With just 12 weeks until upland season opens in many states, now is the time to commit to a purposeful preseason plan. The uplands demand more than passion—they demand preparation. Whether you’re gearing up for your first bird or your fiftieth, conditioning—both physical and mental—builds the confidence to go farther, hunt longer, and keep both you and your dog safe in the field. Most importantly, proper preseason work significantly reduces the risk of injury when it matters most.
Bird dogs thrive on movement, but conditioning should always be gradual and tailored to the dog’s age, breed, and current fitness level. Young dogs under 12 to 18 months, especially large or active breeds, should avoid high-impact or repetitive exercise. Instead of long-distance runs or forced leash biking, focus on short field sessions, low-pressure exploration, and swimming, which builds strength while being gentle on developing joints. For mature dogs, structured off-leash runs, hill work, and nosework games can help develop stamina, coordination, and mental focus. When temperatures rise, train early in the morning or late in the evening, and prioritize hydration and paw care. Building surface tolerance with exposure to gravel, grass, and dirt helps prepare paws for tougher terrain come fall.
A properly conditioned dog is not only less likely to overheat or suffer fatigue-related injuries, but also more capable of powering through rugged cover to find birds others can’t reach. Keeping your dog fueled with a high-performance diet, such as Purina Pro Plan Sport 30/20, ensures they’re receiving the protein and nutrients needed to support endurance, recovery, and sharp thinking under pressure.
Your own physical conditioning matters just as much. Bird country is demanding—miles of rough terrain, a weighted vest or pack, and the physical effort of handling dogs and gear takes a toll. Starting now with exercises that mimic real-world hunting movements can make all the difference. Hiking with a loaded vest or backpack, step-ups onto benches or rocks, bodyweight squats, lunges, and planks all help build the strength and mobility you’ll rely on in the field. Use your upland gear to train—do step-ups while wearing your hunting vest, or use a case of BOSS shotshells for deadlifts and carries to simulate gear-hauling. These movements not only build strength, they help prevent injuries from unexpected stumbles, overuse, or fatigue.
Mobility work should be a regular part of your routine, especially for hips, shoulders, and ankles, which play a crucial role in balance and movement across uneven terrain. Incorporate trail hikes whenever possible, especially those with elevation gain or mixed terrain—these build endurance and help prepare you to reach more remote, productive hunting spots when the season opens.
Use tools like onX Hunt to scout nearby trails or public lands with varied terrain and water sources for conditioning runs and swims. Drop pins, take notes on cover and access, and start building your mental map now. The more familiar you are with the landscape, the easier it will be to hunt it effectively later.
Conditioning also includes mental preparation. Set small, achievable goals each week—for yourself and your dog—and celebrate progress. Some weeks might be about increasing distance or mastering a new skill. Other times, success is simply getting out there and being consistent. A confident mindset grows from experience and preparation, and conditioning is the groundwork for both.
Need structure and expert support for your preseason prep? Our Upland Ready virtual course offers a step-by-step guide to conditioning, training, and building the confidence to hunt independently with your bird dog. Join a community of upland and bird dog enthusiasts getting it done—together.
This summer, don’t leave your readiness to chance. With thoughtful conditioning, consistent effort, and a plan rooted in safety and progress, you and your bird dog will step into the uplands stronger, more capable, and ready to go farther than ever before.