Hunting dog peak performance: expert outlines his strategy for fueling and training

Peak performance ... what we all want from our hunting dog. Karl Gunzer will help - he's director of the sporting dog group at Purina Pro Plan Sport, a dog trainer and hunter. He's as in-the-know as anyone I know about all things nutrition for canine athletes, from a theoretical and a practical basis. He's also hanging around with all the folks in white coats on Purina's research and development team, so current on the latest science.

We're talking from the floor of the recent Pheasant Fest, where we also cover hunting dog foot care, strategic feeding, hydration, and dog training. Karl really piqued my interest when he suggested we let the dog "make the decision," rather than force it on him.

I also asked you what the most important command is, in the field and your answers are surprising in their consistency, and "Handle It" this week offers my one-and-only tip on keeping a flushing dog within gun range.

And it's all brought to you by: Sage & Braker Mercantile, LandTrust.com, HiVizSights.com, @midwayusa, #midwayusa, Midway USA, Mid Valley Clays and Shooting School, TrulockChokes, HiViz shooting systems, ESPAmerica, Purina Pro Plan Sport and FindBirdHuntingSpots.com.