08/26/2026
🐾 FIRST HUNTS, BEST MEMORIES! 🐾
One of the most exciting moments for any handler is taking a young dog on their very first hunt.
At Cross Creek Kennel, we provide the training and foundation to help set your dog up for success, but it’s time in the field that gives them the experience and confidence to become a true hunting partner.
For those first few hunts, remember — you’re hunting for your dog, not for yourself. Keep things simple and make every retrieve a positive experience.
✅ START SMALL. A quiet hunt with you and one buddy is much better than taking a young dog on a big group hunt. Too many guns, people, dogs, and birds can easily overwhelm them.
✅ LET SOMEONE ELSE DO THE SHOOTING. If possible, have a buddy shoot while you concentrate on handling your dog, helping them watch the birds, and making sure they are successful.
✅ START WITH EASY SINGLES. Give your dog a chance to clearly see birds fall from the sky and learn what is expected of them.
✅ MAKE EVERY SEND SUCCESSFUL. Especially in the beginning, every time you send your dog, you want them to come back with a bird. If they simply cannot find one, help them out. You can even take a bird from your bag and toss it for them so the retrieve ends successfully.
✅ HELP THEM UNDERSTAND WILD BIRDS. Wild birds can look and smell different from the pen-raised birds they may have seen during training. If your dog is unsure about picking one up, pick it up yourself, make it exciting, and toss it for them as a retrieve. Help them understand what they are looking for.
Most importantly, don’t be in a hurry. Those first few hunts are about building confidence, creating good habits, and letting your young dog figure out how all of their training applies in a real hunting situation.
Every first hunt is special, and we’d love to celebrate those moments with you! 🎉
If you have questions before taking your young dog hunting, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to help you work through your individual situation and give you a few pointers before that first trip to the field.
We can’t wait to see your dogs in action! 🦆🐕💪
