The American Beagler Forum

I have a 10 1/2 mth old male beagle. I bought him when he was about 8 mths old. The first time I took him out he ran his own rabbit, was a little wreckless with it, but he did run it. The very next day I took him out, I kicked one out of the brush, he couldnt find the track in the open field. I blamed it on being dry and windy. I have had him out 5 or 6 times since, and after him settling down a little he would start to hunt good and sometimes get one up, but seem to have trouble getting it running. I have seen several baby rabbits lately (cottontail). I have heard that they will give a learning pup fits.
Now, after a little background, I'll get to the point. I figured he hadn't been out enough to get the experience that he needs. So I sent him to a training pen. Thinking that he would be more exposed and get a little experience. I called the man that I took him to. To check on him and his progress. The man told me he wasn't doing any good at all. That he seemed to not want to hunt. The training pen has knothead rabbits. Is this the problem. Do they not smell the same. Or could it be that my pup misses the kids and me and is grieving. I know he has the desire, he gets all tore up when he is scenting a hot track.
I have rambled on enough and if you have read this post this far thank you. If you have any ideas or suggestions please let me know. I dont go a full day without coming to this board and you all have taught me alot. thank you

Joakes, I would just keep feeding him plenty of rabbit tracks. He is still young and will do some dumb things. Take him out when it is a little damp and get after a good running buck rabbit and I'm sure you will see a change. Hope he makes you a Champion..

For all the pup knows he's just been sent to ANOTHER new owner. Changing homes can be traumatic to a hound and all need time to adjust to their new home. Give the hound a steady home base that he knows he can depend on and plenty of time and the field and he'll develop as his gifts allow.

I have had beagles that would not run a tame rabbit, even a sight chase. Thought he was a dud. I wouldn't say that today. He just didn't get excited over the tame rabbits but when exposed to hare, wow, what a show he put on. I think Joe is right, again, keep him out there where you know there are adult rabbits. Young rabbits don't give much, if any, scent. If I had to guess, you got a good pup. Don't give up and probably be a good idea to get him back home unless the guy can put him on wild rabbits for you.