I am heading to the coast this weekend for my annual hunt in the bay system. This time I am bringing Riot (my year old visla) for some quality time and training.

I wanted to see if there is a real reason for concern regarding the dog retrieving birds and stingray run ins? Also, are there any precautions that can be taking?

I just know he isn't going to shuffle his feet like I have been teaching him.

It is a concern. It would be more of a concern to me cutting the pads on oysters. The only precaution to oysters is take anti-biotics, an anti-septic cleanser and a suture kit. I have stitched more dogs than I want to. Oysters are very unforgiving and will cut to the bone. The best precaution is to know there are zero oysters where you are going.

i wouldnt worry about stingrays as i would oysters

ive hunted the coast for years and oysters are nasty on the pads

Oysters are a bigger concern, stingrays are out there but I never had a problem with my dog running in to one

I second what's already been said

Would dog boots protect against cuts?
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3211345&010=SKU-5068612&003=3934892&camp=CSE:Nextag:3211345

Thank you y'all for the information! Looks like I need to switch my concern. I was wondering the same thing as the dog boots. Would probably be rough in the water though. Has anyone else tried this?

Boots are no good in the salt water, always follow RULE # 1. If there are Oysters , then NO Dogs. If you want to risk loosing your dog for 2 or 3 weeks in the season then go ahead, but it ain't worth it!

JB

Dog boots do not work.

The only thing that works around oyster beds is to wrap your dog's legs with duct tape.

Wrap your dog's leg with athletic pre-wrap to prevent the duct tape from sticking to fur. Then wrap over the pre-wrap with two or three layers of duct tape. Tape up to the knee.

I have been on many hunts in Rockport where the dogs were wrapped this way and did not get cut by the oysters.