Entering an Older Dog

[Funky_monks 0]

Hi all.

 

Back in May 2005, I got a Patterdale pup with the intention of entering him to fox with a farmer mate of mine. However, things change in life and I ended up moving (for work) before he was old enough, and never found any permission.

 

Between then and now he has made a great ratter and I have a russel of a similar age who, likewise is a ratting dog. Both have always been keen to go to ground and are game little dogs.

 

This afternoon, the local 'keeper swung by and asked if either of the dogs had ever been to ground. I explained that they have both been into rabbit warrens and are both keen, but completely unproven. He reckons that there is a vixen in a short, fresh bury (one entrance/exit only) and that he could do with getting it sorted before the shoots start, and did I want to give my dogs a try? Obviously, I am keen for the dog to do what it is supposed to, and if it goes well, I could expand my shooting permission considerably!

 

So, my question is, how would you approach this with a slightly older dog? I have the distinct impression that the russel will stand off and bay, as this is what he does with most animals bigger than him, but am fairly certain that the pat will just smash in there, as this seems to be what he does (and I have the bite marks to prove it from an unfortunate incident involving a westie - he isnt allowed off the lead these days).

 

Any advice gratefully recieved.

[arnieboy 93]

Hi all.

 

Back in May 2005, I got a Patterdale pup with the intention of entering him to fox with a farmer mate of mine. However, things change in life and I ended up moving (for work) before he was old enough, and never found any permission.

 

Between then and now he has made a great ratter and I have a russel of a similar age who, likewise is a ratting dog. Both have always been keen to go to ground and are game little dogs.

 

This afternoon, the local 'keeper swung by and asked if either of the dogs had ever been to ground. I explained that they have both been into rabbit warrens and are both keen, but completely unproven. He reckons that there is a vixen in a short, fresh bury (one entrance/exit only) and that he could do with getting it sorted before the shoots start, and did I want to give my dogs a try? Obviously, I am keen for the dog to do what it is supposed to, and if it goes well, I could expand my shooting permission considerably!

 

So, my question is, how would you approach this with a slightly older dog? I have the distinct impression that the russel will stand off and bay, as this is what he does with most animals bigger than him, but am fairly certain that the pat will just smash in there, as this seems to be what he does (and I have the bite marks to prove it from an unfortunate incident involving a westie - he isnt allowed off the lead these days).

 

Any advice gratefully recieved.

take them both and give them a try mate they both sound keen enough let us no how they get on

[dfee 1]

just take them to the earths and let them in,on there own though,see what happens if theres something at home they should at least give you some indication,whether they do the job first time who nos till theyve been tried,but it would be better having someone with a reliable terrier to double check afterwards.

[Guest ferret feller]

collors on nets on dogs in

[Guest xxtemicxx]

if you dont try you will never know

 

if i was you i would try your russle first then if ther is some one at home you will at least hear something then if he dicides to come out and the fox still hasnot moved you can enter your pat and dig

 

no matter what you do on the day i think you already have extended you shooting with him comeing to ask you in the first place good luck and keep us posted

[Big bald beautiful 1,231]

go solo just in case the dogs dont go, nothing worse then folks standing watching you and your dog doesnt want it

[Guest ferret feller]

no go with the keeper but make sure he knows the dogs nave never been entered to ground

good luck mate

[the_stig 6,614]

collors on nets on dogs in

i was given 6 year old pet russell turned cat killer flew to ground .. give em a go try em one at a time nice and easy 1st time .. and good luck ..

[Funky_monks 0]

Thanks for all the advice!

 

The 'keeper knows that although I'm fairly certain the dogs will go to ground, neither has ever been worked to a fox, he said we'd just take 'em up there and see what they do, so there's no pressure.

 

He's also as positive as you can be that the bury is occupied and that it is fairly shallow. I dunno what you'd call em in foxes, but its what you would call a 'stop' if it were a rabbit. Only one way in and out, so nowhere for charlie to go.

 

I'll let you know how it pans out, He's thinking of a sunday (cos thats the only day we both aren't at work).

 

Best get me shovel out!

[Guest john the baptist]

Thanks for all the advice!

 

The 'keeper knows that although I'm fairly certain the dogs will go to ground, neither has ever been worked to a fox, he said we'd just take 'em up there and see what they do, so there's no pressure.

 

He's also as positive as you can be that the bury is occupied and that it is fairly shallow. I dunno what you'd call em in foxes, but its what you would call a 'stop' if it were a rabbit. Only one way in and out, so nowhere for charlie to go.

 

I'll let you know how it pans out, He's thinking of a sunday (cos thats the only day we both aren't at work).

 

Best get me shovel out!

 

Best bitch i ever owned was a terrier that wouldn't push on according to her owner. I took her on and she killed 2 foxes in the 1st week she was in my kennel. You will never know until you try it. Look forward to hearing about your 1st dig. Good luck.

[cantona 310]

try em but dont force em they will no if its holding listen to your dogs good luck

[Guest Chip]

So, my question is, how would you approach this with a slightly older dog? I have the distinct impression that the russel will stand off and bay, as this is what he does with most animals bigger than him, but am fairly certain that the pat will just smash in there, as this seems to be what he does (and I have the bite marks to prove it from an unfortunate incident involving a westie - he isnt allowed off the lead these days).

 

Any advice gratefully recieved.

we all like to have a little flutter in our minds which will go first? and how they will work?

but you could have the meanest ugliest rat smashing dog aggressive dog on earth fail miserably below ground.

then have some mopy little bitch with her tail down most the time excel below ground.

hope the dogs go well for you.

like said get some one else along with a decent dog to finish the job if needed.

otherwise best of luck with your dogs.

Edited October 29, 2008 by Chip

[the_stig 6,614]

well how`d it go ??