Hunting

A hunting dog refers to any dog that assists humans in hunting. There are several types of hunting dogs developed for the many tasks hunters require. The major categories of hunting dogs include hounds, terriers, curs type dogs, and gun dogs. Among these categories, further divisions can be made based upon the skill sets that the dogs possess.

Hunters may put a bell on the dog’s collar so that they can keep track of the dog. When the bell stops ringing that means the dog is on the point. Although various animals have been used to aid the hunter, none has been as important as the dog. Dogs today are used to find, chase and retrieve game and sometimes to kill it. Hunting dogs allow humans to pursue and kill prey that would otherwise be very difficult or dangerous to hunt.

Popular Hunting Dog Breeds

• Cocker Spaniels
• Collies
• Curs
• Coonhounds
• Deerhounds
• English Setters
• Feists
• Greyhounds
• Terriers
• Lurchers
• Pointers
• Poodles
• Retrievers
• Whippets

Suggested Exercises

• Stretching: encourage your dog to stand up on their rear legs and stretch their front legs upward against your chest to massage the muscles of their backs.
• Conditioning walk: be sure to travel different types of terrains.
• Running and jogging
• Swimming: a great exercise for dogs as it allows muscle actions and increases cardiovascular endurance without stressing the skeletal system.