Breeding vs.Bad Company

[Remmy]

Hi guys/gals.

I'm picking up a new pup Wednesday and am already thinking about starting her in the spring.

I am currently running two hounds, that have a couple of faults. They could certainly hunt better, and they cold trail a bit. They run the rabbit well however, at a speed I like and handle like a dream. My goal is to add some hunt to my pack and if good enough, trial her.

Will I mess up her hunt and make her mouthy by running her with these dogs a lot or will she be what she is, due to genetics?

Thanks.
Brian

[rabbitatfarm]

I would run her alone until she finds and runs her own rabbits. Hunt is genetics--behavior in the field is learned. IMO, running a pup with older dogs doesn't give the pup the opportunity to develop to its full potential. One, they can't keep up with the old dogs and are always looking at the dogs' behind. Two it encourages dog barking before the pup has the scent. If you have an old, slow dog that can show the pup where to hunt that works, as long as it's not too often. I'd get that pup out alone as often as possible and as soon as possible. Doesn't matter if he enters a brush pile for the first time at eight weeks or 12 months; it's still the first time. Just my thoughts.

Larry

[Casey Harner]

I believe both can be a factor.

[South Woods kennel]

Yes, i never run my pups with a faulty hound, they pick up on that stuff very easy!

[S.R.Patch]

Puppies usually find their ranking in the pack at the bottom. It's good to have fine examples for them to learn from. I usually start puppies together, if they're playing they're not ready to start but like children, trips afield are never a waste, they all learn something. There's an old saying, "three X solo, one X packing" is a safe well rounded way to go in starting puppies. You want to embolden and give confidence along with establishing a cooperative packing instinct. Build the bond and then give the puppy his reins to develop.
Good luck with your new pardner.

[Remmy]

Thanks for the input and experiences.

Which leads me to my next question...

Is too much soloing a bad thing?

[rabbitatfarm]

IMO, yes. My first beagle never learned to pack because I didn't have anyone to run with. He's going on 11 and still doesn't pack very well.

Larry