Shed Hunting Dog - How to Train Your Dog to Find Sheds
Training your dog to find shed antlers is an exciting and rewarding activity that combines outdoor adventure with skill-building. Whether you're an avid shed hunter or just looking for a fun way to exercise your dog, teaching them to locate naturally shed deer, moose, or elk antlers can be both enjoyable and productive. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of training your dog to find shed antlers and how Antler Ridge Co. can provide high-quality antlers for training and reward purposes.
Why Train Your Dog for Shed Hunting?
Shed hunting is more than just a hobby—it can be a valuable skill for both hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, making them perfect for locating antlers hidden in tall grass, brush, or forests. Here are a few reasons to train your dog for shed hunting:
Enhance Your Shed Hunting Success: A trained dog can find sheds that you might otherwise miss.
Mental and Physical Stimulation: Shed hunting provides excellent exercise and mental engagement for dogs.
Strengthen Your Bond: Working together in the field creates a deeper connection between you and your dog.
Great for All Breeds: While retrievers and scent hounds excel at shed hunting, any motivated dog can learn this skill.
Step-by-Step Training Guide
1. Start with Familiarization
The first step in training is to get your dog accustomed to the scent and texture of antlers. At Antler Ridge Co., we offer high-quality shed antlers perfect for introducing your dog to the unique characteristics of real antlers.
Allow your dog to sniff, lick, and carry a small antler.
Praise and reward them for showing interest.
Use positive reinforcement, like treats or playtime, to make the experience enjoyable.
2. Introduce Scent Work
Since dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell, you can enhance training by applying shed antler scent to the antlers.
Start by placing a scented antler in an easy-to-find location.
Encourage your dog to find it by using a command like “Find the shed!”
Reward them immediately upon discovery.
3. Begin Short Distance Retrievals
Toss a small antler a few feet away and encourage your dog to retrieve it.
Gradually increase the distance as they become more confident.
Reinforce positive behavior with praise and treats.
4. Hide the Antler in the Field
Once your dog understands the concept, it’s time to challenge them by hiding antlers in grassy areas or light brush.
Use different locations to prevent your dog from relying on visual cues.
Increase difficulty by hiding multiple antlers and rewarding each find.
5. Take It to the Woods
Now that your dog has mastered finding sheds in a controlled setting, take them to real hunting grounds.
Walk in areas where deer frequently travel, such as feeding zones and bedding areas.
Let your dog explore naturally while reinforcing their shed-hunting skills.
Choosing the Right Antlers for Training
At Antler Ridge Co., we offer a variety of shed antlers for training and rewarding your dog. Our naturally shed deer, elk, and moose antlers are sourced ethically and provide the perfect tool for both training and chewing. Consider purchasing:
Small training antlers for puppies and beginners.
Larger shed deer antlers for advanced training and more realistic fieldwork.
Split antlers for dogs that prefer easier chewing rewards.
Final Tips for Success
Be Patient: Some dogs learn faster than others, so tailor training to their pace.
Stay Consistent: Regular training sessions yield better results.
Use High-Quality Antlers: Investing in real shed antlers, like those from Antler Ridge Co., ensures a more authentic training experience.
Make It Fun: The more enjoyable training is, the more motivated your dog will be to find sheds.
Start Training with Antler Ridge Co
Ready to train your dog for shed hunting? Shop our selection of premium shed moose antlers and deer antlers at Antler Ridge Co. and equip your dog with the best tools for success. Whether you need training antlers, naturally shed deer and elk antlers, or chew-friendly rewards, we have what you need to turn your dog into a top-notch shed hunter!
