watchman 256 Posted June 22, 2010 Author Report Share Posted June 22, 2010 As has been said before you can't really teach a dog to mark, just take it out lots and let it see rabbits going in and out of holes, have a sniff about etc etc and eventually they will click. Some take longer than others but i think its mainly down to exposure. . . . I have a pup here - 4 months old tomorrow and hes been doing it since about 10-12 weeks old - but he spends most days pottering through the woods with me and so gets lots of exposure to warens etc. Th terrier bitch that we take ferreting is amazing at it - we wouldnt even look at a warren she didnt mark and would bet my house on her nose. She also mooches about once she has marked a warren and finds all the holes. She then figures out which hole the rabbot is nearest to and thats where we enter the ferrets. I have also witnessed plenty of dogs that follow the movement underground and know exactly which hole the rabbit is going to bolt from - positioning themselves accordingly. One other thing - never reward or praise a dog for marking - it leads to false marking. The reward is that sometimes they get to see a bunny bolted. Hope that helps. . . . and marking is just ONE of the many things that make a dog the best ferreting partner. Jai. its all been very helpful thankyou to all Quote Link to post
watchman 256 Posted June 22, 2010 Author Report Share Posted June 22, 2010 ok so i don't have a clue when it comes to using a dog as a ferreting companion but on reading up on it,lads often do warrens that their dogs have positively marked,so my question is ,what am i looking for in my dog when it comes to marking, don't want to be praising her for just showing a bit of interest,false marking as it were,so how do i go about it the bitch is only 9 month at the moment but will be heading out for her first trip in a few months. no im not expecting her to mark occupied warrens from the start but how will it progress,does it come naturally is it something she will learn with experience,basically need all the info i can get,prob could have worded it a bit better but you get my drift all help much appreciated cheers rob were abouts are you from mate whys that mate? just wunded if you were near me mate,av a few trips out my terriers spot on at ferreting she might bring your pup on a bit just a thought about 150 mile away from you pal in herts but cheers anyway,nice offer that Quote Link to post
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.