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New Gear: Off-Season Must-Haves

These key pieces of gear will ensure that you capitalize on this off-season and walk into opening day prepared.

New Gear: Off-Season Must-Haves
The off-season is when many work on training and developing new puppies. (Photo courtesy of Kali Parmley)

With upland seasons having wrapped up for most of us, it is time to start looking toward next year. The off-season is the perfect time to work with our dogs, get in some shooting practice at the range, and dial in our gear for next year. Here are a few pieces of gear to look at this off-season in preparation for next year’s hunts.



A Chukar Dokken Deadfowl Trainer retrieving dummy.
Dokken Deadfowl Trainer

Dokken Deadfowl Trainer

A proper pick-up is crucial when retrieving during competition and in the field when you want to pre- serve the birds you have shot. The Dokken DeadFowl Trainers have free swinging heads and feet made from hard plastic. This discourages mouthing and shaking, resulting in a more consistent proper pick up and retrieve. The fact that it floats, even when punctured, makes it a durable piece of equipment for both water and land retrieves.

$10–$50; gundogsupply.com




A white ruff land kennel with black door on a white background.
Ruff Land Kennel

Ruff Land Kennels

Transport your dog to and from the training fields with Ruff Land’s line of durable kennels. Made with Ruff Flex Technology, the kennels are made to flex and absorb energy that would be transferred to your dog in a crash. The doors of the kennel can be customized from single to double doors and on different sides of the kennel depending on your needs. SureVent Tapered Walls ensure proper ventilation for your gun dog. Available in seven different sizes.

$208–$475; rufflandkennels.com




Gun Dog Outdoors back DAWG Tag with laser engraved tag for a dog collar.
Gun Dog Outdoors DAWG Tag

Gun Dog Outdoors Dawg Tags

Upgrade your dog’s collar with Dawg Tags. These customizable name plates are designed to slide easily over standard 1”collars to add the personal touch and flare that your pup deserves. Don’t worry, if you decide to switch collars, or need to get a bigger one as your pup grows, you can easily slide the tag off and add it to the new collar.

$10; gundogoutdoors.com



A supplement container with dac 5 in 1 for dogs.
Dac 5 in 1 dog supplement

Dac 5 in 1

All athletes need supplements to ensure they are healthy and can perform at their best, the same is true for our canine athletes. The DAC Pet Products 5 in 1 supports your dog's health through Omega 3 Fatty Acids for a silky and shiny coat; supports digestion with pre and probiotics; enhances bone and joint health with the help of Glucosamine; and more. A chew a day (or two depending on your dog’s weight) will keep your sporting dog running for years to come.

$22–$584; feeddac.com



A HeyDay Tagalong 3G food and water container on a white background.
HeyDay Tagalong 3G

HeyDay Tagalong Food and Water 3G

These rotomolded food and water storage systems from HeyDay are the ideal way to carry your dog's essential nutrients while traveling. With a 3-gallon carrying capacity and built in bowl in each system, you can carry up to five days' worth of food and water. The watertight lid and auto-fill design on the Water 3G makes it easy to get your dog all the water they need while stopped. Screw the lid back on to prevent spillage before hitting the road again.

$120 each; heydayoutdoor.com

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