[Wilcher]

I am new to owning beagles but not new to hunting with beagles. i have a few questions and concerns about one of my pups i am starting. she is 7 months old and and seems to have the ability to be a great dog. She is a very shy dog but isnt around me. She is already jumping rabbits and opening track and using her mouth correctly, but sometimes on track with other dogs she seems to become uninterested in the middle of a race and will just wonder off. She will also check other dogs but then other times she doesnt. the last concern I have is that sometimes the gun seems to bother her and other times it doesnt. When the gun does seem to bother her she will run off maybe fifteen yards or so and stop and look at you, but five mins later she is fine and hunting again. Again let me state that i am new to owning beagles and could use some guidence on starting pups and running my own dogs. I am asking for your opinion on whether i should be concerned on theses issues and what you believe would be the best thing to do. i am unsure if theses issues could be because she is a pup or if they are problems i cant over come?

 

[smoochy]

Hadt been into it long either but I think she just needs a little more time

 

[Wilcher]

Thats what Im thinking too because she seems to have everything it takes to make a great dog, but then again im new to this too, so im open to any tips that may help me

 

[oldhounddog]

This is normal for many young Beagles. ( IMO ) Let her run/hunt and use less gunfire for now so she can acclimate slowly to the sound of gunfire. You need to give her more time , you will see a big difference a 12 mo's plus. Also , you may want to send a pm to member beaglechaser as he is into Beagle training in a big way and I'm sure he would be glad to help.

Best , oldhounddog

 

[Wilcher]

To oldhounddog thank you for your comment, when you say use less gunfire are you saying to just run her without a gun?

 

[oldhounddog]

To oldhounddog thank you for your comment, when you say use less gunfire are you saying to just run her without a gun?

Hi Wilcher ,

Less gunfire in this case will be an exercise of using no gunfire and limited gunfire to condition your Beag slowly to the various types/sounds of gunfire on those sensitive Big ears while hunting or just letting your Beag run a few rabbits.

For example: We all know a gun sounds differently on the ears when fired at close range or pointed in the same general direction as the dog , and , less when pointed away from dog at various distances. So , set your Beag up for success and alternate hunting with no gunfire and some with limited gunfire using (safe) angles of fire to lessen the sound so your dog will condition and learn this is fun and part of the game. Always give treats/praise when your dog comes back to you.

Any type of training will be greatly enhanced if you make it fun for your dog....This is no different.

Carry a pocket full of small treat and reward for correct behavior and have fun.


Best , oldhounddog

 

[Wilcher]

oldhoundog thanks for the tips on gunfire I will take that in to consideration and believe it will be helpful in the success of getting this pup over this issue. thanks wilcher

 

[benw]

if ur worryed to bad start makeing a little noise when ur feeding her and then start getting louder and louder, this has worked for us in the past