As a waterfowl hunter, the harsh summer heat often produces a longing for even the most frigid mornings in the blind. Dove season serves to tide some of us over, while most await the early season with unmatched vigor. Like a child awaiting Santa’s yearly visit, decoys are rigged and waders are hung with care. For gun dog owners, the summer months are an opportune time to sharpen and build upon their pup’s existing retriever skills. The summertime temperatures, however, can quickly prove to be dangerous to the health of our canine counterparts. To ensure your dog has many healthy years of fetching ‘em up ahead, we sought out the expert advice of Marty Roberts with Sporting Life Kennels.
It may surprise some to learn that in regards to training in the heat, Marty suggests “less is more.” Ideally, when temperatures are above 85 degrees, training should occur “three to five times a week in the early morning (5:45 – 7:30 am) or late evening (sunset to dusk) hours.” Marty recommends short sessions, “ten to fifteen purposeful minutes- half as long as the rest of the year, don’t overdo it.” An owner’s ability to read his or her dog becomes increasingly important during these sessions, “excessive panting and increased surface temperatures” are two obvious indicators of overheating. “Staggering, difficulty breathing, an inability to walk, a dog that looks ready to fall out” are more alarming signs as they can suggest impending heatstroke. Knowing the symptoms of heatstroke in dogs allows us to make life-saving decisions for our pets should the need ever arise. As Marty says, it is our duty to make sure our four-legged friends “don’t ever get to that point.”
How do we avoid reaching the danger zone, and should an emergency arise, how do we stabilize our dogs en route to the nearest veterinarian? Aside from keeping sessions brief and avoiding the sun’s peak hours, Marty recommends “finding shade and having drinking water readily available at ALL times.” If your pup presents with any of the aforementioned warning signs, a bottle of rubbing alcohol may come in handy. Roberts provided us with the pro tip of “applying rubbing alcohol to the stomach and paws” to quickly cool our furry counterparts. He also suggests having access to “enough freshwater to pour over your dog, even better if they can actually get into the water.” If your dog shows signs of overheating, it is necessary to seek immediate help, transporting the dog to the vet as soon as possible.
Some may think that when working retrievers in a body of water, they are more likely to stay cool and can in turn stand longer stretches. According to Marty, “don’t assume it’s cooling your dog, ponds in the south especially are warm.” If a dog is sent to his or her crate covered in such warm water, the water can “act as a blanket, trapping heat in” and in turn causing hyperthermia. Another danger of slow-moving bodies of water comes in the form of harmful algal blooms. As you cannot visibly detect if a bloom is harmful, it is essential to heed state and local advisories as they pertain to avoid small bodies of warm, still water from late spring through early fall. During dove season, the dry, dusty fields that are so conducive to an epic shoot, can also be the harshest climates for your gun dog. Marty cleverly keeps a massive cooler full of ice water handy, for his smallest hunting buddy to hop in and out of between retrieves.
As we have discussed pet safety, I also sought Mr. Robert’s expertise in what skills he looks to hone as the early season approaches. For a finished dog, he suggests focusing on “blind retrieves and marking skills,” while for a started dog he recommends an emphasis on “multiple marks and steadiness.” For retrievers of all levels, Marty stressed the importance of teaching the “honoring of other dogs.” Whether you are looking for a started or finished best friend of your own, or for assistance in gun dog training, your search can end with Marty and his team at Sporting Life Kennels. For more pro tips, dog spotlights, and adorable puppy photos, visit the kennel’s Instagram page @sportinglifekennels. To learn more about Marty, his passion for hunting dogs, and any upcoming litters visit www.sportinglifekennels.com . If you’re hoping to train your own gun dog, check out www.retrieveruniversity.com and begin a free 14-day trial.
