Starting Dogs

[wvdaniel]

I just wanted to see what other people thank or have done. What the best age to start a dog on rabbits and what do you thank is too old to have a chance? I have had people to say they have started dogs at 2 yrs or more. So tell me what you all thnak when is it to late to get one going or is it ever to late to try?

[BCBeagles]

One of the best I will ever own was a house dog until 18 months. Started first trip to the woods and never looked back. Still the hardest hunting dog I have ever seen.
Always seemed like I had someone wanting to go with me when he was in his prime and several folks were afraid for him after two hours in cause I have never seen a
hound come out blood covered like he did. Looked like he was spray painted in it!! I miss that big ole guy!

[rabbitsmoker]

When i was trying to start pups 25 years ago i was taking them 4-5 months old and they sometimes would start but couldnt really hunt them with old dogs untill 7-8 months old and a old time rabbit hunter told i might as well let them mature to at least 7 mths he liked 9 mths he said they will start just as fast and he was right. I found this out to be true i never get in any hurry as long as i got them running at 9-10 mths and found that there just as good at 13-14 mths even if they started at 5 And my opinion i dont want to mess with a dog over 14-16 mths old if they have never been hunted.I use the old timers advice now after 25 years because i seen hounds run then that you cant find today JMO

[beaglenutz]

I got one at 10 months and it had been a house dog up till that point!
He started real fast and is now 22 months.
One of my best all around!

[K.C.'s Beagles]

I believe you are asking, how old is too old. All you have to do is try. It will take some work, but you will be the judge on how the dog is doing. Beagles are an amazing breed. They know what they are bred to do. They are smart....well most of them. Take the dog out, have a shock collar on him/her and a tracking collar, and see. It might be a beautiful thing. But, it will take sometime in the field. Good luck. It's always good to be out with the dogs.

[bill huttozac]

I do not care to try to start one past the age of 12 months, not because I do not think the dog is worthy, but a lack of patience on my part. I become impatient because I have younger dogs that have started already and I feel they best deserve my attention. Now, if I had only one or two dogs, I would continue trying a dog past the age of 12 months.

I also think that letting a pup mature a bit will help it to start quicker. At 7 to 12 months of age it's body is better able to do what it breeding tells it to do, that is, find and run game.

[Jaybird67]

I should be able to let you know in a few weeks.I have 2 that are 13 months old and going to put them in a puppy pin for 2 weeks.I wish I had started them sooner by putting them in a pen but tried starting them with some older dogs but just didn't work as they had everything on there minds but hunting.They think with there smaller head at a young age and if you have a female out there it's just causes confusion.That was a lesson learned the hard way as they have truly tested my patience.Just hope I didn't ruin them by getting them in a pen this late.The good thing is they are well built and if they take will be able to run the hair off of one.Lol

[wvforester]

I like to start them at 8 to 9 months old depending on the pup. They are mature enough physically and mentally to handle hunting "stresses". I have started pups at young ages and found that they get kind of burned out when they get about a year to year and a half old. I'd rather work on handling and such when little and start them at a more mature age. Like was said above they turn on quickly and you can't tell the difference at about 16 months old or so. No scientific evidence just my experience that pups started real young and pushed hard just get burned out when they get older. They still hunt but I think they lose some spunk. Of course this all depends on a persons definition of started!!? Thats another topic in itself. Lots of "started" me too dogs
As far as max age, depends on if dog has it and the amount of time and patience you have to give too it. I think if you wanted to you could start an old dog as long as someone hasn't ruined it.

[rabbithunter5890]

I think if they have it in them then it will be there no matter what age