Editor’s note: This column originally appeared on DuckDogTrainer.com

Spring time is the perfect time for golf, bass fishing, spring cleaning, and dog training.

While many of my readers have been doing the first four on the list, most haven’t been focusing on the last.  However I encourage you to take advantage of the great weather and begin the process of getting your duck dog ready for the next season.

While it may still be cold in the norther parts of the country, it is perfect weather in the south. This is my favorite time of year for Texas and Louisiana duck dog training.

When you begin the process of preparing your dog for the next season, I encourage you to have a plan in mind.  Each training session should have a goal in mind. This goal should be measurable and attainable in one session.

In order to help you have a better duck dog, I am going to post several blogs along with a YouTube video that contain a simple “dog training tip.”  Please feel free to share these tips with your friends and if you decide to send your dog to a profession, I would love to help.

Today’s dog training tip is often overlooked, but it is very important for a duck dog.  We are going to talk about introducing your dog to a boat.  Believe it or not, most dogs aren’t automatically going to load into a boat.  Here are some pointers on how to go about boat training:

• 1. Begin by pulling your duck boat all the way on the shore.  This will make the boat more stable and be much easier for you and your Labrador Retriever to enter.  It will likely save you from falling down and either embarrassing yourself, or getting hurt as well.

• 2. Put a leash on your dog and walk around the boat a few times.  After your dog seems comfortable, simply step into the boat and tell the dog to load up.  Your dog will likely be unsure about jumping in on its first time.  Be patient. Don’t jerk your dog into the boat in a harsh manner.  Instead with a positive tone, coax him to join you.

• 3. Repeat the process several days.  Remember the old saying “practice makes perfect.”  By going over the above drill several days in a row your dog will gain great confidence.  He should begging to eagerly load in the boat with no leash.

• 4. Train from the boat.  Once your dog is completely confident, you can begin to train him from the boat.  Once he gets in the boat, have him sit and stay while someone throws marks in the water.  Send your dog on command and ask him to return into the boat while holding the bumper.

• 5. Boat ride time.  Now you are finally ready to take a little ride.  Load your dog in the boat and ease the bit into the water.  You can start by paddling around or using a trolling motor.  Once the dog is comfortable, switch over to the main engine.  Go slowly at first and gradually up the speed.

Congratulations! By now you should have a dog that is ready to ride the boat to the duck blind.

I hope this helps. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. I am Brian Johnson, and I would love to be your Duck Dog Trainer.

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Brian Johnson, originally of Port Neches, is pastor of the Outdoorsman’s Church in Winnie, owner of DuckDogTrainer.com and outdoors writer for The News.