The American Beagler Forum

A pack was running and speaking then the rabbit ran out of the covert and across some very dry oak leaves. The hounds stopped speaking when they hit the oak leaves. The pack fanned out in search of the line but two hounds stayed right on the line and followed it but did not speak. Those two hounds then started speaking once they were off the leaves and the scenting got better. The rest of the pack harked in and they were off. This happened again the second time they ran the rabbit around.

What would you call that when hounds don't speak in tough scenting conditions but are actually walking the line? I am not sure what to make of this trait?

If they are young they may be lacking a little confidence to clam with out the other dogs with them but if there not im not sure

Based on how you described it. Sounds like they had a check and worked it out. Nothing wrong with that.

Also, like you stated... the scenting might not of been that great in the leaves and once they worked it out of the woods they could smell it better making them open again.