Is 12 months old too late to start the dog?

[grubbavitch 0]

I've had a few people tell me I've left it too long in getting my whippet started. He's 12 months today and been out with the lamp 4 times now, I wasn't wanting to push him too quickly. He's mentally a pup, and while he's shown a little interest in chasing, he's mostly looked confused when he's had a bunny in front of him.

 

Is it too late or can I still kickstart his prey drive and get him interested?

[jak n meg 4]

it aint to late mate

[TOMO 26,052]

I hear this a lot from ozys about starting dogs young. take no notice, most running dogs shouldn't be started till around this age.

 

12 months is fine, you carry on taking your time, your dog will more likly benafit from this rather than holding it back.

[Hunting Lad 50]

Keep at it mate, He will pick it up sooner or later. 12 months is a good time to start a pup at, I dont start any of my dogs hunting till that age mate and they have all turned good so just keep at going with him

 

Regards Ben

[felltool 5]

Its never to late the dog is stil pup and should in time come around.

 

i wouldnt bother listenin to your mates.

 

cheers Richie

[harddigging 42]

12 months is an ideal age to start proper graft they dont mature phically or mentally till 18 months old anyway aslong as it has its basic training alredy theres no reason why in a couple of seasons he wont be a wonder dog aslong as you keep at it and make sure he sees plenty just remember a dog wont learn nothing sat in a kennel so both get out there and have some fun

[grubbavitch 0]

Cheers guys, he's my first running dog and I've been gutted at the idea that I'd left it too late. I'm glad to hear he's the same as me - a novice.

 

Edited coz I've had too much port and made a spelling mistake!

Edited November 2, 2007 by grubbavitch

[skycat 6,173]

I've often found that once a youngster has had a season of day time hunting under its belt and has learned to chase and catch during the day then it catches on a lot more quickly at night. 12 months is no age at all: I wouldn't be wanting to lamp a pup until is has well finished growing physically and its head is a little more mature.

[Sorley x 32]

I wouldn't wnt a dog to do much before they are matured physically and mentally.

 

12 months is no age at all. If anything you dog will have a better working life from not being pushed hard whilst growing.

 

Good luck to you

[ter_gibz 0]

there views are the same as wat i would say dont listen to your mates there wrong keep up the good wook........ ter

[salukixminshaw 1]

12 month is the right time to start a dog

[poacher9991 10]

12 month is the right time to start a dog

12 months is fine mate some dogs run real young and some dont