Terriers Getting Started

[foxbolter 447]

Its not really hard today with the terrier locator make sure you know how to use the locator properly if ur only digging earths its not really hard just put the dogs safety first as you brake through in having a wide enough hole And make sure the dog got room and is ok . The rest you will learn from mistakes. If it was years ago when there wasn't locator boxes I'd definitely tell u go with someone first and if you were doing rock work l would advise you to go with someone who knows the crack as that has much more to be learned about.

[marshman 7,758]

. A clever man learns from he's mistakes, but a truelly wise man learns from someone else's !

[dillydog 8,469]

Thats the best advice yet marshman, the worrying thing here is no one has mentioned the terriers welfare in all of this. If it was as simple as digging a hole every muppet would be a world beater.

[Squirrel_Basher 17,100]

The drawback with going out with others is picking up bad habits that at the time seem ok and not a big deal, like small holes ,not filling in behind terrier before lifting ,not looking for another behind when quarry is shot and badly set ,that will do ,netting up .From an early age i went out with a mate of my Dads and a mate of his . No locators then different world compared with today,i cant remember if they were about then but those lads never used one . After they gave up due to getting on a bit lol,me now ,i went out with loads of different lads and some that judging by the rep should have known better .One lad whos a well known pro now insisted on doubling up !

As said learning by yourself is good but mistakes can be costly ,better to learn from others mistakes .Take from each trip out with others what you need to suit your own hunting .My own advice would be to dig steady in a wide hole and try to visualise the terriers position before breaking through by using the finder and any sounds ,something that comes with practice .Where possible you want to be in on the dog not quarry .Dont be in too much of a rush to lift the dog,clear away as said and block in behind it with soil or spare shovel . Some like to block off quarry then lift dog but not really necessary .Despatch.Seen a lot of stuff get away through others ineptitude at this stage .The sound a dog makes will tell you whether its up to it or not . Intermittant baying ,growling ,whining ,bumping usually means its digging on a bit ,wheras full blown baying screaming ,you are in business .

Hope you get to do a bit but beware................... its very addictive.

[Shroughaun 23]

Thanks for the advice lads think I'm not going to rush into getting out this season and maybe try prepare for the next. Study more or less lol. Iv been in contact with a friends friend who's father does a bit still so gona try make it my business to get to know him better. Dogs are not the unknown to me as my father had me around greyhounds all my life (understands their is a difference but respect for animals is still their), so would I be mad to get the terrier now and try have him ready for next season, or give it a season with out a dog and be relying on someone else.

[Squirrel_Basher 17,100]

Get to know a lad mate and maybe youll be gifted a pup .Dont go the ready to start road as rarely does start .Patience mate .

[leethedog 3,071]

I think foxdropper has sewn this one up for ya some.good.advice