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Spring Cleaning Gear Review

Identifying what gear needs to be replaced heading into the next year.

Spring Cleaning Gear Review
Spring is a great time to make sure your gear is in good shape and ready for the upcoming training season. (Photo courtesy of Tanner Smedley)

As we move into spring, everyone is looking forward to summer training and fun with their dogs. It is a great time to look at the gear from last season, identifying what needs replacing and what tools we wished we had last season but didn’t. Here are a few things on that list for us here at GUN DOG.



A dark grey Dakota dog crate product photo on a white background.
Dakota 283 G3 Large Kennel & Forever Insert

Dakota 283 - G3 Large Kennel & Forever Insert

Made in one solid piece for durability to keep your beloved gun dog safe, the G3 Large Kennel features large ventilation holes and a keyed, paddle latching door. A drain hole makes for easy cleaning in case of messes from your new pup. Best part? The G3 Large is compatible with the Dakota 283 Forever Insert, a kennel divider that allows you to turn your big kennel into a smaller space, and a safe spot for your pup. The divider can be adjusted as your pup grows.

Kennel: $539; Forever Insert: $139; dakota283.com




A dark grey yeti hopper flip top cooler on a white background.
Yeti Hopper Flip Top 12

Yeti - Hopper Flip Top 12

Heading out for an afternoon hoping to bag a bird or two? Or looking to keep some training birds good and frozen? The YETI Hopper Flip 12 is the perfect size for a couple of roosters, or a limit of chukar. A flip top and wide-mouth opening make access easy, while the cubed shape is perfect for stacking on other gear in the bed of the truck. Cold-cell rubber foam insulation keeps your birds cold until you get home.

$250; yeti.com




A room dog supplement bottle on a white background.
Zoom Dog – Thirsty Dog Hydration

Zoom Dog – Thirsty Dog Hydration

For those hotter training sessions, or long days of hunting, ensure your young dog is getting the electrolytes they need with the Thirsty Dog Hydration tablets from Zoom Dog. One tab per 12 ounces gives your dog mineral electrolytes, B Vitamins, and amino acids for energy and a healthy metabolism. The tablets dissolve in water, so add one tab to your water bottle, shake, and you’re ready for the field. Not recommended for dogs younger than 16 weeks of age.

$11 (30 ct.); zoomdogsupplements.com



Two bright orange Game Steward's Bird Bags on a white background.
Game Steward’s Bird Bag

FieldKing - Game Steward’s Bird Bag

For easy transportation of birds to the field for training your young pup, turn to the Fieldking Game Steward’s Bird Bag. Side mesh panels allow birds to breathe easily while two different size openings accommodate birds from quail to pheasants. Additional side pockets allow for extra gear storage such as blank ammo, e-collars, and more.

$40–$52; dogsunlimited.com



Three long dog whistles on a white background.
ACME Alpha Oblong Dog Whistle

ACME - Alpha Oblong Dog Whistle

Start whistle commands early with your young pup! The Acme Alpha Oblong Dog Whistle is 3-inches long for easy handling and comes with a rubberized comfort grip coating. A pealess design provides a solid tone with a single frequency that stretches over long distances. Available in Black, Orange/Black, or Red.

$15; gundogsupply.com

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