Absolute Beginner - apologies in advance

[hutch6 550]

Hi guys,

 

I seemed to have popped my lurcher cherry by acquiring a rescue pup. I apologise in advance for the long post but any recommendations are gratefully received.

 

She was a rescue from the Dogs Trust at 6months old. Was given to a young couple as a gift but due to them having just had a baby they hadn't the time for her so they locked her in a shed and pushed fod through the door for her. She'd never been walked really and was a like bambi on ice when I got her.

 

I have no idea what lines she is from or anything with her being a rescue, all I know is her age and that according to the Dogs Trust she is possibly Saluki x Whippet but folk on here may see something different.

 

Now I have two other dogs, both collies, and I have done extensive work with rescues rehabilitating problem dogs (mainly GSDs) so bringing her out of her shell was not a problem. I am now at the stage of teetering on the edge of using her as a running dog.

 

She has seen and given chase to rabbits but as my other collie was out she was more interested in chasing him so I took her out last night on her own as it was a nice dry day and see what she was like on her own.

 

She locked on to them straight away and I have no doubt she has the instinct.

 

I have had her three months now so she's still very much a 20week pup in a 9month body but she has % recall (only being let down around other dogs but this is getting a lot better), retrieve is still to be worked on a little in that she won't retrive to hand just yet (stil a foot or so short but that is the next step to cover), she has balance and her stamina is coming on with a raw fed diet and plenty of running with the other two.

Now the evenings are getting lighter she will be getting 3-4 1-on-1 sessions during the week along with the usual two (90min off lesh) walks with the others and the same two 1-on-1 session on a weekend.

 

Can you kind chaps offer any worthwhile books for reading for a total numpty novice to read that will give me a good introduction into this hobby/sport? I will no doubt inundate you all with questions etc but I don't know anyone that can show me the ropes where I am so you guys are my oracles. I realise I am late to the game at my age but everyone has to start somewhere I guess.

 

Here she is with my other two :

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many thanks in advance guys from me and Lucy.

[Millet 4,497]

Just keep doing what you are doing because it is working and that dog look's a cracker..

[s.e.s.k.u 1,893]

im no expert mate im sure someone on here can help you out but good on you for taking the pup on and also for giving her a go at what she was bred for good luck she looks a smart pup

[walshy123 38]

Very smart lookin bitch good on you for takin her on sure she will do the job for u good luck with her atb walshy

[hutch6 550]

Just keep doing what you are doing because it is working and that dog look's a cracker..

 

Thanks Millet. She is a quick learner.

 

im no expert mate im sure someone on here can help you out but good on you for taking the pup on and also for giving her a go at what she was bred for good luck she looks a smart pup

 

s.e.s.k.u I am a firm believer in giving a dog a job and a working dog that is allowed to release it's natural urges in a constructive way is a content and happy dog. Thank you for the well wishes.

 

I am in Baildon near Bradford if anyone knows anyone local doesn't mind having their ear bent over a beer or two (my shout of course)

[hutch6 550]

Very smart lookin bitch good on you for takin her on sure she will do the job for u good luck with her atb walshy

 

Thanks chief

[rob190364 2,594]

crackin pup! tbh, I've always found the advice on here better than the info you get out of lurcher books....that is, once you've cottoned on which members know what they're on about and which ones are just tits!

 

good luck with your pup.....and nice one for giving a rescue dog another chance!

[keepitcovert 842]

Spitting image of my saluki whippet novice or not youve got the right attitude always pleased to see a dog go to a good home. Good luck with her looks like a useful dog in the making, im sure someone on here will live close enough to you to show you the ropes. ATB KIC.

[Millet 4,497]

Just take your time with her as you have all summer to train her up and iron out any niggling problem's...if i was you i would get her on a lead and among sheep and livestock and get her stock broken and steady around them..and you will get better answer's to any question's if you narrow the questions down a little and don't ask for too much advise in one long post.. ..as for book's like Rob has said they is not many out there of any use as far as lurcher work goes and the best information you could recieve is of the forum once you know who and who not too listen too..

Edited March 19, 2012 by Millet

[lurche 48]

cracking lookin pup what size is she,we wanted a rescue dog but as we dont have 6 foot fence all the way round they wouldnt entertain us although now she has started jumping the fence is on its way all the best with her

[Blainy88 25]

Lovely looking pup mate. I'm new to the game too, and a book that helped me with a lot of my general queries was Understanding the Working Lurcher by Jackie Drakeford. You can get it on amazon for less than a tenner. I've also heard Running Dog Maintainence Is a good book. Best of luck and keep us updated on how she's coming on. It would be Ideal if you could find somebody local who'll take you out with his dogs and you could pick his brain. You sound a decent fella so I'm sure some one will offer.

[stewie 3,387]

i think you should sell her to me !!!! cracking looking bitch, good luck with her

[paulus 26]

looks to me like your already doing all the right things youve created a bond thats half the battle won with a dog with that type of background, as millet says youve got all summer, instill the basics and start off easy in the autum,

[mattythelamper 73]

Cracking dog that pal and top man for taking it on and using the dog for what its bred for ATB

[morton 5,368]

Forget the books,you seem to be doing all right without them.If you happen to be walking about at Hawksworth golf course[just over the hill from you]at last light,the dog may get a run or 2.