Written By: Zach Miller
"Having moved from end to end of the east coast, I’ve learned how climates can influence the duration and quality of training. I remember always being taught, if you want to know how long your dog can tolerate the climate, bring a puffer jacket and put it on, that will tell you all you need to know!"
As a duck hunter, you know that your furry companion is an essential part of your hunting team. Your duck dog is not only your hunting partner but also your loyal friend when the birds aren’t flying. However, during warmer hunts and climates, it can be challenging to keep your dog cool and comfortable. Here are some tips to help you keep your duck dog cool during warmer hunts and climates.
1. Hydration Is Key
One of the most important things you can do to keep your gundog cool during warmer hunts and climates is to ensure that they stay hydrated. Make sure to bring plenty of water for your dog and offer it to them frequently. You can also add ice cubes to their water bowl to keep it cool. Personally when I am preparing to go anywhere to work the dogs, I always triple check that my truck has the proper amount of water for the event we are working and also after the fact. Water is something you should always over-pack when prepping for a trip. That being said, if you get the opportunity to fill up or top off, always do it! When wondering if your gundog is hydrated enough, watch their urine. We all know that the darker urine is, the more dehydrated we are, the same applies for our dogs. Keep in mind, if we have clear urine coming out, this is not a bad thing but bathroom breaks will be more frequent!
2. Provide Shade
Another way to keep your gundog cool is to provide them with shade. If you are hunting in an area with trees, make sure to set up your blind in a shaded area. You can also bring a portable shade canopy or umbrella to provide shade for your dog. This one is kind of a no-brainer, shade is your best friend in hot climates, I have had dogs that understood shade so well that they would all huddle in my shadow as I was getting things ready on the truck. Canopies, holding blinds, tarps, foliage and other items are great for providing shade in the field. During a hunt, natural vegetation is going to be your best friend. Of course, if you are in a blind, take full advantage of the shady spots when possible. Also, understand that sometimes we have to push through the heat, this will lead into another point on this list.
3. Use Cooling Products
There are many cooling products available that can help keep your duck dog cool during warmer hunts and climates. Cooling vests, bandanas, and mats are all great options. These products work by using evaporative cooling to lower your dog's body temperature. This point will be primarily post-hunt, as I cannot expect any hunter to haul some of these items into a blind or swamp, it's simply unrealistic. There are a ton of options on the market now, I have seen “place” beds that have the center portion of the bed where you can fill it with cool water and it becomes a water bed. My go-to in the field is either give them a hose-bath if I have the option to or using those cooling towels. I truly do not know the name of them but they come in clutch as they are not heavy, work very efficiently to bring body temperature down and do not take up much room in a blind bag.
4. Take Breaks
It's essential to take breaks during your hunt to allow your dog to rest and cool down. Take breaks in shaded areas and offer your dog water during these breaks. You can also use this time to check your dog's paws for any cuts or injuries. This is a big one when training sessions are happening one or two times a day. The rule of thumb for adult canine cognition levels is about 10-15 minutes until the dog is just not retaining any new information. Imagine this to be like us in a classroom, we will be attentive for the first 10 minutes until we start looking at the clock. With this being said, I use this time range for working duration as well. If we are in an extremely warm climate, your dog will be gassed within 10 minutes, do your best to have everything set up on the grounds so you are not burning your dog out by sitting there waiting. Think of this like idling a truck, it still burns gas even when sitting there. The moral of this story is as soon as you pull that dog out of the kennel, the timer starts, always be ready.
5. Avoid Overexertion
During warmer hunts and climates, it's important to avoid overexerting your dog. This means limiting the amount of time your dog spends in the water and avoiding long retrieves over and over. If your dog starts to show signs of exhaustion, it's time to take a break. Now this is with an understanding that we want hard charging gundogs, I am 100% agreeing with that. At the same time, much like us hard chargers don’t know when to say “when”. This is where trainers and owners need to know how our dog works and where their limits are. This is part of being a good handler and being able to read your dog properly. Overexertion is a scary moment to witness, the dog will stiffen up and if it is not caught in time, they will eventually go unconscious. Know your dog and understand how to read them, it is our job to say “when”.
In conclusion, keeping your gundog cool during warmer hunts and climates is essential for their health and well-being. By following these tips, you can ensure that your furry companion stays comfortable and safe during your hunting trips. Remember to always prioritize your dog's needs and make adjustments as necessary to keep them cool and comfortable.
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