J.H.B.
05-16-2009, 09:46 AM
Wrote this article for the Christian Outdoorsman. Important issue. Jim
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Now that we are entering into the summer season, the water temperatures are starting to increase. Remember when working your retriever in water, they can develop heat related problems even when working water. A more important issue with water work is later in the season when temperatures of both water and the air can be very dangerous. I have been getting an increased number of calls from waterfowl hunters here in NY asking what they can do about their dog showing more adverse reactions to the cold, especially when hunting water. Since we started having a Sept. season for geese, more hunters have been setting up for field hunting. During that period of time, they fail to do much water work with their retriever. After interviewing many handlers, I have found that more of them are increasing the amount of time field hunting during the early season due to the success and enjoyment they had during the Sept. season. Later in the season when duck numbers start to build up and the migration increases, they start doing more hunting in the marshes and on the lakes.
The dog needs to be acclimated to the cold water so their coat and oil glands can adapt to their natural changes needed to help keep them warm. A good 5mm neoprene vest is helpful as well as drying the dog off after each retrieve, but nothing replaces the need to condition the dog to the cold naturally. Starting in Sept., the water temperatures start to drop due the colder nights. It is very important that you work your retriever in water at least 3-4 times a week. After your field hunt, go to water and work for 15-30 minutes. With the warm weather, the dog will appreciate the cool water and at the same time, he will be getting naturally conditioned to the colder water. As the water cools down, you will be working with your retriever right up to the freeze up. Do not go from 68 degree water the first of Sept. and think that sending your dog on a retrieve in mid November will not have any affect on his physical and or mental state. If you are going to hunt fields only in the early season, make sure you do as I suggest with the water work. If you do this and only hunt water in the later season, your dog will be more willing to perform and be safer when doing what he loves. Another way of helping with keeping him/her warm when dealing with extreme cold is to purchase a wool military issue blanket, tie it down behind the dog and then drape it over the shoulders or neck of the dog. When you give the command to retrieve, the dog will leave the blind and the blanket will simply slide off. Before the retrieve is complete, move the blanket back away from where the dog will be sitting and delivering the bird so it does not get totally soaked. After the delivery, just drape the blanket back over the dog. Enjoy the summer months preparing, but do not forget about this all important cold water issue. Jim Beverly www.RetrieverTrainer.com
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r97/Professionaldog/retonlakeont004.jpg
Newbie
*
Group: Members
Posts: 21
Now that we are entering into the summer season, the water temperatures are starting to increase. Remember when working your retriever in water, they can develop heat related problems even when working water. A more important issue with water work is later in the season when temperatures of both water and the air can be very dangerous. I have been getting an increased number of calls from waterfowl hunters here in NY asking what they can do about their dog showing more adverse reactions to the cold, especially when hunting water. Since we started having a Sept. season for geese, more hunters have been setting up for field hunting. During that period of time, they fail to do much water work with their retriever. After interviewing many handlers, I have found that more of them are increasing the amount of time field hunting during the early season due to the success and enjoyment they had during the Sept. season. Later in the season when duck numbers start to build up and the migration increases, they start doing more hunting in the marshes and on the lakes.
The dog needs to be acclimated to the cold water so their coat and oil glands can adapt to their natural changes needed to help keep them warm. A good 5mm neoprene vest is helpful as well as drying the dog off after each retrieve, but nothing replaces the need to condition the dog to the cold naturally. Starting in Sept., the water temperatures start to drop due the colder nights. It is very important that you work your retriever in water at least 3-4 times a week. After your field hunt, go to water and work for 15-30 minutes. With the warm weather, the dog will appreciate the cool water and at the same time, he will be getting naturally conditioned to the colder water. As the water cools down, you will be working with your retriever right up to the freeze up. Do not go from 68 degree water the first of Sept. and think that sending your dog on a retrieve in mid November will not have any affect on his physical and or mental state. If you are going to hunt fields only in the early season, make sure you do as I suggest with the water work. If you do this and only hunt water in the later season, your dog will be more willing to perform and be safer when doing what he loves. Another way of helping with keeping him/her warm when dealing with extreme cold is to purchase a wool military issue blanket, tie it down behind the dog and then drape it over the shoulders or neck of the dog. When you give the command to retrieve, the dog will leave the blind and the blanket will simply slide off. Before the retrieve is complete, move the blanket back away from where the dog will be sitting and delivering the bird so it does not get totally soaked. After the delivery, just drape the blanket back over the dog. Enjoy the summer months preparing, but do not forget about this all important cold water issue. Jim Beverly www.RetrieverTrainer.com
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r97/Professionaldog/retonlakeont004.jpg