Shazza 52 Posted March 30, 2011 Report Share Posted March 30, 2011 My pup (whipXgrey) is 5 months old, walks well on the lead, recalls, retrieves & sits on command. But she shows no interest at all in rabbits. This mornings walk and there were some rabbits around which my pup didn't even look at as they hopped across the path in front of us. I threw the ball for her and she spooked a rabbit which ran in front of her just 20ft away yet she didn't even glance at it, just fetched the ball and came back looking pleased with herself. This has happened a few times while out on a walk. I know she's young and i wont be starting her til next season but i would at least expect her to try to chase/show interest as she will chase anything else that moves (leaves, crisp packets, balls & other dogs). Is this normal at this age? Quote Link to post
toby1066 413 Posted March 30, 2011 Report Share Posted March 30, 2011 its 5 months old its too young to be chasing anyway just enjoy it being a pup and if your happy with every other part of the pups progress dont worry about it theres plenty of time for it to show an interest once its physicaly and mentally mature Quote Link to post
fordie 8 Posted March 30, 2011 Report Share Posted March 30, 2011 its 5 months old its too young to be chasing anyway just enjoy it being a pup and if your happy with every other part of the pups progress dont worry about it theres plenty of time for it to show an interest once its physicaly and mentally mature Quote Link to post
troter58 1,711 Posted March 30, 2011 Report Share Posted March 30, 2011 still young yet my pup is ten months now and started to run after them at 8 mths but was putting his nose down on scent at 6 months so you have time yet all dogs are diffrent some start late some early atb troter Quote Link to post
Simoman 110 Posted March 30, 2011 Report Share Posted March 30, 2011 I know other folk have there own methods but i don't give mine the opportunity to see rabbits at five months, and i really wouldn't worry if the pup shows no interest in chasing at that age. I used to take a pup on the lead during sessions and he saw older dogs chase and catch and displayed nothing but a mild interest and no desire to join in, he was around 12 mths before he clicked, and went on to be a very usefull all rounder whos abilities in certain areas outshone my older dogs............. Quote Link to post
bird 9,872 Posted March 30, 2011 Report Share Posted March 30, 2011 as i take them both out mooching about, Tod my pup as come on very quick, he as learned alot Of Bryn.He has had 3 rabbits that Bryn caught from cover, i just let him follow the other the dog.What ever Bryn catches he grabs as well,lol its only a bit of fun in the day. He is 8 months old now, if for the lamp i will wait when he is 12months old, when he will be more agile Quote Link to post
rolysmate 49 Posted March 30, 2011 Report Share Posted March 30, 2011 still young yet my pup is ten months now and started to run after them at 8 mths but was putting his nose down on scent at 6 months so you have time yet all dogs are diffrent some start late some early atb troter :thumbs: Quote Link to post
DottyDoo 500 Posted March 30, 2011 Report Share Posted March 30, 2011 take it a short days ferreting using nets, dog will soon switch on, 5 month is still a wee bit young, but wont do no harm taking the dog ferreting, an then once it switches on get the airgun out an let the pup retreive your kills for the summer, by time sept comes yer dog will be ready to go Quote Link to post
Shazza 52 Posted March 30, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 30, 2011 Thanks for all the replies guys My head kept telling me not to worry, she's just a pup, but my heart was sinking when she was practically tripping over rabbits and wouldn't even look at them as they hopped away. This was at the local park guys, i'm not taking her out searching for rabbits, at 10am with lots of folks walking the dogs in the park i wouldn't say it was a good place to go rabbitting I guess it may be why the rabbits weren't so shy either, you can practically trip over them before they run for cover. This is my 1st lurcher and introduction to rabbitting, totally different to anything i've done in the past. Don't know anyone else who does this so no-one to ask for advice/tips. I have to start somewhere and i'm bound to have more questions for you soon Quote Link to post
bush wacker 77 Posted March 30, 2011 Report Share Posted March 30, 2011 (edited) the is a few lads with dogs around your why not you put a post up asking if any one will take you out at the start of next season ,just to show the pup whats expected of her Edited March 30, 2011 by bush wacker Quote Link to post
Ideation 8,216 Posted March 30, 2011 Report Share Posted March 30, 2011 Every animals different, my pup was going off on scents and hunting from about 3 months, my mates only started to show any real interest at about 8 month. Both doing well now. Quote Link to post
Shazza 52 Posted March 30, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 30, 2011 the is a few lads with dogs around your why not you put a post up asking if any one will take you out at the start of next season ,just to show the pup whats expected of her I have 1 offer already, can't wait as it seems so far away. Will ask around just before start of the season, i'm sure i'll need as much training as the dog Quote Link to post
Ideation 8,216 Posted March 30, 2011 Report Share Posted March 30, 2011 the is a few lads with dogs around your why not you put a post up asking if any one will take you out at the start of next season ,just to show the pup whats expected of her I have 1 offer already, can't wait as it seems so far away. Will ask around just before start of the season, i'm sure i'll need as much training as the dog If that rabbits in that park are so chilled about dogs, i know where i'd be at about 4am, in a couple of months time, lamp in hand . . . .. . just to give the dog that one dumb sitter (I am obviously not suggesting hunting a park as this would probably be illegal, but who walks their dog at night without a torch?) Quote Link to post
Shazza 52 Posted March 30, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 30, 2011 the is a few lads with dogs around your why not you put a post up asking if any one will take you out at the start of next season ,just to show the pup whats expected of her I have 1 offer already, can't wait as it seems so far away. Will ask around just before start of the season, i'm sure i'll need as much training as the dog If that rabbits in that park are so chilled about dogs, i know where i'd be at about 4am, in a couple of months time, lamp in hand . . . .. . just to give the dog that one dumb sitter (I am obviously not suggesting hunting a park as this would probably be illegal, but who walks their dog at night without a torch?) I often have trouble sleeping so a walk in the park would do us both some good The place is surrounded by public footpaths & woodland so quite secluded and there's huge warrens along every hedgerow, have to take a torch in case i fall down one of the holes and twist my ankle, that wouldn't do would it A lot of people i chat to when i walk the dogs actually keep thiers on the lead because they are worried they might chase the poor little bunnies and scare them Quote Link to post
bush wacker 77 Posted March 30, 2011 Report Share Posted March 30, 2011 what park is this im a ex shardy lol i visit brum at xmas seems a nice place to walk the dog lol Quote Link to post
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