kboock

So this will be my labs first full season hunting with winter conditions. I'm wondering if there is anything to do or stay clear of...What do I need to do to get her use to being in colder condtions...specifically, freezing cold water when retrieving ducks.

I'm currently taking her down to the river and doing retrieves with her in the cooler water...I also have left her in the garage in the AM when it's been down in the 30s.

Any other tips, concerns?

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iowasteve64

Well the best thing is to keep them outta the freezing water... But we cant I have hunted labs as waterfowl dogs 30 years and it takes a toll on them arthritus joint issues . but a ne.oprene vest a place to dry off and if in a boat heat and dry. I know lots say it dont matter but truth is ask your vet theyll tell ya the horror stories and i have lived a few of them 7 inch gashes from razor sharp ice retiring dogs way before there time take my male lab zeus he is by far the best duck dog i have ever had the pleasure to work with but at 6 years old he started slowing then came up lame a few times and a trip to the vet showedd he has arthritis bad so now he gets to ride in the boat and retrieve from there if there not to long. Not that he wouldnt kill himself to make a retrieve because he would I just hate that when he over does it he is in pain for days. now dogs like people are all made diffrent i have had labs make it to 10- even 11 years working birds . I i now use a glucousamen supplement with all my dogs make sure they have a warm place to dry off between retreives.even towels to dry them off in the boat to me a dog is like your gun and if ya dont take care of it it wont last. But theyre way more then a tool the over the shoulder glance when theres shooting and no splash the fun of the hunt a partner. maybe even a kid. as you spend so much time with them.
enjoy them and treat them like you would treat a 8 year old kid and youll have one that lasts and make many memeories with.

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missinIA

Two questions before ill give you my two cents....how old is your pup and where are you at in his training?

missinIA

Two questions before ill give you my two cents....how old is your pup and where are you at in his training?

kboock

Pup is a 1 and 1/2...she's dominate...listens great, strong swimmer, well versed in training, strong desire to retrieve...been exposed to cool temps, snow...

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Dean Downer

Treat her like she is a queen!
If you had to get in that cold water you sure would like someone to dry you off and put a vest on ahead of getting in the water!
Take care of her she is doing you a great service saving game.
Cold water takes it toll as stated, if you have a heater in the blind she deserves a spot close to it!
Best of luck
Dean

missinIA

If she is handling well for you while running blinds you should be good to go.
If she is not taking casts very well I would recommend setting up somewhere with a slow current and no ice shelves.
As you well know ice shelves will sometimes have holes in them that you'll wanna be able to cast your dog around.
I know of this guy who's dog had all the titles a dog could get and over 15 grand in training. He took her up to Canada a few years back and his dog was running across an ice shelf after a dead bird. Next thing he knew he was holding his dead dog. He had fallen in one of these holes and broke his neck.

River hunting during the winter is some of the most brutal hunting for a dog. Not just young dogs but all dogs. You got ice shelves and floating icebergs that can seriously injure your dog or even kill her. You just wanna make sure if you put her in a situation where she'll have debris and ice floating at her that you can give her a good strong "BACK" and she gets the hell back and out of the way of what ever is coming at her.

Like the other guys have said keeping her warm is a must. With a young dog you want her to enjoy it just as much as you.
I use the Avery Boaters Parka and know a lot of other people do too. I believe its the best vest on the market. It not only keeps them warm but protects also. I think it may give a little extra floatation as well.
I've never used the booties or have seen anybody thats used them but thats another option as well.
Last, I would do your homework on dog hypothermia. You'll want to know the signs of it and what to do in case it does happen.

Hope that helps you out and good luck to you and the pup.

kboock

Thanks guys! I don't think i'll be hunting her in extreme conditions like ice shelves...but I will have her in some cold water with some ice that might be around...I have a Cabela's dog vest with some additional floatation in the vest...so hopefully all is good. I just wanted her desensitized to the cold weather as much as possible...thanks everyone! Now let's shoot some birds!!!

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4-Geese
6-Mallards
10-Woodies
10-Teal
4-Pheasants
2-Deer
1-Pigeon