training a dog to mark rabbits

[budharley 945]

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Edited December 10, 2011 by budharley

[reddawn 2,173]

i like a dog to mark naturally, but not all do, 8 is a bit old, but if i was you an i really wanted to use that dog, then is what id do...

 

id try an break the dog as best you can to ferrets, if not, dont worry, he will just need tied up out way after he has marked up for you

 

take the dog an a ferret, preferably not a young ferret an preferably one that bolts rather than needs dug out, walk the dog over some burys, you know are holding, burys where you can see the bunnys hop in holes as you approach are perfect, if they dog shows any intrest in the holes, you wanna net up, ferret in, hopefully the bunny in net will be the dogs reward,

a chase is normally the reward my lurchers get but a chase to a terrier aint gonna be fruitfull lol,

 

i do that as often as i can at the start an i often start with little burys, an no nets, just to try an ensure i get a quick bolt, as you dont want the dog getting bored...

 

like i say mate, thats just how i do it, but if im honest, the dogs that mark naturally are always the best markers imo, ill await the flak by the experts

Edited December 10, 2011 by reddawn

[budharley 945]

hi mate thanks for the reply ill give it my best shot i dont think breaking him shouldnt be a problem he was ok before but i think 6 years of not seeing a ferret may have been a bit long

[reddawn 2,173]

[budharley 945]

do you think letting him have a play with a dead rabbit a good idea or not

[reddawn 2,173]

do you think letting him have a play with a dead rabbit a good idea or not

 

i personally dont let them play with the dead whilst im ferreting, but i feed my dogs whole bunnys so i guess they do play with them, cant see it doing any harm to be honest if thats how you want to reward the dog

[budharley 945]

do you think letting him have a play with a dead rabbit a good idea or not

 

i personally dont let them play with the dead whilst im ferreting, but i feed my dogs whole bunnys so i guess they do play with them, cant see it doing any harm to be honest if thats how you want to reward the dog

cheers for your replys pal

[reddawn 2,173]

no worries mate, i thought what way all the experts on here youd a been over run way replies

[darbo 4,776]

im no expert but good advice taking the dog to occupied warrens. i can only use a terrier on my permission and he was a natural marker from a young age. some dogs mark early . some take a bit of time. just keep putting the dog in the above situations good luck.

[darbo 4,776]

not what i would call a good ferreting dog but a very good marking dog. never let me down yet.