Morning Out, Happy Man

[CraignTod 278]

New to this running dog stuff and this is my first mutt Todd!

So I was browsing through the forums the other day and saw the surprising amount of rabbits out early doors even in the light!

So this morning, up and out with the 10 month old whippet who im hoping to use on rabbits and my russel who is infact 13 years old now but still bring her for the walk.

 

First field straight away saw flashing tale on the bolt (with a little direction) todd was on its tail into the bush, second field again point him where to go and he bolted another into the bush.

 

Ok bearing in mind these are his first rabbits hes chased and I know he young but its just to help him learn the ropes.. so he spotted a few

But no chases for about 20 mins.

 

Then we walked through a tree line and he heard somet in a small bush around 10 meters from the bushes where the warrens are, straight over tgere rabbit bolted few steps and he got it, rabbit kicks n screams (im not sure if he let go or it got loose, few more steps and hes got it by the back leg and its again trying to kick free which it does and bolts straight into the bush!! GUTTED!

 

Ive been training him to retrieve with dead rabbits (which surprisingly dont kick!) Do you think it was more of a shock when it started kicking which made him let go or was he not expecting the kick? Never before handling any live game? Happy with his interest he seem game good practice but is it to early to start him? Thanks for reading

[whitefeet4190 1,725]

Just young mate he sounds like he is keen enough and I am sure he will get the hang of it soon but there is no rush with him

Atb

[CraignTod 278]

Thanks white feet its nice to have reassurance im not doing it wrong! Ill enter him slowly this is just a one off

[pip1968 2,490]

sounds to me like hes keen as and just learning his trade and he probably didnt expect the fur to move about when he grabbed it,just stick at what your doing ie the early morning and evening moochers and he will come on great

[trigger2 3,137]

its not unusall for a dog to catch and release its first ever rabbit. the dog has got the idea its just a case of going out and doing it another couple of times then it should fall into place that he dont need to let them go.

 

nowt to worry about

[CraignTod 278]

Thanks trigger/pip! Ill keep u guys updated as he gets older joined this forum when I got him 7 months ago, damn thats flown bye!

[pip1968 2,490]

my pup got its first rabbit at 7 months old,and iv held her back till now shes 11mths old.she got tangled in an electric fence the first night on the lamp 2 nights ago so shes being rested for a while to get her confidence back and hopefully she,ll come right again

[DeerhoundLurcherMan 997]

Perfectly normal, ive seen pups do it with their first rabbit.

 

Be warned, its addictive, Good luck.

[CraignTod 278]

Addictive! Ha I find myself always out walking miles from my home just so I can walk them where the quarry is! I used to walk them around my local field but I/he finds it boring!

 

Sorry to hear that pip! I think they wise up with age so ATB!