Keeping Your Dog Healthy and Safe

Man's best friend can become a valuable hunting partner. Dogs are used to help hunters find, chase, flush, point and retrieve game. There are a few things that responsible hunters should know to keep their dog healthy and safe.

If you use dogs in hunting, you should:

• Think safety first! Treat your dog as you would any other hunting partner. Because dogs are energetic hunters, be extra careful with firearms.
• Properly train and condition your dog! Trained hunting dogs respond to basic commands and understand their role in the hunt.
  • Train them for the specific game being hunted.
  • Give them plenty of exercise to remain healthy.
• Control your dog at all times! Dogs that are allowed to range freely often become lost or injured. They may also chase, injure or kill other wildlife. In many states, it is against the law to use a dog to "improperly take" wildlife. 
• Provide proper care! Fresh water, nutrition, adequate shelter and veterinary care are all important to your dog's health. Use suitable transport crates when traveling in a vehicle.
• Know the rules! Follow all laws and regulations regarding dogs and hunting.