Is Field Dog Training the Same as Hunting Dog Training?

If you’re ready to train your dog to bring home birds or other game, you may be wondering where to begin looking for hunting dog training.

A common question inevitably arises as your search begins: Is field dog training the same as hunting dog training?

While these two types of training may sound similar, there are key differences that distinguish field dog training from hunting dog training.

In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between field dog training and hunting dog training and the competitions that go along with each — field trials and hunt tests, respectively.

Field Dog Vs Hunting Dog

Let’s start with what’s the difference between a field dog and a hunting dog.

A field dog is trained to work independently of their handler, unlike hunting dogs who are trained to be obedient to their handler’s commands.

Therefore, field dog training and hunting dog training vary to account for this major distinction between the two. 

Let’s first look at field dogs in more detail to clarify the differences between field dog training and hunting dog training. 

Which Dog Breeds Are Field Dogs?

There are many different types of dogs that can be used for field work, but some breeds are more suited to certain tasks than others.

This is quite fascinating.

Pointers, setters, flushing breeds (such as Labradors or spaniels), and retrievers are all considered field dogs because they are bred to perform a variety of duties during the hunt.

Setters, for example, are used for hunting birds or game.

The pointer will stand still in one spot while pointing out any nearby birds to its owner; setters have been known to do the same thing with game animals such as deer and hares.

Flushing breeds will get close enough to animals so hunters can shoot them down with their rifles or bows; these include Labrador Retrievers and German Shorthaired Pointers among others.

Retrievers retrieve downed prey from the ground and return it to their handler.

What Skills Are Taught in Field Dog Training?

The skills taught in field dog training are very similar to those taught in hunting dog training, except field dog training teaches more skills.

Importantly, the dog in training also has to be taught to work on their own, without depending on commands from their handler.

Overall, field dog training is more in-depth and takes longer than hunting dog training.

Pointing breeds: Search in water for game, mark and retrieve downed birds, and track game on land — plus all of the skills taught in hunting dog training!

Retriever/spaniel breeds: Hunting ability and natural instinct, remain steady, mark downed waterfowl, make blind retrieves, and deliver birds to hand.

What Are Field Trials for Dogs?

Field trials are a big deal for dogs and their owners who have participated in field dog training.

A field trial is an organized event at which dogs and their handlers compete against one another for prizes, usually in retrieving or pointing.

During these competitive events, field dogs must be able to perform their job on their own in a field or open space.

Each organization has a slightly different way of running their field trials. One major difference you’ll see is walking trials versus trials where the handlers and judges are on horseback.

The criteria for judging each dog depends on its breed. Each type of bird dog breed has its own field trial category (i.e. pointing dog trials, retriever trials, and spaniel trials).

Hunting Dog Training

Hunting dogs, in comparison to field dogs, are trained to work closely with their human handlers.

The goal is to make sure that the dog and the hunter move as one, working together to flush the game out of hiding and bring it down when it’s shot.

Hunting dogs need to be able to track their prey through thick underbrush, flushing them out into open spaces so they can be shot more easily.

These well trained canines also need to be able to retrieve game after it’s been killed so that it doesn’t end up lost, buried by all the underbrush, or more importantly, wasted!

What Skills Are Taught in Hunting Dog Training?

Hunt tests started out as a way to evaluate breeding lines in a non-competitive way.

Along the way, the training that goes into both hunt test and field trial preparation has proven extremely beneficial in preparing dogs for hunting in the real world.

Along with a solid obedience training foundation, here is what each type of bird dog will learn during the training process:

Pointing breeds: Search for game, hold point, remain steady to wing, shoot, and drop, and retrieve downed game to hand.

Retriever/spaniel breeds: Hunting ability and natural instinct, remain steady, mark downed waterfowl, make blind retrieves, and deliver birds to hand.

What Are Hunt Tests for Dogs?

Unlike field trials, hunt tests are not competitive.

During a hunt test, each dog is judged individually and given a score based on their performance.

Therefore, at the end of a hunt test event, there is the possibility of several dogs having a perfect score.

The objective is to assess the skills of each dog, not to have them compete against each other.

Which Dog Breeds Are Hunting Dogs?

Hunting dogs have been bred to aid hunters in getting game.

The most popular hunting dog breeds include German Shorthaired Pointers, Beagles, Labrador Retrievers, and English Springer Spaniels.

As previously explained in more detail above, each breed has its own unique set of traits that make it a good choice for hunting and tracking a specific type of game.

What Are Versatile Hunting Dogs?

Versatile dogs are crossbreeds between hunting and field dogs, which makes them great choices for both hunt tests and field trials.

In addition to being wonderful bird dogs, versatile hunting dogs are able to hunt waterfowl, small game, or track big game.

They can be great family pets and serve as companions on hikes or runs, too.

Field Dog Vs Hunting Dog Summary

To decide whether field dog training or hunting dog training is best for your dog, first consider your goals.

What type of game do you want to hunt?

Then consider if your dog will need to work independently of you. If so, field dog training is the way to go.

If you want your dog to be obedient to your commands, hunting dog training may be the best choice.

If you’re interested in getting started with either type of dog training but aren’t sure where to begin, contact a hunting dog trainer to learn more.

Better yet, attend a field trial and hunt test or two and see these amazing canine sports for yourself.

People Also Ask:

What Kind of Game Is Used for Field Trials and Hunt Tests?

Sometimes you’ll find pen-raised birds used as game for field trials and hunt tests (which seems rather sad).

Other times, bird dogs will be required to search for wild waterfowl.