Hunting dog breeds can vary widely on type and use but have one thing in common - a specifically bred characteristic that helps human find game and provide the opportunity to get a clean kill.

The trust and bond between a working hunting dog and handler is unlike that of a typical pet. A dog that is confident and outgoing will go that extra mile or keep up that extra hour in a long day and do so willingly.

Hunting dogs were developed for a job. With many no longer having the opportunity to do so those dogs that do are clearly enjoying their "play time" no matter how long the day. For many it's hours of training, it's early mornings and tired muscles and sharing things that most dogs and owners simply don't share.

In many ways it's depending on each other and working together for the enjoyment and betterment of both. You can see it in a setter that's caught a whiff of quail, or the retriever looking at the mist coming off the water. They know why they're here and it's time working with their leader - you!

Consistent training is important as is boundaries. Positive training with discipline and stopping before exhaustion sets in lets the dog look forward to this time as a good thing. The pointers know their job and are loyal to their handlers.

Aside from training proper food and care is needed for the dog to be the best they can be. This allows them to physically do the job including an eye towards fitness, especially early in the season.

The bond with a hunting dog is no different to begin with than with any other dog. They watch and listen and try to mold themselves into our world y the barriers we set. Once we start using their instincts and talents we, to some degree, step into their world. The interaction then becomes more a partnership, with an even stronger bond than a typical dog or pet.

The joy of watching the hunting dog breeds do what they were developed to do is worth the early mornings and long training sessions and "being picky" about the basics when training. The bond of a partner is a gift.

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