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.

In the yard and in the field, taking good care of your dog is critical to a successful hunt. After all, you probably go hunting to watch him work. So keeping him healthy is a high priority, and there's nobody better to help us than the "Gun Dog Doc," Joe Spoo, DVM. A hunter, elite athlete and veterinarian, Joe knows more than a bit about canine first aid and related topics.

We'll explore the nooks and crannies of our dogs: up their noses, into their armpits, deep into lacerations, and poking into their eyes (not literally). Joe will dispel some myths about surgical staplers and rattlesnake vaccine, help us get our dogs back in the hunt with in-field first aid, and fuel him correctly for a full season of peak performance. We'll cover essential tools and supplies for your dog-care kit, too.

"Handle It" answers a question from Ben Watters on dogs fighting over a retrieve; and listeners offer shotgunning tips.

And it's all brought to you by: Pointer Shotguns, Sage & Braker Mercantile, Pointer shotguns, 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.

You're the first to hear it ... a pilot episode that may become a series. I've been doing a short-form feature on satellite radio for over two years and much of the material is probably of use to you and your family, so here it is. It's a work in progress, but here's your chance to make suggestions on what you like, length, topics, and format.

Your feedback welcome in the comments, or at scottlindenoutdoors@gmail.com.

I hope you enjoy it!

Thanks,

Scott