Eath Work question

[stormrider8 59]

Im fairly new to the earth work thing. Been working a border bitch now whos had a few digs, i have worked her along side a mates black dogs so she doesnt get as much work as i would like, as we tend to share it about. Generally we will walk up to an earth with dogs on leads and then just simply collar one up and let it go. The other day we walked to an earth and literally the minute we got there all dogs went nuts before we even collared one up. There was no doubt this time Mr fox was at home!! A nice dig for my young bitch..

Just wonder if this is the norm or do you generally have to let a dog run an earth thoroughly before you are 100% there is nothing at home.

Like i said prety new to it all..

I once had a lurcher bitch that would mark rabbits when ferreting and you could be 100% certain.. Cheers chris

[jamie2004live 163]

just depends pal some dogs will enter any hole others will mark for instance, as you do we walk them round the holes on leads my big dog brock will mark a hole if something is at home. otherwise he wouldnt enter an empty earth. had a dig to hom the other day which a thinks probably going to have ended his season so was out with just the pup today an she will go in any hole which is really annoying as i like to net up before a dogs entered hopefully with more experience she will start to use her nose better. but as i say even some older terriers with a lot of graft under there belt will enter anywere

[higgins 75]

Not far off the mark there,i don't like to let them loose,i prefer to walk up with dogs on leads if possible,i'm looking for tell tale signs of good marking from dogs that are known to mark well,but at the moment i have a young terrier who's not had a dig yet but i'm watching him all the time for his straining to get in/refusing to leave sign that tells me something at home,you have to watch the dog,if a dog has a good nose you can't go wrong,at the moment my dog is being taken out by himself he has no other dog to learn from,atb,

Higgins

[stormrider8 59]

Thanks mate. A friend has a bitch that will check an earth so much you got a job to get her back when there is nothing at home!

[rizla1 122]

think most lads keep dogs on lead when out checking earths, i do because you know then where your dog is going it cant go off on a scent and go to ground without you seeing it, plus once your dog gives you the nod thats somethings at home each dog is diferant at this you gotta know and trust your own dog, and then you got time to net up and look about for bolt holes or place guns out acording then let the dog loose and sit back and have a smoke and let the dog do is stuff,

[stormrider8 59]

What about in the bigger deeper places will some dogs mark or do you need a dog that will run the earth? Do you think a dog can be 100 % reliable without even checking it?

[higgins 75]

What about in the bigger deeper places will some dogs mark or do you need a dog that will run the earth? Do you think a dog can be 100 % reliable without even checking it?

Experiencesed dogs you give the benefit of the doubt,you give them free reign to do as they please since they have never let you down before,inexperienced dogs you have to be the judge and your discretion or decision decides,keep at it,it's not an exact science,watch your dog and learn,

Higgins

[rizla1 122]

like i said you got to know your dog it is dificalt starting off with just one dog, if the dog wants in then in he goes, but if your dog shows no interest in an earth its inposible to know if theres anything at home, thats when an experianced dog comes in, so your best bet is to find someone to take you out with them,

[ASBO 8]

thats when the old ones can show the young ones a thing or two,goes without saying, in most man or dog :tongue2 cant beat experiance

[Hepher 86]

ALWAYS BRING AN EXPERIENCED DOG. LET ANY YOUNGER DOGS CHECK THE HOLES 1ST TO SEE IF YOU GET A POSITIVE MARK IF THEY MARK POSITIVELY DOUBLE CHECK WITH THE EXPERIENCED DOG, IF THE OLDER DOG SAYS YES THEN YOU KNOW THE YOUNGER DOG/S ARE MARKING RIGHT, THERE'S NOTHING WORSE THAN DOGS FCUKIN ABOUT AND RUNNING EARTHS THAT ARE'NT OCCUPIED ESPECIALLY AT THIS TIME OF YEAR WHEN LIGHT IS LIMITED, JMO.

[ASBO 8]

ALWAYS BRING AN EXPERIENCED DOG. LET ANY YOUNGER DOGS CHECK THE HOLES 1ST TO SEE IF YOU GET A POSITIVE MARK IF THEY MARK POSITIVELY DOUBLE CHECK WITH THE EXPERIENCED DOG, IF THE OLDER DOG SAYS YES THEN YOU KNOW THE YOUNGER DOG/S ARE MARKING RIGHT, THERE'S NOTHING WORSE THAN DOGS FCUKIN ABOUT AND RUNNING EARTHS THAT ARE'NT OCCUPIED ESPECIALLY AT THIS TIME OF YEAR WHEN LIGHT IS LIMITED, JMO.

i agreed totaly on this one hpher

[Mikebee 7]

rizla1 explained that perfetly for me. nice 1 mate

[rizla1 122]

glad i could be of some help after all thats what this forum suposed to be about in it helping each other out

Edited January 7, 2010 by rizla1

[stormrider8 59]

Cheers lads. We generaly do have an experianced dog or a dog that will run any old earth with us. But it was the first time i have seen the terriers give a real positive mark without actualy entering.