Bringing home a new sporting dog is an exciting time for both you and your family. You have dreams of sharing the field with your new pup and of epic days afield together…but a sporting dog is much different than just a family pet. They come with more training requirements and health care needs than your average dog.

Here are nine tips for new sporting dog owners, helping you ensure a strong start and happy life for your new bird dog.

New Dog Owner Tips

1. Choose a Breed Wisely:

Not all bird dogs are the same. Some have high drive and trouble turning it off at home, others are hard drivers in the field and great family dogs at home. Some dogs are suited for thick and cold pheasant terrain, while others are better suited for warm weather and open prairies. Research multiple breeds before making a decision. Talk to breeders and friends, ask the hard questions. Ensure the breed you choose is going to fit your hunting and lifestyle.

2. Picking a Litter:

You’re not done after selecting your breed of choice. Now you have to choose a breeder and a litter that has the genetics you are wanting out of your bird dog. Find a proven pedigree and a reputable breeder with a solid track record.

3. Pick a Veterinarian Who Knows Sporting Dogs:

Your hunting dog is going to put its body to the extreme, and you need a veterinarian who understands that. Develop a strong relationship with your vet. Discuss a complete care plan for your puppy, what vaccinations your pup will need, parasite control, etc. When your dog is old enough to hunt, ask your vet what medicines you should always have in your med kit with you, and other First Aid kit gear that will help in case of an emergency.

Additionally, sporting dogs will be exposed to a myriad of canine diseases and illnesses due to the terrain they hunt in. Whether that be tick-borne diseases including Lyme disease and Ehrlichiosis to Giardia, Canine Influenza, and kennel cough, work with your vet and become familiar with the signs of canine illnesses.

4. Choose the Right Food to Fuel Them:

You’re bringing an athlete into your home and athletes need to be fueled differently. They are canine athletes and need stamina and strength to get them through the long hunting seasons. You need a high protein, high fat diet such as Purina Pro Plan Sport. The Performance 30/20 blend helps to fuel metabolic needs and maintain lean muscles, while glucosamine and Omega-3 fatty acids keep joints healthy and mobile.

5. Focus on Their Year-Round Fitness:

Even in the off-season, it’s important to keep your dog lean and fit. Why? Extra pounds on their joints are hard on them and diminishes stamina and performance. You have to commit to keeping your dog in an ideal body condition throughout its entire life.

6. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise:

Sporting dogs have a high-drive and need exercise daily to keep their minds and bodies busy and out of trouble. Plan on, at the minimum, exercising your dog 15 to 20 minutes a day. An active dog is a happy dog! Find safe places to run your dog off leash, mix in retrieves and swimming, and even short training sessions can exercise the mind and body.

7. Find a Great Place for Boarding:

You can’t take your dog everywhere with you (even though we wish we could). Plan ahead before you bring your puppy home: Who will watch your dog when you’re traveling? Locate trusted boarding facilities nearby or friends or family members who are willing to help.

8. Begin Training Early with Your New Dog:

Your sporting pup comes with a whole other level of training than just basic obedience. Training should start the moment you bring your pup home with obedience commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “kennel.” These will aid them greatly when it comes time for formal bird dog training. In addition to obedience, will you be training the dog to hunt? Will you be hiring a professional? Research thoroughly and have a game plan long before your pup comes home.

9. Join a Dog Training Club:

Clubs and training groups with like-minded sporting dog owners can help you immensely whether this is your first bird dog or your third. From knowledge, resources, access to training grounds and more, a bird dog club comes with many benefits.