To protect your investment in your dogs should be a priority to you as a dogman. Your dogs put it out there for you in the woods, and you as a responsible owner, and ambassador of hunting with dogs, should take advantage of the means available to you! Nutrition, goes with out saying, a quality chow and supplements should be a staple in your kennel. I am not gonna jump on a soapbox and rattle off brand names but if you have a kennel of working dogs, you should not be feeding out from Safeway at 12 dollars a 40 lb bag. What you put into these athletes is what you will get in return. There are several “quality” chows available at fairly reasonable prices. What I am saying is do your research, find a chow that fits your budget, yet gives your dogs optimal nutrition, and benefits as working dogs.
Another thing to consider as a “Hog Dogman” is protecting your dog in the way of “cut protection”, ie. cutvests and cut collars. The various styles, which I have touched on in previous writings, should be considered here. If your dog is a gritty dog, then with out question should be vested up. Nothing troubles me more than seeing, or hearing of a dog getting injured when all precautions were not taken. People argue a dog loses mobility with a vest, this is true to an extent, but vet bills are expensive, and dogs being down on injury is a burden too. I have also heard, “I want my dog to respect the hog, a vest is a false sense of security”, true, but all it takes is once!
I do not vest up my strike dogs, I am comfortable with their style, and their ability, however when running with Bulldogs I do vest or collar them up. And I do ALWAYS vest and collar up my bulldogs. Many of my close buddies have their own views and takes and have some damn good dogs, they run vestless and get it done without recourse. I however, know first hand vests save dogs!
There are many of manufacturers out there with various sizes, materials, and styles of vests and collars. They range in price from fifty dollars anywhere up to one hundred and fifty dollars. Ask around and keep in my the style of dog you have. I stress the importance of knowing a bit on field first aid as well, from simple to advance, this could save time and unnecessary vet bills and even save a dogs life. Have a field kit with some basic items such as sterile water, gauze, betadine, benedryl, wraps and tape. Be able to stabalize the dog and get him to the vet if needed.
If all bases are covered and you keep your dog in working shape, you should be able to have a long healthy hunting relationship with your dog. Take all precautions, keep up on his health and be prepared in the case of field injury and you will be amazed. You and your best friend will bring home plenty of bacon!
“cut ‘em loose”
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Good advice Torrey. I’ve been looking on the internet for catch gear and came across this website that sells Southern Cross catch vests and collars. Have you had any experience with these products? Would you buy these for your dogs? http://countrymikes.com
Kenny
I am familiar with their vests a buddy bought one and likes it. I get my vests from a magazine called Boarhunter, they sell some good gear, their cut vests have worked well for me and have held up rather well too! Nite Lite is a company out of Arkansas, they sell vests too, we have ran a few of theirs, good vests as well. Let us know what ya get and how it works for ya!
Hoo Ya! Torrey,
I have always (as you well know) been an avid proponent of vesting them brothers in arms!
Give em’ every advantage you can to get the job done without incident!!
Absolutely Riddle, you have always set a fine example, not with just vesting up a hunting dog, but as a dog guy in general! You always have treated and cared for your dogs like none other, a great role model for all in the dogs. Thanks for everything you have taught me!