starting a dog on fox pre ban

[undisputed 1,664]

I used to put a fox pelt on a bit of rope and tie it to the fence just about head height for the pup for ragging, and fox tails for them to play with...As adults the first few runs they were held back and let go after the fox was dealt with, then doubled up for a few more runs...only when I was confident that the dog was ready did it go solo. Personally I think the majority of dogs get entered too quickly and lack experience to do the job properly.

[haymin 2,465]

stabba -a softie is a softie simple as that -scared of its own shadow cowers when you raise your voice keeps out the way when ratting lies down at 1st sign of aggression from other dogs/moggies ! a tough forward dog stands his ground when owt threatens him/her loves ratting is keen when terriers are dug to etc -thats my thoughts on telling what type of dog would make the grade on charlie i dont have any bother with a "softie" its just in my opinion they dont make good fox dogs

 

the way you describe a soft dog is the way i would describe a neglected beaten dog,scared of its own shadow cowers when shouted at,a soft dog to me is a well mannerd dog out of the field,good with kids other dogs ect ect,and who clicks when in the field,i suppose your tough hard dog would be one that would rag anything in sight out of the field and is just an allround liabilty,some folk just dont no how to bring on a sensetive pup not soft.

[bullmastiff 615]

I think it depends on your situation and if someone taught you in first place.

Everybody sticks to their own method (the one they were taught or the one they had used on their first successful fox dog). and will never change the way they do it.

 

Most people that ask questions like "How would you start a dog on fox?" or "Which dog is best for xxx quarry?" don't have experienced friends that are into running dogs to show them the way. So then their only other option would be to try to get out with a stranger from a website with an experienced dog.

 

I'd guess more dogs are slipped on their first fox, single handed than you'd think. As long as the dogs got the minerals then they shouldn't be backing off anyway.

 

Doubling up with an experienced dog is no doubt the best start, let the experienced dog get things under control then slip the younger dog in for a rag.

If you slip them both together, you've got just as much chance of the younger dog getting the sharp end but now it can't shake the quarry because there's another dog attached to the arse end.