First Night On The Lamp

[ferretman89 68]

Well after the lamp arrived from deanflute the other day i have been itching to get out with the dog. Gave my friend a call yesterday and he fancied a look out so we arrange a time that night. Not the best conditions to be out but i wasn't bothered didn't expect a miracle from the dog with it being his first time out.

 

Mate finally arrived and off we went. After a short walk got to the first field and we walked to the brow and popped the lamp on. A quick scan of the field but nothing in sight. That first scan, even though nothing looked back at us, what a rush.

 

Through the gate and into the next field and the lamp was on again. This time a few eyes looking back but only a shame they were sheep lol. Not disheartened we carried on and eventually a few rabbits were sat looking back.

 

This time we were ready but was the dog lol? We crept a little closer and put the lamp back on. Slipped the dog and off he went - complete wrong direction looking around what all the fuss was about lmao. Eventually he saw the rabbit run off and it was gone. Never mind though called him back and put the lead back on. My mate and I had a little chuckle and carried on.

 

Eventually we got a slip and the dog was onto it. I couldn't believe it, the rabbit was twisting and turning trying everything, the dog matched it turn for turn. What seemed like ages of the dog coursing the rabbit eventually tucked under a fence and it was gone. Knocked the lamp off and took a deep breath. Called the dog and he came back after a minute or so. Gave him loads of praise and went looking for more.

 

Again a few times he didn't know where he was supposed to be going. In total we had 3 good runs but no rabbits. Really pleased with him and especially for coming back as sometimes he does get a little head strong. Can't wait to get back out and hopefully he will understand where the lamp is shining that's where he needs to be.

 

Any advice welcome

[poacherman 353]

Give the dog a chance on easy rabbits, stick to the fence lines and go for the clampers, get up close to them but not too close and stamp ur foot to get them up, the rabbits needs to get past u and the dog to get to its hole and ur dog will get some easy runs that way amd a few catches to get its confidence up, the mora u go out the more the dog will watch the lamp, it will come together, but no point tryin to slip on hard rabbits the now, after the dog has its run turn ur lamp of and sit and wait, dont need to shout on him, he will want to come back when the lamps off, should be a good night tonight

[ferretman89 68]

Give the dog a chance on easy rabbits, stick to the fence lines and go for the clampers, get up close to them but not too close and stamp ur foot to get them up, the rabbits needs to get past u and the dog to get to its hole and ur dog will get some easy runs that way amd a few catches to get its confidence up, the mora u go out the more the dog will watch the lamp, it will come together, but no point tryin to slip on hard rabbits the now, after the dog has its run turn ur lamp of and sit and wait, dont need to shout on him, he will want to come back when the lamps off, should be a good night tonight

 

Thanks for the advice appreciate it

[poacherman 353]

Nonproblem, good luck

[NathanJohn 6]

As already said mate try to find the most daft looking rabbit that is furthest away from the hedge as possible. The dogs confidence is a key to its success on the lamp, once your dog knows it can catch it will get better and better. Hope all goes well

[alan81 110]

same as already said get close so the dog see's the rabbit when it gets up. there's no point in sliping the dog to far he doesn't know the game yet also if you wait for a few dark windy nights its easier to get close and the dog will have a better chance of catching. atb with the dog.

[NathanJohn 6]

Yea the more wind the better rabbits don't run the same in the wind and they seem to keep off the hedge