Kemo1982 15 Posted February 12, 2012 Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 I have a 5 month old Patterdale Bitch, very keen and very clever little dog. Just wondering at what age to start her working Rats. Anyone with any knowledge, or anyone who can help, this would be greatly appreciated. Had Terriers before, but only ever worked Rabbits, i would now like to get into Ratting and Foxing. Thanks. Quote Link to post
tomano1 80 Posted February 12, 2012 Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 have u started with the dog yet what i would do is kill some eg gun or trap them same as we have done rag it round dead like what were doing with jack rusell with rabbits so it nows what it looks likes and gets the smell ATB no1 Quote Link to post
digging-deep 518 Posted February 12, 2012 Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 I started my bitch at 3month a lot of people like to leave the pup till its puppy teeth have gone but each to there own IMO Atb D-D Quote Link to post
matthews 88 77 Posted February 12, 2012 Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 I started my bitch at 3month a lot of people like to leave the pup till its puppy teeth have gone but each to there own IMO Atb D-D his pup is 5 month old but you are correct alot of people do leave it until the baby teeth are gone. atb Quote Link to post
digging-deep 518 Posted February 12, 2012 Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 I started my bitch at 3month a lot of people like to leave the pup till its puppy teeth have gone but each to there own IMO Atb D-D his pup is 5 month old but you are correct alot of people do leave it until the baby teeth are gone. atb Yes I missed that part lol if your dog wants it then let her have one mate Atb Quote Link to post
Odin 183 Posted February 12, 2012 Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 Wait until her 2nd teeth are through then take her where there are rats,soon as she has seen one she'll know what to do.atb Quote Link to post
Kemo1982 15 Posted February 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 12, 2012 Thanks for your advice Lads. Quote Link to post
wulf 32 Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 (edited) i like to get my pups out as soon as they are jabbed up - they then get used to other dogs, people, livestock, the sound of a smoker etc...There's more to ratting (or any terrier work for that matter) than just taking a pup out when its old enough. They will experience the smells and all that goes with it but by far the most seductive thing to a pup is the sound of rats squeeking when another dog has caught one. They immediately perk up and become interested, ears are up, nose is twitching and they want to be in there. After this has happened a few times you will notice subtle changes in the pups behaviour - they will seem more switched on to things. If you have a lot of rats bolting it is inevitable that one will come past your pup at some point and it will make an attempt at catching it. Pups learn nothing sat in a kennel and are missing out on vital schooling the longer you leave them at home when you are out. edited to add: forgot to say - best of luck with the pup hope it goes well for you Edited February 13, 2012 by wulf 3 Quote Link to post
Kemo1982 15 Posted February 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 i like to get my pups out as soon as they are jabbed up - they then get used to other dogs, people, livestock, the sound of a smoker etc...There's more to ratting (or any terrier work for that matter) than just taking a pup out when its old enough. They will experience the smells and all that goes with it but by far the most seductive thing to a pup is the sound of rats squeeking when another dog has caught one. They immediately perk up and become interested, ears are up, nose is twitching and they want to be in there. After this has happened a few times you will notice subtle changes in the pups behaviour - they will seem more switched on to things. If you have a lot of rats bolting it is inevitable that one will come past your pup at some point and it will make an attempt at catching it. Pups learn nothing sat in a kennel and are missing out on vital schooling the longer you leave them at home when you are out. edited to add: forgot to say - best of luck with the pup hope it goes well for you Sound bit of advice that Pal. Cheers. Quote Link to post
Kemo1982 15 Posted February 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 Sound bit of advice that Pal. Cheers. Quote Link to post
matthews 88 77 Posted February 17, 2012 Report Share Posted February 17, 2012 well kemo did u give the pup a taste of the rats yet. atb Quote Link to post
Kemo1982 15 Posted February 18, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 18, 2012 no luck yet with bitzee avin her first rat yet... one of lads is gonna set me a couple of traps shes ready 4 one shes keen bless her. she workin rabbits good so soon as we av a rat in the trap good times it will be fun Quote Link to post
matthews 88 77 Posted February 18, 2012 Report Share Posted February 18, 2012 good job have a few traps set myself will be checking them tomorow fingers crossed. atb Quote Link to post
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