This is the time of year to get your hunting dog(s) all tuned up, in shape, and ready for bird season. In most parts of the country dove and grouse season are just around the corner, with many of the other upland bird seasons opening up soon after. Don’t be that guy who puts his dog on the ground opening day wishing that they would have done some offseason dog training. Don’t be that guy who puts an out of shape dog on the ground expecting it to hunt all day. Don’t be that guy who gets mad at his dog for not hunting well when you had all off season to train, but did not. Don’t be that guy. It is not fair to your dog, and it is not very fun.
Join a dog club... Do some yard work every evening... Take them on morning runs or mountain bike rides... Just remember that as much as you like to hunt, your dog likely enjoys it many times more. Give your dog the opportunity to learn and be successful, and it likely will be.

Jay