sessions in the morning and evening may be sufficient. But dogs respond rapidly, and you may want to increase the number of short sessions daily and eventually progress to longer but fewer sessions. As fitness increases, you may wish to adopt a training rotation of three or four days of training and one day of rest to permit the dog's muscle cells to recover and rebuild.

Retrievers as well as upland flushing and pointing dog breeds respond well to a combination of diet and exercise tailored to the dogs' hunting style. Retrievers are often compared to sprinters because they must run or swim short distances and return rapidly, often through deep muck and heavy aquatic vegetation -- and of course, water. These dogs need more muscle and physical power than upland pointers and flushing breeds or trailing dogs, whose work requires increased cardio-vascular conditioning and stamina.

To build muscle and strength in retrievers, consider a process of slowly "roading" the dogs while they pull continuously against a restraint. That restraint may be a leash held by the owner, or a flexible arm or spring attached to an ATV or bicycle operated at very slow speed. For running upland and trailing dogs, steadily increase the speed and duration of such training sessions.

Dr. West suggests that hunting dogs should be fed once a day in the late afternoon or evening, but not within12 hours of hard work.

DOG MAINTENANCE
Experienced trainers also advise that the dog's nails be kept trimmed to prevent crippling tearing accidents, and recommend that the dog's pads be checked after every training session and hunt. Sore, injured feet greatly limit a dog's mobility and may cause serious health problems and infections that -- as Murphy's Law dictates -- will crop up just before the season opens!

There are many benefits to pre-season conditioning. During each training session, the bond between dog and master deepens. Communication skills and obedience are enhanced, as the pair becomes a highly efficient hunting duo that works easily together. A fully bonded hunter-dog team communicates so efficiently that in the field, no shouting is needed. A simple head nod or hand signal effectively and quietly directs the hunt. What an exceptional benefit this is with highly skittish species such as grouse!

Training is the next best thing to hunting and it's mutually beneficial to man and dog. Pre-season training is a real investment in your dog's health and longevity.

Dividends include many years of enjoyable hunting season and a full bag of cherished memories.