• Long leashes.
• Whistles to which the dog can be trained to respond.
• Dog treats for reward purposes.

Teach the Dog to Track

One of the best ways to teach your dog how to track is by using blood that may be purchased from the butcher. Leave a trail of blood for your dog to follow with a treat at the end. Start will small tracks and gradually lengthen them. Supervise your dog at first and then let your dog track unsupervised while you observe from a distance.Teach the Dog to Point and Retrieve

Teaching the dog to point or retrieve is a fairly complicated and lengthy process. You may need to seek special training courses or materials in order to learn the best way of training your dog to point and retrieve.

The method of teaching a dog to retrieve usually starts at the "wrong" end, getting the dog to spit out the retrieved item. Put something like a wooden dowel in your dog's mouth and praise him and reward him when he spits it out. Gradually work backwards to the stage where the dog retrieves the item.

Dogs that are bred specifically for pointing will naturally start to point when they have reached the right age. Praise your dog and reward him when he points correctly.

Schools and Other Training Materials

There are a number of different training schools for dogs. It is best to find a training school that deals specifically with the type of dog and hunting in which you are interested. For example, look for schools for coon hunting dogs, if you have a coonhound and want to hunt raccoons. Check your phone book or local breeders' association for the best training schools in your area.

There are also many different books and videos that can teach you how to train hunting dogs. Some of the best books and videos include:

• Working Retrievers by Tom Quinn
• The Bird Dog Training Manual by Dave Walker
• Game Dog by Richard Wolters
• Gun Dog Breeds Book

You can also find many training forums, online websites and magazines. Some of the best hunting dog magazines include:

• Retriever Journal Magazine
• Pointing Dog Journal Magazine
• Gun Dog Magazine
• Wildfowl Magazine

Well-trained hunting dogs will be of immense benefit when you go hunting. Make sure you understand the best way to train your breed of dog for the type of work you want it to do. Bird hunting dogs will not have exactly the same training as coon hunting dogs. Remember to praise and to reward your dog through every step of the training process.