How to Train a Hunting Dog to Retrieve Game

If you plan to take a hunting dog puppy along, know that raising one isn’t difficult, but training can present some challenges. To have a reliable hunting companion, you’ll need three key qualities: calmness, patience, and kindness. And these characteristics aren’t for the dog—they’re for you!

Calmness is the first quality a hunter should possess when preparing to train a hunting dog to retrieve game. First and foremost, you must learn to control the instinct to punish the dog for disobedience. It’s essential to remember that a puppy doesn’t yet understand this strange language, and using force or punishment—especially without clear reasoning the dog can grasp—will only make it defensive, undermining all the training you’ve done up to that point.

The handler should be kind to their four-legged friend, as training should feel like a game to the dog, building a collaborative relationship and creating mutual satisfaction in hunting activities. Patience is equally important for successful training. Don’t rush; you’ll need to repeat exercises and commands many times until the dog and handler fully understand each other. Often, the dog teaches the human a lot! Repeating exercises again and again is crucial for success. There’s no set timeline for a dog to learn retrieval—each breed and individual has its own learning pace, so you’ll need to respect that.

What You’ll Need:

• Cloth to create a dummy
• Bird feathers or wild fur
• Treats, such as kibble or cheese pieces, as rewards
• A rope toy for the puppy

Dog Training Process

Training a hunting dog should ideally begin in puppyhood, although some say training can start after the dog reaches 12 months. This is also an option, but it’s better to start when they’re younger, providing basic guidance early on. Just remember, puppies view everything as a game, so whenever the dog behaves as you want, it should be rewarded. This way, the dog associates positive actions with rewards, which could be treats, cuddles, or favorite toys. Initial training covers basic commands, such as “Sit” and “Down.”

Teaching the “Sit” Command

To teach “Sit,” hold the leash and gently press down on the dog’s back while saying “Sit!” in a firm but calm tone. Repeat this several times until the puppy understands. Don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t work at first—let the puppy walk around a bit, try again, or distract it with a toy before resuming. When the puppy sits and tries to get up, place your hand on its back, repeating the command.

The dog should also learn to stay seated until called. Once the dog reliably sits on command, take a few steps back to see if it remains seated. If it gets up, firmly repeat “Sit,” and try again. Gradually increase the time the dog waits before you call it to you for a reward.

Teaching the “Down” Command

Teaching the “Down” command is similar. From the “Sit” position, gently press the dog down until it lies on the ground. This command is critical for hunting, as it allows you to control the dog’s movement and even prevent it from chasing game. Practice by placing pressure on the dog’s back while encouraging it to lie down completely. Like with “Sit,” move gradually further away while reinforcing the “Down” command. Eventually, the dog will stay down, focused on you or the target, awaiting your next instruction.



You can use a whistle instead of vocal commands, as hunting whistles are often louder, making them more effective at a distance. Combining both methods will ensure that the dog responds reliably, even if you forget the whistle.

Teaching the “Retrieve” Command

Retrieving is the key skill for a hunting dog, tasked with not only tracking game with a keen nose but also bringing it back to the hunter. Start by stimulating the dog’s natural retrieval instinct. To ensure the dog retrieves only what you want, use a cloth dummy filled with the scent of the target game, such as feathers from pheasants, ducks, or fur from hares.

Throw the scented dummy a short distance, letting the puppy sniff and explore. Don’t worry if it doesn’t bring it back right away—this is normal. Consistent repetition will help the dog understand what you want. As the puppy approaches with the dummy, remain still, crouch down, and call it to you. Once it brings the dummy, introduce the “Drop” command by gently holding the dummy without pulling, allowing the dog to release it voluntarily.

With this, you now have a four-legged friend ready to share the thrill of the hunt and become a valuable companion. Remember, getting frustrated with a puppy who doesn’t instantly follow commands is like being upset with a child for not knowing how to talk or walk right after birth. Arm yourself with patience and love for your dog, and you’ll achieve outstanding results. Kindness goes a lot further than force.