The American Beagler Forum

i would like to know what you guys think is the best way to train a beagle pup on rabbits without spending alot of money

I bought a roll of silt barrier (100' with wooden stakes attached) that cost like $25 and made a very small (25' x 25') enclosure. When the pups have had their 2nd series of shots (9 weeks old), I take them out to the enclosure and let them run around in it just to get them use to it and to explore. At 12 weeks, I introduce a tame bunny to the enclosure and then put in one pup at a time. I give them a chance to "happen" upon the bunny.
It is a hoot to see them when they first see it!!! If the pup chases it, I let him for a minute or two and then change rabbits and pups. I do this several times before taking them to a puppy pen.
In the puppy pen, I put them all down and walk around with them. After we have done this a couple of times, I will leave them in the pen overnight. Depending on the pups, they get this opportunity several times before they go into the field. When I take them into the field, I usually take them with a very consistant female that is very reliable and a good jump dog. They usually don't have any problems getting the hang of it with her.

I am sure that there are many other opinions on how to start a pup, but this is just the way I do it!


Renee'

do you think taking them out with an older dog would be a good idea without spending any money

You can start pups with an older dog, it is just normally a little harder and takes more time, especially if you don't have a lot of rabbits around. If you are in an area where you don't have access to a lot of rabbits then starting pens are probably the best bet. If you are going to have dogs and have good ones then you will need access to a place to run them on a consistent basis, and you will need money to buy dog food, rabies shots, 7 in 1 shots, heartworm medicine, and the many other incidentles that seem to just pop up unannounced.

Big Dog

How big would the starting pen have to be for the best results

BTT

Drive around until you see a rabbit. Make sure it is out of sight. Set the pup down on the hot scent and let it develope its instinct. Once he is done with that track go do it again. Once he gets the idea some take him to the most rabbit rich environment you can find and set him down. Wait till he goes off and jumps a rabbit. He can develop naturally without lots of building,etc. Never let him follow you around. Patience is the key. best for him to be running his own rabbits solo before putting him with another dog. When you do put him with another dog try to use a slower dog that he can run in front of. Not one that will leave him in the dust and break his spirit.