Pup expectations

[houndboy13]

What are some things you Like to see outta a young pup on it's first trip out in the wild? Or what do you expect outta a young pup when first put in the wild?

[Rabbit Fever]

for a pups first adventure, I expect well not much. I would like the pup not to hang around me and venture off by himself. If running with other hounds go to them when their chasing a bunny, but if the pup comes back thats ok. Just don't expect too much. If the pup opens up on a scent line that would be wounderful. Just remember they learn every time out.

[Newt]

How old is the pup and has he been out of the kennel? If he is three months old, the first time out, I like to see them inquisitive enough and bold enough to explore using his nose. One that is shy and afraid to venture out is a bad sign to me. If he is old enough and physically capable, I like to see them go with the other dogs. I have a four month old pup that ran with the older dogs in two races yesterday. One was a hour and a half run and the other was one hour. The second race the rabbit went into a hole. After the first race the pup was pretty tired and just followed me around until they jumped another rabbit. Then she went with them again in the second race.
I had a seven month old that would not leave my side, even when the dogs were running.

[houndboy13]

Newt: was the 4 month old pup exposed to rabbits before you took her?

I took a 5 month old pup out to tag along while I ran 1 older dog, pup was all in and threw the bush and thick stuff, wouldn't say he was hunting, just exploring and running around the thickets like a puppy..he was right
With the older male in the briars and stuff, he wouldn't run with the older dog once a
Rabbit was jumped and running but to be honest I didn't expect him to join in with the older dog since the pup hasn't really been exposed to any rabbits yet..would I say he met my expectations? Yes I would say I am pleased with knowing he was having fun running threw some thick stuff..now I guess I'll show him a rabbit and chase it by
Himself so next time he might just join in with a older dog.

Would some guys expect their pups to just join right in the race without knowing what exactly they are suppose to be chasing??

[deerhost]

Houndboy, I trap a rabbit and let the pup sniff and bark at it when it is in the cage, then I take the rabbit out and let it go in front of the pup. I do this a few times at around 4 1/2 to 5 months old. Then I take them out with an older dog. This way when they come across the scent of a rabbit in the woods with the older dog then they know what it is and start quick. If you haven't fooled with the pup then I wouldn't excpect much.............I have been pretty lucky and my dogs have started pretty quick. I think how much you expose them to rabbits and also the bloodline pays a big role. I have been breeding some pups out of my Speedy Sport and Rangerdan stuff and they all have started real fast. The Speedy Sport stuff actually starts the quickest. Below is a young pup I fooled with as I described and then took out to the woods....Good luck Deerhost

[houndboy13]

Deerhost: I have tried something similar to what you said..I showed the pup a trapped rabbit and he opened up but when I let the rabbit out that fast little bugger got threw my fence before me or the pup knew what happened, gonna trap another one and let him out in the field next time so he can atleast chase it..i have heard guys say they just take the pups out with the older dogs when they are old enough to keep up with out exposing them to rabbits before hand..to me that seems like it would be alot harder to get a pup started that way..now for guys who do start them this way, what are some things you guys look for when you first start taking them out?

[Newt]

Yeah, my four month old pup had been running San Juans prior to taking her to the field.
It sounds like your pup is doing just fine. Just watch for the rabbit as your dogs circle it. When it passes you, mark the line, call your pup over to where it is on top of the marked line, then just watch. The pup will soon smell rabbit scent and start trailing. Do this a few times and soon, as the older dogs catch up, the pup will go with them.

[Ky. Hunter]

deerhost that was some good solo work by that pup.

[deerhost]

Thanks, There are few on this board that have pups out of the same cross. Everyone seems to really like those pups. I haven't had a dud out of the two litters I've had. I am making the same cross god willing this spring, only this time I am keeping as many as I can with the exception of one which I promised to a board member........DH