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Post by bouttimeiv on Mar 18, 2008 22:21:12 GMT -5
Im just getting started on squirrel dogs and will be getting a pup in a couple of weeks,any help on the dos and donts of training one of thse little guys would be great. Thanks Mark
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Post by copperdog on Mar 19, 2008 17:32:48 GMT -5
trap a squirrel in a have hart and show it to the dog
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casb
Target Shooter
Posts: 9
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Post by casb on May 1, 2008 23:18:03 GMT -5
I'd pop a squirrel or pick up a road kill, cut the tail off and start playing with the pup - letting it smell it, chase it, chew it a little. Put it up out of reach just a little - remmeber with any tree dog, getting the dog to look up and realize the game goes up the tree is the key. Feist hunt using their eyes, ears and nose - probably eyes more than anything. Because of your timing in getting this dog, the majority of your training will occur late in the fall when the leaves are off the trees. That's OK since by then the pup should be ready to start. Up until then, work on everything else. Leading on a leash, coming when called, loading up, etc. I would also catch a couple squirrels in a boxtrap in a few months from now and let the pup get worked up over it. A few minutes at a time is plenty - leave it wanting more. Don't overdue the cage work. The pup needs to learn that it's got to find squirrels on its own. This is where natural ability should take over after you've gotten it interested in the right game. Starting as soon as you get it, take it out for walks in the woods, let in learn to get over/under logs, negotiate creeks, etc. Another thing to do is to sit down in the woods and let the pup do a little exploring on its own. It probably won't range out far at all which is OK. With a feist, you want a close hunting dog anyway. Two final suggestions - even though most feist are little, there is always the possibility of trashing so you may have to break it from off game, and second, froma young age slowly expose the pup to the crack of a gun until thepoint where it's OK with a shotgun blast. Good luck with that pup! Keep us informed of your progress and if possible, post a picture. By the way, where are you getting the pup from?
CasB Moscow, PA
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Post by bouttimeiv on May 14, 2008 19:52:29 GMT -5
Thanks CasB, I got her 2 weeks ago and have been having a ball with her.Im use to training beagles and could not believe how quick this little girl picks up everything.I did the tail thing yesterday and was very impressed with how she responded .I let her smell it and play with it then put it up the tree just out of reach and she went nuts trying to get to it,barking and growling at it,she wanted it bad.After just a few minutes of this I gave her tons of praise and a treat and put the tail up.Should I do this everyday ,once a week or what?I know with beagles its as much exposure as possible not sure on feist.I got her from a guy that I sold a beagle about 4 years ago ,he called looking to see if I had any of my old blood around and somehow we got on squirrel dogs and its all down hill from here.his blood is sport and cadillac jack breeding I believe is who he said. Thanks again and I will try and post a pick she is a beautiful looking bluetick feist.
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Post by bouttimeiv on May 14, 2008 19:53:02 GMT -5
Oh yea she is 9 weeks old
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casb
Target Shooter
Posts: 9
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Post by casb on May 16, 2008 22:07:44 GMT -5
I'd think at least once a week is sufficient. You could do more but I wouldn't do less. If she does what you expect, make it more of a challenge. Do some drags and don't let her see where you put the tail or hide. Let her find it. Bottom line is dont' over do any of the training to the point where they loose interest...best to stop when they still want more. Also, don't overwork a pup as it starts to get hotter.
Are you familiar with a squirrel tube? Search on-line and you may find a picture of one. Take a roll of chicken wire, unroll and then roll it long ways and secure to form a long tube. I've seen some that are three or four different sections spliced together - first length (10') along the ground, second length goes up a tree 910'), third length (15') goes horizontal to the ground to another tree and ends. Enclose the ends with a wire type of door, catch a dquirrel in a box trap, put it in, turn the pup loose and let him chase it, tree it and follow as it "timbers" from tree to tree. After she masters that, get in the woods for the real thing.
Cas
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Post by bouttimeiv on Jun 13, 2008 23:19:17 GMT -5
Finally showed the pup her first live squirrel and she loved it ,barked non-stop all around the cage.Then I released it in front of her and she chased it to the tree and when it went up she tried to climb up it after it.She would not leave the tree just kept looking up trying to find it barking the whole time.I got about as excited as when a young beagle opens for the first time.Just thought I would share this with you. Mark
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casb
Target Shooter
Posts: 9
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Post by casb on Jun 13, 2008 23:26:33 GMT -5
Good deal. Keep working with her. Post a picture sometime.
Cas
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