Picking a running dog pup

[cathunter 8]

Hi all, i'm looking at picking a running dog pup, i have never owned a purpose bred running dog before and would just like to know what people look for. i.e. scissor bite, size of front knuckles ect ect

 

Any tips would be helpful

regards Cathunter

[airbourne 128]

First look at the bitch is she a worker is the sire a worker.

you want a good healthy litter don't pick the one that hiding in the corner but at the same you don't have the one that is to full on they can be stubon and hard to train, you would be better taking some body thats has exspearance with dogs ask alot of questions, if you not sure don't just have one because they are there you will have it for along time and you need to bond with it.

Hope you find what your looking for.

Alot depends what you want it for ie lamping, ferreting.

Edited January 23, 2011 by airbourne

[Shazza 52]

I am a complete beginner myself and only got my 1st pup yesterday.

I looked at the type of quarry i would be after and narrowed down the suitable breeds for what i wanted, then i looked for dogs with the breeding i wanted and that the parents both worked and did the job i want the pup to do when it's older.

 

Once i'd found a litter i was interested in i just made sure the pup had been well reared and was healthy with good mouth and feet, the drive and ability should be there in my pup

[Attack Fell Terrier 864]

Make sure the pup is out of working parents that can be vouched for. Before I got my pup I had seen the Dam and Sire work for the past 3-4 seasons so I know the pup I got is worth a shot.

 

If the parents are guaranteed, and the litter is a strong healthy one then sometimes the pup chooses you. Best of luck finding a pup.

[WILF 46,901]

First look at the bitch is she a worker is the sire a worker.

 

The number 1 requirement

[KittleRox 2,147]

The one that catches your eye

[cathunter 8]

Thanks for the reply's, i had a mate that's been hunting with the bigger hunting dog types for years and he put me onto a litter, he was going to come with me to help me pick out a pup, but due to unforeseen circumstances his plan's had to get changed at the last minute. from what i have been told that both bitch and dog are proven hunting dogs on rabbit and fox. from the directions i was given, i think i've been to the property before. about 5 years ago. if it is, i've seen some of his running dogs back then, nice looking animals, but i was there to buy a ferret so we only talked about his dogs a little.

[watchman 256]

Hi all, i'm looking at picking a running dog pup, i have never owned a purpose bred running dog before and would just like to know what people look for. i.e. scissor bite, size of front knuckles ect ect

 

Any tips would be helpful

regards Cathunter

firstly think about what you want it for game you are hunting and the type of ground you will be hunting on then look into the types of crosses that suit these requirements and go from there

[Casso 1,261]

Hi all, i'm looking at picking a running dog pup, i have never owned a purpose bred running dog before and would just like to know what people look for. i.e. scissor bite, size of front knuckles ect ect

 

Any tips would be helpful

regards Cathunter

 

 

i would be looking for a forward pup, confident , outgoing, its a lot easier to get the best out of a pup who looking for work than a less outgoing one, a driven pup would be the one i'd choose

in a litter of pups you will find the full spectrum like the rainbow,from dominant traits right down to shy ones, they are developed like this so they can fill different niches in the hunt like a wild pack ,

they cant all be born with the same traits or there would be too much conflict in the pack ,likewise too many shy pups would produce not enough leaders,

if you know what your doing pick the leaders in a litter, they will be the most driven,otherwise a middle ranking pup might be more suitable depending on your experience,,best of luck,,

[Mick C. 229]

The one that picks you.

 

Providing the above criteria is all there

 

Seems to have worked out ok for me so far

[skycat 6,173]

The pup which picks you isn't necessarily the right one for you: the most dominant, pushy pups will come to you first. If you are a quiet sort of person who doesn't like having to work hard at being boss of a dog, then maybe the quieter one might suit you better. The quieter, more laid back pup might have been bullied by its littermates but still make a really good working dog in the right hands. Two of my best workers have been from litters I bred, but which no one wanted as they sat at the back of the kennel when people came to see them. Once they were adult they were dynamite in the field. Think of your own temperament and try and pick a pup you feel you can get on with.

 

If possible get each pup out in the yard with you individually away from the rest of the litter: how does the pup respond to you: does it want to be with you, or does it want to go off exploring on its own? Independant minded pups can make great hunters. The very submissive pup which rolls over on its back when you approach might always be looking to you for direction. The pushy in your face pup might be harder to train if you haven't had a lot of experience training dogs, always challenging your authority.

 

Just some thoughts on the matter.

[cathunter 8]

Thank you every one, there is a lot of food for thought.

it's really got me thinking, from what i've gathered and looking at myself and my personality. I'm starting to lean towards a mid level pup, one that has confidence, but is not in my face and overly pushy, nor to shy. i wouldn't mind if it sat back and summed up the situation first, then came over to me ether.