🧠 1. basic understanding: What is the hunting instinct?
The hunting instinct is a Natural, genetically anchored instinctwhich has been recognised in various Behavioural sequences shows:
- Orientation / Search
- Fixing
- Sneaking up on you
- Rushing
- Packing / Killing
- Dismantling / Eating
Depending on the breed and breeding line, individual phases are more pronounced (e.g. pointing dogs fixate, retrieving dogs bring prey, terriers chase and grab).
The aim of training is not to suppress the urgebut him controllable and retrievable to make.
👀 2. read and interpret signs correctly
Pay attention to the Body languageto intervene in good time:
| Sign | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Head up, nose in the air | Dog picks up wind - recognised scent trail |
| Muscle tension, fixated gaze | Hunting mode activated - now you have to act |
| Tail horizontal, fixed position | Concentration, just before the start of the race |
| Flat, creeping movement | \"Creeping up\" begins |
| No more callback possible, tunnel vision | Hunting instinct fully activated - too late |
➡️ Timing is crucialTrain, the behaviour before to recognise the escalation.
🏋️♀️ 3rd training: redirect & control hunting instinct
A. Impulse control
Goal: Dog learns to withstand stimuli (e.g. game movement) without running.
Exercises:
Reward only for calm behaviour
"Stay" under distraction (e.g. ball rolls)
"Look at me" as an interruption signal
B. Develop alternative behaviour
You replace the hunting action with controlled tasks:
| Phase of hunting behaviour | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Search | Nose work, tracking |
| Rushing | Retrieve, dummy work |
| Packing | Distortion games with control ("Off" on signal) |
This allows you to channel the energy into desired paths.
C. Recall under hunting fever
Build a highly motivating recall on:
- Special callback word (e.g. "Here!" or "Come quickly!")
- Always reward extremely (jackpot - sausage, game, great joy)
- Only practise in controlled situations until you get the hang of it
- Then increase: game odour, movement stimuli, etc.
D. Leash and drag line
Indispensable to ensure safety and control:
- Tow line (5-15 m) allows you to train your timing
- Use them to promote orientation towards people
- No jerking! Instead, encourage motivation, change of direction, eye contact
🧩 4. mental & physical utilisation
An under-utilised hunting dog finds its own occupation.
Important: combine mental AND physical exercise.
Ideal activities:
- Dummy training
- Mantrailing
- Target object search
- Tracking
- Retrieve from water or terrain
- Controlled hunting work (for hunting dogs)
🐾 5 Mistakes you should avoid
- Penalties for recalls → Destroys trust
- Overload with stimuli (e.g. equal to deer at 10 metres)
- Unclear signals or inconsistency
- Underestimating the hunting instinct ("He won't do it...")
❤️ 6. most important point: relationship & commitment
A dog that trusts you and enjoys working with you, decides in your favour more often than for the game.
Train in a playful, fun and varied way - no pressure.
📘 Bonus tips & tools
Game reserve training (with trainer, safe environment)
Whistle recall with signal whistle
Lunge training for distance control
"Stop" signal at a distance (great in a hunting context)
"Reward behind me": dog learns that return is worthwhile
