Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Your golden retriever can be the perfect duck-hunting dog with this training

Mary Johnson
By

Every year, the American Kennel Club releases a Top 10 list of the most popular dogs in the U.S. And while the Labrador retriever has claimed the number-one slot for the past 31 years running, the golden retriever isn’t far behind. If you intend to take your golden retriever duck-hunting, you’ll want to know how to keep your canine companion safe. From a brief history on the golden retriever’s roots as a hunting companion in the Scottish Highlands to the best modern hunting safety tips, we’ll tell you everything you need to know. 

A profile shot of a Golden Retriever standing near a lake.

What is the best dog for duck hunting? 

According to the experts at hunting and fishing-centric website Wide Open Spaces, the number-one duck-hunting dog is none other than the golden retriever. Modern-day duck hunters owe a great deal to Sir Dudley Marjoribanks, also known as Lord Tweedmouth. The Scottish baron is not only responsible for developing the much-beloved golden retriever, but he also kept meticulous records of his efforts in breeding the golden. The first goldens were a mixture of Tweed water spaniels, setters, wavy-coated retrievers, and even a bloodhound. Who knew the golden had such complicated ancestry? Lord Tweedmouth certainly did, and, thanks to his detailed record-keeping skills, so do we. 

Recommended Videos

Can a golden retriever be a hunting dog? 

Intelligent, patient, and eager to please, the golden retriever is one of the most popular family pets for good reason. But the very traits that make them excellent companions also serve them well in the field. They have soft, dense undercoats and water-resistant topcoats, allowing them to wade into frigid water to retrieve a hunter’s fowl. Thanks to their athleticism and instinctive desire to please humans, many hunters find that golden retrievers are uniquely intuitive for the task at hand.

While they first gained popularity as hunting dogs in the late 19th century, golden retrievers first placed in a field trial back in 1904, and they’ve been praised for their hunting abilities ever since. The American Kennel Club also notes that golden retrievers excel as working dogs and often claim top marks in sporting event competitions. In other words, this clever, affable breed is a great all-rounder in the water or in a field. No wonder goldens are one of the most popular breeds. 

A Golden Retriever stands in a forest, surrounded by trees.

Are golden retrievers good for bird hunting?

Not only was the golden retriever bred for hunting, but even modern-day retrievers retain the traits bred into their ancestors. Golden retrievers are known for being intelligent people-pleasers who learn new tricks with ease. More importantly, they’re not gun-shy dogs, making them the ideal companion for bird hunters. Here are a few essential tips you need to know before you take your golden retriever on a hunt:

Make sure your dog learns basic skills first

Your pup needs to know how to follow basic commands before you take him on his first hunt. Goldens are notoriously smart and want to make you happy, but that doesn’t mean you should skimp on early training sessions. You should only progress to the next stage in training once your dog obeys commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “drop it.” 

Early exposure is essential

While many golden retrievers tend to instinctively gravitate toward water, that’s not always the case. Take your pup for a swim in a kiddie pool, make sure she enjoys bath time, and never force your puppy into the water. Young puppies might be more fearful of the water than older dogs, but you can help your pooch overcome her fear with time and patience. Don’t be afraid to swim around with her. Once she sees you having fun, she’ll be more likely to positively associate water with playtime. 

Show your fur baby that guns aren’t scary

Just like pups need time to get used to water, there’s also an adjustment period for spending time around guns. But you should never jump the gun — pun intended — while training your dog. Instead, expose them to recordings of gunfire while letting them see your gun. (Make sure the gun is unloaded, please. Clumsy, potentially frightened puppies and loaded firearms are a horrible combination.) Once your puppy adjusts to loud noises and the presence of firearms, you can take them out with you for target practice. Dogs have sensitive hearing, so you’ll also want to protect their ears from repeated gunfire. 

Take a short trip first

Your puppy is well-trained, loves water, and doesn’t flee from gunfire. That means they’re ready to join you on a hunt, right? Not so fast. Before you take your pup out during hunting season, you’ll want to take them out in your boat first. Allow your dog to adjust to sitting beside you on the deck, and make sure she’s willing to obey you when you order her in and out of the water. 

Train your pup to track a scent

Some golden retrievers will instinctively retrieve waterfowl, but you shouldn’t count on it. Instead, you should train your dog to retrieve fowl using scented dummies or duck wings. If your dog already excels at obeying basic commands, teaching him to fetch shouldn’t be difficult. 

A golden retriever sits panting in a grassy field.

Taking your dog on a duck hunt is a unique bonding experience, but it’s one you’ll want to approach with safety in mind. Make sure your dog has adequate ear protection, never force your pooch into the water, and always keep your guns stored safely when not in use. 

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Mary Johnson
Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
7 Japanese dog breeds that could be your perfect pet
Getting to know Japanese dog breeds: Shiba Inu, Akita, and more
A black and white Japanese Chin stands outside in the grass raising one paw

If you were to ask someone to name a Japanese dog breed, we'd be willing to bet that they'd mention Shiba Inu dogs first. And for a good reason! Shiba dogs are becoming increasingly popular around the world, especially after one lucky "doge" went viral in 2013. But they're not the only breed worth mentioning.
There are more than seven Japanese dog breeds out there, of course, but we chose these seven so you can compare and contrast these pups' unique qualities. From gentle giants to teacup cuties and everything in between, there just might be your perfect fit right here on this list!
Here are seven Japanese dog breeds we know and love.

Shiba Inu dogs are quite possibly the most famous Japanese breed, thanks to a meme
Whether you knew it at the time or not, you've probably seen a picture of the famous "doge" internet meme which features a Shiba Inu giving some major side-eye. And as it turns out, this infamous sass can be common in this self-assured breed!

Read more
Does your pet need to visit the dentist? Here’s how a dog teeth cleaning works
It seems scary but they won't feel or remember a thing
Doctor cleaning dog's teeth with toothbrush indoors

In theory, we all go to the dentist every six months to get our teeth cleaned, which helps keep the pearly whites in check and also contributes to overall health. Surprisingly, our pets also benefit from annual (or biennial) dental treatments. While these cleanings do wonders for your dog's teeth, they can make owners nervous and burn a hole in their wallets to boot. Here's why you should schedule regular cleanings for your pup.
How do I know if my dog's teeth need cleaning?
Unless it's a really severe case, you probably can't tell just by looking. Instead, your vet will take a peek in your animal's mouth during their yearly checkup. Your pet's doctor may give your furry friend a dental grade between 0 and 4, with 0 being reserved for puppies that have perfect teeth and 4 meaning Fido will likely require more advanced care, including extractions. Once you have the assessment, you can better determine if your pup needs a cleaning, but it's frequently recommended.
What happens during a dental cleaning
Some of that depends on the grade and your specific beast, but the gist of it stays the same. The main thing is not to worry too much because your little guy will be well cared for, and even though there's always some risk to anesthesia, this is a routine procedure.
Getting your pup ready
Before you even begin, you should get pre-op blood work done to make sure they can handle being under anesthesia. Have your vet discuss any outside-of-range findings and figure out the best way forward. Some older dogs develop kidney and liver problems, and your dog doc might decide that a cleaning isn't worth the risk.
Prepping for the cleaning
Your little guy will likely fast leading up to treatment (just as you would if you were going in for surgery). When you arrive, your vet will go over the schedule and almost certainly give them a once-over to confirm they're ready. Then they will get a sedative in preparation to go under. Figure out what time you need to pick them up and then try to distract yourself for a few hours.
During the procedure
Most vets will take X-rays, clean the teeth, and perform extractions as necessary. Don't worry — your pet will be fully asleep and will not remember or feel a thing. If they do need any teeth pulled, they might get additional shots during the visit (again, just as you would get Novocaine while getting your mouth done). Your vet may also take this opportunity to clip their nails (since they are asleep), if necessary.
Aftercare
If your dog had to have any work above a cleaning, you'll have a couple of meds to administer, such as pain medication and antibiotics. Follow the dosage carefully, especially if you're dealing with strong meds like codeine. In some circumstances, they may have to wear the cone of shame to prevent scratching at their mouth.
How else can you help your dog's oral hygiene?
There's a lot you can do as the pet parent in between cleanings. Consider brushing their teeth, giving doggie dental chews, putting an additive in their water, or putting them on prescription food if the issues are really severe.

The most important thing is to stay on top of your furry friend's oral health, just like you would with any other issues. That often means not feeding them human food, which can cause decay, and providing dry dog food or even dog bones to chew. As long as you stick with the routine, hopefully, you won't need too much extra detail care.

Read more
Bad dog? Bad pet parent: Why your dog’s disobedience is your fault
Pet parents need training, too. How to get back on track with your dog's training
A yellow Labrador retriever sticks his head in a grocery bag

If you ever uttered the words, "Help! My dog has become disobedient," then you're not alone. Badly behaved dogs are more common than most people realize, and that's actually a good thing. Because so many pet parents face the same issue, most dog owners have taken to the internet to share tips and tricks about the most effective training solutions for fearful, destructive, and even aggressive dogs.
That being said, each disobedient dog will react differently, so it may take time to discover a solution that works for you. We're here to share a few ideas to get you started, but keeping up with your dog's training is up to you.

At what age are dogs most disobedient?
Ugh — teenagers.
Parents of human kids can relate! Some of the most rebellious years happen during the teens for both people and dogs. When pups are between 5 to 18 months, they are starting to get more confident in their own bodies, often testing the boundaries of what they can and cannot do.
While you can’t stop your young dog’s rebellious phase, you can control how you respond to it. Staying consistent with your training is key to reinforcing expectations and showing your dog that it’s not effective to push the boundaries. No matter how cute your pup might be — you can’t give in!

Read more