Hunting with a dog

The Role of the Hunting Dog

The hunting dog is the hunter’s most important partner in the field. A well-trained dog makes hunting more efficient and contributes to ethical hunting practices by tracking, pointing, and retrieving game. The dog is also crucial for tracking injured game.

Popular Hunting Dog Breeds

The choice of breed depends on the type of hunting and which species you are hunting.

Training the Hunting Dog

A hunting dog needs systematic training from a young age. The most important skills are:

• Obedience — the dog must follow commands reliably
• Retrieve — fetch shot game without damaging it
• Tracking — follow the scent trail of game in the terrain
• Calmness — lie still at gunshots and wait for commands
• Water work — swim and retrieve from water

Many hunter and angler associations organize hunting dog courses and hunting trials where the dog is tested in realistic situations.

Regulations

The use of dogs during hunting is regulated by the Wildlife Act and related regulations. Important rules:

• During leash law (April 1 - August 20), dogs must be kept on a leash
• Free on driven trail with barking dog is permitted during hunting season for the relevant species
• Dogs that chase protected species may be euthanized by wildlife authorities
• The owner is responsible for ensuring that the dog does not chase game outside hunting season

Tracking with dogs

In cases of wounded big game, you are obliged to carry out a follow-up search. An approved tracking dog with a handler can be called via the municipality’s tracking ring. The search must start no later than at sunrise the day after the shot if the game is not found immediately.

Hunting with dogs is part of the curriculum for the hunter’s exam . Also read about types of hunting and game and hunting seasons . Practice with a free theory test .