The Gończy Polski outside the hunting season: our everyday balance of activity and rest

What an ordinary working day looks like

When we get home, Caya can go into the garden. In the evening, we go for a walk through the village or our hunting ground. For me, that time together is as much a part of living with a hunting dog as training and hunting itself.

The garden is part of our routine, but it does not replace attention. I want to engage with Caya and pay attention to her in daily life. Going for a walk together offers something different from the dog spending time in the garden on her own.

Hunting-related activities outside the season

Our activities include blood-tracking practice in our hunting ground and training days in a wild boar training enclosure. These tasks connect with Caya’s hunting work. Blood tracking in particular involves close cooperation: I handle her and pay attention to what her behaviour tells me.

Caya also settles down by herself

Caya also settles down of her own accord at home. That is something I appreciate about her. There is no need to fill every spare moment with a new task.

For me, the two belong together: a dog I work with outdoors and a dog who can relax contentedly in daily life. Rest belongs to our life together just as much as exercise and activity. I describe our approach at home in hunting dogs and family life: children, everyday life and rest.

I pay attention to how she behaves

When Caya is particularly attentive and turns towards me, I often get the impression that she would like to do something. If she seems calm and content, things feel right to me at that moment. Living together every day helps develop that understanding.

A single behaviour does not tell us whether a dog has too little or enough activity, though. I consider the particular situation and Caya’s overall demeanour.

Family helps when we are away

If we are unable to look after Caya ourselves, someone in our family steps in. Our relatives enjoy doing so, and Caya is happy about it too.

That support is an important part of our everyday life. If you are planning to get a puppy, it is worth thinking about who could provide care when you are unavailable. For us, our family provides that familiar support. If you are planning for your first puppy, you may also find my thoughts on costs, equipment and time before bringing a puppy home useful.

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