Sporting Dog Shorts
Welcome to Sporting Dog Shorts! Fueled by Purina Pro Plan, this 12-part series aims to provide you with new informative, dynamic, and digestible content centered around canine health, nutrition, training, and performance. Every month we'll be sharing Purina's expertise to educate and inspire dog owners like you, so make sure to bookmark and share this page with your fellow sporting dog enthusiasts!
October 2025
What's in Your Hunting Vest?
As both a veterinarian and a seasoned upland hunter, I've learned that a well-packed hunting vest can make the difference between a small hiccup and a major problem. It's more than a storage system for shells and birds — it's a mobile first aid station, repair shop, hydration system, and memory keeper.
Read Article
September 2025
Hydration Strategies for Sporting Dogs in the Field
Whether you're following your pointer across the prairie in the September heat or sending your Labrador into an icy cattail slough in December, hydration plays a direct role in stamina, recovery and overall safety. Here are some strategies for keeping dogs hydrated, safe, and performing at their peak.
Read Article
August 2025
Tough Feet, Tough Dogs: A Veterinarian's Guide to Foot Care
Sporting dogs are elite athletes. Their foot health is just as critical to their job as their heart, lungs, or nose. Unfortunately, the dog's paw, despite being quite tough overall, is a potentially vulnerable spot for injury and overuse. Cracked pads, torn nails, interdigital sores, and even punctures can quickly sideline an otherwise healthy dog. A dog that begins limping on day two of a five-day hunt from trashed pads isn't just an inconvenience or a source of sympathy—it's a sign that your preseason foot preparation regimen may have fallen short.
Read Article
July 2025
Don't Make This Mistake With Your Pup!
As important as retrieving is for a bird dog, there seems to be a direct correlation between an owner desperately wanting their dog to love retrieving, and their dog not enjoying it at all. Often, the more pressure an owner applies, the less natural drive the dog develops. This is a problem, and one that is avoidable, but it does take some intentionality and discipline on the part of the owner. Here's how to avoid retrieving pitfalls while cultivating desire and success within your four-legged friend.
Read Article
June 2025
Off-Season Objectives for Your Sporting Dog
Don't let summer get away from you and your bird dog. Get working! But keep it all fun … for both of you. Short sessions, low pressure, regular work on skills … with a little planning and intentionality, you can have your dog ready to go at first light of opening morning this fall. Recall weaknesses from last season, develop a plan, build your relationship and teamwork. Here's how.
Read Article
May 2025
Unleashing Optimal Performance
What you feed your dog, how much, and even when you do it, are critical factors for a long, happy and productive canine life … out in front and at your side.
Read Article
April 2025
Puppy Development 101
Building a strong relationship with your new puppy creates a foundation for success when training. Focus on creating a bond where your pup wants to be with you and work for you, leading to a more enjoyable and effective training experience.
Read Article
Additional content arriving monthly