About 4,000 per month. That’s how many questions I get from Facebook, Instagram, email, and when you enter my Take Your Friend Hunting contest here. Some are just too good to leave alone – they beg for a little embellishment, just for fun. If any of these questions look familiar, please know it is merely coincidental.
[Editor’s note: no dogs were harmed in the making of this blog post, though a few egos may be slightly bruised.]
Q: Do you ever hunt without a dog? Thanks, Kat Luver.
A: Why?
Q: My children want to help with dog training, but they are not very disciplined themselves, i.e., dirty rooms, lost homework, bad manners. Thanks, Terry Bulldad.
A: Try an electronic training collar. They are nowhere near as inhumane as they used to be, and speed up the learning process when used correctly. The vibration and tone features also give you a lot of flexibility when it comes to behavioral change. Start with a very low stimulation, and work up as necessary. I would take the collars off before you drop them at school, though.
Q: Help! My dog won’t come to me when called. Signed, Star Tinghout.
A: He doesn’t come when I call him, either. Try making a sound like a filet mignon and see what happens.
Q: How long does it take to train a dog? Thanks, E.Z. Wayout.
A: A year should be sufficient for me to tell you how long it will take to train a dog.
Q: My dog is in a constant state of shedding both in the house and truck. Can I do anything about it? Signed, Harry Holmes.
A: Despite the claims by some “doodle-type” or shorthair breeders, all dogs shed. A good diet and regular grooming will help, but the real solution is to own furniture, carpets and truck upholstery that match the color of your dog. If your dog is ticked, spotted, checked or striped, buy two homes and two trucks.
Q: How can I get to go hunting with you? Thanks, Nita Friend.
A: Thanks! I’m always looking for guest hosts on the show, especially if they shoot well and let me take credit. Please send me a detailed letter, written in the margins of as many $50 bills as you need to draft a detailed, lengthy, convincing proposal.
Scott Linden Outdoors 
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