Startelled Rabbits

[jamesh1822 0]

This is my first time working/running dogs i have been out with my pups walking, i've got 2 paterjacks and 1 whippet suluki x whippet grey cracking dogs. The patterjacks are 4 1/2 months and the whippet is 5 months they are working well togeather the patterjacks have been working the ditches flushing for the whippet the only thing is that its not giving the whippet enogh time to run onto the rabbits before they bolt down a hole the whippet is on it though and the patterjacks tell me what hole the rabbit is in, just need to take the ferrets next time to get the pesky rabbit.

 

Now the trouble im having is that i can see the rabbits on the field 10 - 15 rabbitts if not more huge groups but by the time me and the dogs have crossed the ditches and got onto the field the rabbits have done the off, sure there are one or 2 about by the edge of the field and the pups have had some good runs but again the rabbits end up in a bolt hole.

Any ideas on how to get onto the field with out startelling the rabbits so we can have some real fun and let my whippet get a good run and actually catch something. These dogs love the sent of a rabbit and will retreive and i can call them off as well i have spent alot of time with them and i would like to reward them for there hard work with a catch any ideas.

Edited August 28, 2009 by jamesh1822

[stealthy1 3,964]

Get some ferrets, then there's no were for the bunnies to hide, run them at your leisure

[col g 0]

dont push the young dogs.you said the terriers are 4 1/2 month and the whippet cross is 5+ month.the dogs are still too inexperienced and are far from being developed or mentally mature enough.they are still pups.let them do what pups do.they have got a whole working life ahead of them,so dont go ruining it now all the best with the dogs

[Guest the techno viking]

This is my first time working/running dogs i have been out with my pups walking, i've got 2 paterjacks and 1 whippet suluki x whippet grey cracking dogs. The patterjacks are 4 1/2 months and the whippet is 5 months they are working well togeather the patterjacks have been working the ditches flushing for the whippet the only thing is that its not giving the whippet enogh time to run onto the rabbits before they bolt down a hole the whippet is on it though and the patterjacks tell me what hole the rabbit is in, just need to take the ferrets next time to get the pesky rabbit.

 

Now the trouble im having is that i can see the rabbits on the field 10 - 15 rabbitts if not more huge groups but by the time me and the dogs have crossed the ditches and got onto the field the rabbits have done the off, sure there are one or 2 about by the edge of the field and the pups have had some good runs but again the rabbits end up in a bolt hole.

Any ideas on how to get onto the field with out startelling the rabbits so we can have some real fun and let my whippet get a good run and actually catch something. These dogs love the sent of a rabbit and will retreive and i can call them off as well i have spent alot of time with them and i would like to reward them for there hard work with a catch any ideas.

stop running that 5 month old whippet on rabbits it wont catch fella nothing more certain to f**k it up an start it yapping

[tullfan 0]

as said before your pups are far too young ,dont ruin them,if you still want to work them so young how about aproaching the burrows from a different direction without the dogs net up then return with the dogs and some of the ones you have chased will be backnetted

[jamesh1822 0]

Cheers guys i know not to push the dogs to young and I have just been out letting the pups do what pups do having fun just getting a taste of it. I t just frustrating seeing all of those rabbits do the off and knowing my dogs, they love it I have been training them with a fishing rod and a immitation rabbitt with an old rabbitt skin to get them used to the sent and the chase and they are finding this great fun. I just thought that the natural proggresion would be the real thing.

 

Some one metioned not to let the whippet run at the rabbits because she will yap so what do you suggest when should i let her run, or is it going to be more frustrating for her to see the patterjacks running and she is on the lead surely this will make her yap more and put her of im not making the dogs do anything more then they are capable off. I think i understand the reason for not letting her run as if she doesnt catch she will probably go of it. So i think I will keep going slow and not worry about the bigger picture yet.

 

In reply to matey about the ferrets I have 2 and they are young and spritley full of energy and eager to work but they are still in training them selfs I spend upto 3- 4hrs a day with the dogs and ferrets training in differnt areas.

 

So once again cheers guys it sounds like i just need to let time take its course and all our hard work will pay off.

[Guest fence_hopper]

its the same for everyone. of course there going to bolt, like you already know get some ferrets and get on with it

Edited August 29, 2009 by fence_hopper