Keeping Your Dog Safe in Early Dove Season

There’s something special about the early dove season. For many of us, it marks the first real chance to get back in the field after a long summer of training and anticipation. The mornings are alive with the sound of wings, and it finally feels like hunting season has returned.

But as exciting as dove opener can be, it comes with one big challenge that every dog owner needs to take seriously: the heat.

The Hidden Risk of Early Season Hunts

Unlike later hunts in the fall, early dove season often takes place in extreme temperatures. Even when the shooting is good, your dog’s health and safety should always come first.

A simple training drill can leave a dog panting hard in the sun. In the dove field, that exertion can quickly add up. Some dogs tolerate heat better than others, but every dog has a limit. Learning to read your dog and knowing when to pull back is crucial.

When to Leave the Dog at Home

It may feel strange to say it, but one of the best ways to keep your dog safe during dove season is to sometimes leave them at home.

• Afternoon hunts in direct sun can be brutal. If temperatures are high and shade is scarce, it’s often better to hunt without your dog than risk heat exhaustion.

• Err on the safe side. No hunt is worth pushing a dog into a dangerous situation. A safe dog today means more hunts tomorrow.
  
  

Why Doves Can Be Tricky for Dogs

Another factor to consider is the bird itself. Doves are much smaller and carry less scent than ducks, pheasants, or the bumpers you may have used during training.

For young or inexperienced dogs, this can make retrieves more difficult and frustrating. What looks like a simple mark may turn into extended searching in hot conditions, which only adds to the risk of overheating.

Practical Tips for Safe Dove Hunts

If you do decide to bring your dog to the field, here are a few guidelines to help keep them safe and comfortable:

• Hunt mornings instead of afternoons. Cooler temps and lower sun exposure make a huge difference.
  
  

• Seek shade whenever possible. Park near cover, use natural shade, or bring a portable umbrella to keep your dog cool between retrieves.
  
  

• Monitor effort, not just retrieves. Instead of counting how many birds your dog picks up, watch their body language and breathing.
  
  

• Know your dog’s limits. Every dog handles heat differently. Some are more heat-sensitive than others. Pay attention to warning signs of overheating.
  
  

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, dove season should be fun, rewarding, and safe for both you and your dog. Remember that every retrieve isn’t worth the risk if your dog is showing signs of overheating.

It’s better to head home safe and healthy than to push them too far. With a little extra caution, you can enjoy a successful hunt, start the season off right, and set your dog up for many more happy mornings in the field.

Shop our favorite Dove season blend: Opening Day Roast — Pecan Pie Roast.
A smooth, nutty blend of pecan, caramel, and vanilla made to celebrate the hunts that kick off a new season.