Hickory Hollow Llewellin Setters

[Bob Bartz]

It is important to condition your dog well before hunting season if you plan on enjoying opener rather than watching your dog struggle because of poor conditioning.

I run my hunting dogs in an open field 4-6 nights a week almost every week of the year, even with that I see a weight gain in the summer because it is so hot that the dogs spend most of the day resting in the shade. I shorten or lengthen the run duration depending on the temp and keep a watchful eye for any signs of over heating. Running your dog in an open field will condition him physically and mentally. The commands that I use in conditioning drills are the same I use while hunting. The dog is kept in tune by repetitve training and you won't hear me yelling at my dog on opening day like so many of us do. This hunting dog thing is a serious year around commitment. Right now I have 8 dogs that I condition; it is worth every minute and except for family and a few elite friends there is no one I would rather spend my time with.

I have watched more than my fair share of dogs end their days on earth early and painfully because they were to far out of shape to hunt as hard as they were allowed. Your dog is an athlete, if you want him to play in the super bowl it will be a year around effort on both your parts.
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