As the leaves start to change color, the days get shorter and the temperature start to change, it all points signs to our favorite time of the year, hunting season. In anticipation of the upcoming season, we prepare by making sure our hunting equipment is ready to go, we plan trips and even get the shotguns out and shoot a few clays pigeons or even real pigeons, just to keep sharp. One thing all gun dog owners should be doing is making sure our hunting dogs are ready to go as well. This not only includes working with them in different training environments, it also involves making sure they are physically ready to endure our long season. You should treat these dogs like athletes, not couch potatoes. They should be worked physically by giving them at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. I am not talking just taking them for a walk. That is a good start, but they need to run, they need to get their heart rate up, they need to work those muscles and burn any fat they might have acquired during the off season. They need to swim, if it’s too hot to exercise them where you are at, then take them for a swim. Swimming is great for building endurance and working muscles that normally don’t get worked on the land. There is nothing more embarrassing than watching your 4 year old dog waddling back with a duck in its mouth and is panting after one retrieve. These working dogs are willing to give it all, but if you stack the odd against them by over feeding them, not exercising them, you not only are making it physically hard on them, you are risking their life. Cardiac arrest, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are all real emergencies that can be fatal. You should also be feeding your dog a high quality dog food. If you look at how most dog food is made and what goes into them, you would never feed your dog those brands of dog food again. Our dogs need protein to build muscle and build endurance, this also includes treats. There are a lot of garbage treats out there, find ones that are all natural. Supplements are great for older dogs especially muscle and joint supplements, but can also prevent younger dogs from getting injured. Consult with your veterinarian for what’s best for you dog on anything you give your dog. And lastly make sure you always water your dog. Your dog should be fully hydrated prior to working out and/or hunting. Overall, yes, it will cost a little more to feed your dog a quality food, treats and supplements, but wouldn’t you rather have a healthy dog that is going to give you years of service with less health issues and be around longer for your family to love. If your hunting dog is anything like ours, they love to hunt, and by not preparing them to be at their best, you are doing a huge disservice to them and harming the longevity of your dog.