First Pup

[Cappsytheferreter 1]

Hi all I'm 17 and have had ferrets since I was 14 my folks have never been into hunting so have taught myself along the way with books websites forums etc. I've been out lamping a fair bit with mates and I've finally convinced the folks to let me get a lurcher the litter I'll be picking from is my mams farriers just wondering what would you look for in a pup when looking at a litter. Also we've got a cocker bitch so would a dog or bitch be more suitable for them to get along. Thanks Cappsy

Edited May 31, 2014 by Cappsytheferreter

[sailor30 658]

Get ya self a bitch mate....just it case you get a dog and they breed lol.....a beddy x greyhound perfect first lurcher....perfect allrounder.

[krawnden 1,036]

Here's how I choose a pup -

 

I don't want anything timid, so if any of the pups are looking nervous and cringing in the background I dismiss them immediately.

 

I don't want anything obviously unhealthy so check the rest - see they've got bright, clear eyes, clean noses, no signs of hernia, diarrhœa etc. They should be plump with clean good coats.

 

Now I want to look for pups that are inquisitive and curious, so here's where I sit back and just observe. Which are the ones that notice a bird fly over? Or cock their heads and listen curiously at the sound of an engine/cow moo-ing/whatever in the background? I take some paper with me and scrunch it into a ball and throw it. Which are the ones that chase after it? Which are the ones that want to pick it up and carry/retrieve it? By this time I've probably narrowed it down to a choice of 3 or 4. From there on it's really just a personal preference - which one seems to have a character that you can gel with? (You need to spend at least half an hour quietly watching them before you'll get a true feel for their characters). Are there any that you just don't like the look of and can't imagine yourself owning? And conversely, are there any that you think are real stunners? And obviously if you have a preference between a dog or a bitch you need to consider that.

 

Once you get it, take your time. Don't even think of working it this winter; it'll be too young. Instead spend the time building up a bond, getting it used to the ferrets, working on obedience, recall, stock breaking etc.

 

And most of all, have fun. Getting your first lurcher is a real adventure - I have some real happy memories of being in your shoes 30 odd years ago. Whichever pup you go for, here's wishing you every success with it. Put some pics up and let us all see what you end up choosing...

[Jekyll 329]

If you've decided on which sex, ask for the others to be moved away while looking found this easier in the passed, especially large litters.

Bright eyed and bold not shying away.

You prob find you will only be looking at one, take your time there's no rush.

Good luck with your choice.

Edited May 31, 2014 by Jekyll

[wirral countryman 2,110]

Brilliant mate, its great getting your first lurcher and nice you've done your homework before getting it, Krawndens advice is spot on but most buying their first lurcher just buy the pup they like, buying any pup is a lottery mate and by taking somebody that's experienced with you can only help, these next few years will be remembered for the rest of your life so enjoy them and take your dog everywhere with you to get that bond, my first lurcher was from a litter off the local farmer and vets dogs, cost me nothing and I spent the first 6 months teaching him basic obedience, sit stay, drop to whistle, jumping, etc and then he taught me how to catch everything before him, what a time we had, good luck with your choice and enjoy the exciting times ahead of you, good hunting, WM

[armdog 196]

i aiways find bitches easier they seem more bidable so for your first id get a bitch, as mentioned by krawnden dont go for the shy one you want it to be forward and inquisitive, but most of all youve got to like the dog so lookw do come into it there, take your time and let her be a pup , enjoy

[Cappsytheferreter 1]

Thanks a lot fellas really helpful all advise will be used when I go to look at a litter

[davey 310]

You must have an idea of what you need ? Ok now check a few litters bud don't buy the first thing that comes along ball is in your court if you can take someone along so you don't rush into it and they will stop you rushing in . Do as people have said walk away then say yes or no that night when you get home . I've had some dogs which didn't make what I wanted and they stayed with me as I believe a lot comes down to person holding the lead !! But good on you mate it will give you a life time of pleasure of a real companion alway use them to there strengths . I'm 40 now two kids and when I get home the dogs are always truthfully happy to see you good luck

[mattyg1086 52]

I'm new to working dogs but have owned a couple of staffordshires in my life just as pets, a dog and a bitch. In my experience the bitch was easier to train and more willing to please than the dog i currently own. I was once told by an old boy who worked dogs and shot all his life that a dog works for himself where as a bitch will work for you and he would only keep bitches because of it. Has anyone else found this or is it just a wacky old man's opinion. He owned gsp's by the way