Gun Dog Training Suggestions

Field-Ready Checklist

 

What Every Bird Dog Owner Needs Before Hitting the Field

 

Get your gear, your dog, and your mindset dialed in. Don’t leave home without this.

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✅ For Your Dog

   •   ☐ E-collar with fully charged remote + backup battery

   •   ☐ Tracking collar or GPS unit

   •   ☐ Properly fitted vest (if cold or heavy cover)

   •   ☐ Slip lead / long line

   •   ☐ Water + portable bowl

   •   ☐ Dog-safe first aid kit

   •   ☐ Kennel or crash-tested crate for transport

   •   ☐ Proof of vaccinations (esp. if traveling across state lines)

 

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✅ For the Hunt

   •   ☐ Hunting license + required stamps

   •   ☐ Upland vest or pack with game pouch

   •   ☐ Shells (appropriate for the bird species + gauge)

   •   ☐ Choke tubes / wrenches

   •   ☐ Gloves + eye protection

   •   ☐ Blaze orange (hat and/or vest)

   •   ☐ Knife / multitool

 

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✅ For the Drive + Downtime

   •   ☐ Clean towels (for drying off or muddy paws)

   •   ☐ High-protein snacks or dog food

   •   ☐ Cooling or heating pad depending on season

   •   ☐ Training dummies or bumpers

   •   ☐ Backup collar tags with contact info

 

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✅ Bonus: For Your Brain

   •   ☐ Pre-marked GPS pins for hunt spots

   •   ☐ Know your dog’s limits — don’t overrun them

   •   ☐ Field drills pre-season (place, heel, whistle recall)

   •   ☐ Know how to read wind + cover

 

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A trained dog is only as ready as the human behind the leash. Go prepared.

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