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Tips for gun training and retrieving with a mixed breed dog?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 1 year and 7 months old | 50 lbs

I am planning to TRY to train Sarah to retrieve dove for my boyfriend. I realize her instinct may not be strong enough being a mixed breed. My question involves gun training her. She is not storm shy however we have no ranges nearby that allow dogs. What tips do you have both for gun training and retrieving in general? We chose dove because I don't think she's big enough to do waterfowl. But once she has mastered of we are going to try

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 19th, 2019

I suggest you refer to this article about gun training a dog for hunting. This article is more in-depth than what I have the space to do here. ( gundogmag.com/editorial/introduce-your-pup-to-gunfire-the-right-way/175477 ) You can also opt to work with a professional trainer if you haven't trained a dog for this before.

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