Dog safety question

[aorams]

My dog and I are learning to hunt grouse on some of industrial timberlands. We’ve run into a lot of cougar sign lately and I’m wondering how you more experienced dog owners keep your dogs safe from predators.

Thanks for the input!

[metlhead]

The odds of your dog running into a cougar and having an altercation are pretty slim. Your best defense is just awareness, which seems you are already aware. The biggest threat seems to me is porcupines

[metlhead]

As a grouse hunter, your dog is probably kept tight and you are most likely carrying a gun. Not much else you can do, so do not fret and just enjoy your hunt.

[anthropisces]

I've drilled obedience training into my 18 month old lab Luna. I take her out several times a week for training and try to give her some type of training, even if it is only to pick up an object and hold it, at least once each day. So I think all of this has contributed to her being very responsive when wildlife shows up unexpectedly.

A couple of months ago a black bear appeared on a forest road and while my little mix started giving chase, Luna spun around instantly when called and returned to me. Several months before that we encountered a porcupine and once again she initially gave chase but then turned around immediately as soon as she was called.

She loves the obedience training and I love working with her.