Training your hunting dogs to hunt, whether it’s for flushing, pointing, or retrieving, there are great tools at your disposal. Bird and Dummy Launchers are available with remote control devices that can be used together or separately to fill your training needs.

Remote Bird and Dummy Launchers

With both dummy launchers and bird launchers, a remote control can be used to train your dog without the need of an assistant. At one time, there was no remote control, meaning you would always need another person to help with the training which almost always leads to a distracted dog.

A bird launcher is designed to emit a number of sounds and beeps to help your dog learn the sounds that he will hear when he’s hunting with you. The type, be it a dummy launcher or bird launcher will be dependent on what kind of training your dog requires. And because your goal is to have a well-trained dog who will make a great hunting partner, launchers are perfect for the job.

Bumper Launchers

This is your secret weapon in teaching your dog to learn to retrieve came. The dummy launcher is for those who work alone and you allow you to launch your dummies at a height and distance that is far greater than throwing it yourself. This allows your dog to learn to retrieve game that is further away. This is especially helpful when you consider that if you were using hand launching followed by shooting; your dog would become accustomed to fetching game at close distances. One of the best features of the remote launchers is that you can use the accompanying sounds to train your dog to react as if he were hunting actual game (ducks, pheasant, etc.).

Bird Launchers

To train a pointer or flushing dog, bird launchers are almost essential. A significant advantage with these is the ability to set up multiple launchers in the field to simulate an actual hunting area. Dogs are natural hunters and honing those skills is most easily done by mimicking what their skills were bred for. Training a dog to honor another’s point for the flush and to be effective in finding and pointing are much more easily done while using a bird launcher. Pointing dog trainers have been using them for years and now flushing dog trainers are seeing the huge advantages these tools can offer as well. Using the low-ground spring latch, these launchers can effectively train for quail and pheasant as well as high-flying birds like fowl.

To ensure that your dog is able to successfully work with you on a hunt and is well-trained in the art of hunting, there are certain supplies you’ll need. The range of supplies includes crates, training collars, whistles, bird launchers, and more.

Basic Hunting Dog Supplies

Because most hunting dog owners get their dogs from known, reputable breeders, getting a puppy means complete training. It will take effort from both you and the new puppy, but having the right aids will make your lives much easier.

Dog Crates

Your puppy will need to become used to a crate immediately. Otherwise, your puppy may grow up to be afraid of crates, or will simply refuse to sit in a crate. Also, a crate will provide a comfortable, quite place of relaxation and getaway, and will allow him to become acquainted with his new home.

Dog Whistles

These whistles are convenient and won’t bother other humans (the pitch is far too high) but they are ideal for your dog. If properly used, you can train your dog to come to you immediately when he hears the whistle. This is very effective when you’re in the field hunting and you’re ready to leave and your dog is not in sight.

Duck and Game Whistles

There is a difference between duck and game whistles and dog whistles. The difference is that duck and game whistles are to be used in training your dog to flush and retrieve game. These whistles can be used with proper bird launchers to maximize training. Using these whistles out on the field will train your dog to behave when you’re hunting. Some whistles will offer the best of both world: a game whistle and a calling whistle.

Dog whistles should not be confused with duck whistles and other game whistles. These are used in the training process to teach a dog how to flush as well as retrieve. Duck and game whistles are sold at any place that sells hunting dog supplies. You will use these whistles in conjunction with bird launchers to simulate being in the field. Some of these dog whistles come with a variety of different sounds and can be used to both call your dog as well as imitate the sound of ducks and upland game.

Bird Launchers

You should train your new puppy to retrieve, as well as point and flush, and you should do so as soon as possible. Bird launchers are the choice training tool for most hunters when it comes to this kind of training. Use it with a bird whistle to show your dog what it will be like when you’re out together on the field. Regardless of whether you’re training to retrieve, flush, or follow, bird launchers are the top choice. You’ll find that a lot of bird launchers come with remote controls, each designed to train your dog to learn how to be a good hunting dog. Retailers of hunting dog supplies will usually keep bird launchers on hand.

Other Hunting Dog Supplies

In addition to the supplies mentioned above, you can find bumpers and dummies that can help train dogs in retrieval techniques in both water and on land. When used with a scent they can help train your hunting dog even better. Remember, the sooner you train your dog to get used to the field, your gun and prey the better he will be on the hunt.