I highly recommend an electronic shock collar. Remember, however, that a shock collar is not a substitute or a cure-all for not putting the training time in with your dog, nor is it meant to be a punishment. A shock collar is simply a tool to help enforce commands and modify behavior. Read the instruction manual that comes with the unit, and gear the shock level to the personality of your dog.

Get 'Em On Birds
It almost goes without saying that the more you train your dog with real birds, the better they will perform in the field. There are many of what I call artificial training aids available nowadays. Some of them look and feel like real birds, and they are beneficial. But any time you can train your dog with real birds, the sessions will be much more productive.

A good place to train a dog with real birds is at a hunting preserve. I've belonged to one club for several years and my membership comes with a quota of birds for training purposes. I strategically place some of these birds in the field so I can control the training situation.

For example, during training sessions, we'll place the birds so that we can approach them from the downwind side. A good idea is to attach a piece of tape to a weed at the bird's location so you'll know exactly where the bird was placed. As the dog approaches the area, you can practice approaches and teach him how you want him to hunt. For flushers, this could mean teaching him not to get too far ahead -- 25 yards is the maximum -- and for pointers it could be point, hold and flush training.

The training session should be planned so that you can devote complete attention to handling your dog. This will require that you bring a hunting buddy to be the shooter. Using real birds will really amplify your training efforts.

Physical Fitness/Veterinarian Care
We should think of our four-legged hunting companions as skilled athletes. Like the highest paid pitchers in the majors on the opening day of the baseball season, we want our dogs to be in tip-top shape when the hunting season arrives. To accomplish this, there are several fitness and health care tasks that we need to consider.

First, exercise your dog daily. This doesn't have to be anything fancy. A stroll around the block or a walk through the park will improve your dog's fitness (as well as your own). Toss a ball or retrieving dummy along the way to add to the exercise session and improve retrieving skills.

Always keep up with your dog's veterinarian care. Make sure all shots are current and be sure your vet knows that you'll be using your dog for upland hunting, which involves a lot of running. Ask your vet about the general cardiovascular condition of your dog, its weight and diet requirements before, during and after the hunting season.

Ask your vet for his recommendations for keeping your dog in shape. And don't forget to provide your dog with plenty of water through the hunting day.

Retrieving Training
One of the most important aspects of a good pheasant dog is its ability to retrieve. The best scenario is to practice retrieving with your dog for a few minutes every day. Use a ball, a retrieving dummy, a favorite toy or a dead bird to teach bringing a retrieved bird (or substitute) all the way to your hand. Use a rope to control the dog if he stops short or insists on the "one circle" trick, and when he does the job properly, reward him with enthusiasm.

Positive Reinforcement
When your dog obeys your commands, retrieves to hand or otherwise performs in such a way that it pleases you, reinforce his positive behavior with a great deal of enthusiastic attention. Your dog will respond with increasingly improved performances that can only benefit you both in the field this fall.