We run our dogs two to four miles every day. There are a couple of reasons we do this. First, and most obvious, is that it keeps the dogs healthy and in excellent shape. When you go hunting, the dog can get out and cover ground like it should. Second, it really makes a difference in their mental health. Third, it clears their head and opens them up for training. Finally, it hardens their feet in preparation for hunting rough country. I noticed this the other day when chukar hunting with two buddies and their dogs. After a half-day chukar hunt, over some rough lava rock country, their dog’s feet were tender and raw and needed several days to recover, whereas our dog’s feet never had a problem; they were ready to hunt again the next day. If you were planning on a three day chukar or desert quail hunt, raw feet could really slow your dog down. (Gun Dog Magazine had an article about a nifty dog boot made out of bicycle tube. It looked interesting. However, my dogs have never really liked boots; but they are funny to watch in them for the first few minutes.)
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