Running Beagles

[coyotecaller]

I was thinkin about buying some beagles and was wondering if they can run as good on normal ground as they can in the snow and I was also wondering how old do they need to be to get started hunting?

Thanks For The Input

 

[animalx1]

Running on the snow is quite a bit different than running on the bare ground. A dog needs to learn to run as fast as the conditions allow without making an excessive amount of checks. Some days are going to fool you. I have been out when I thought scenting conditions were just right and the dogs had trouble from the get go, and other days when I didn't figure they could smell anything and had them shake the leaves off the trees. But generally they need to slow down a little in the snow.

As for how old to start running, you will probably get a whole lot of opinions, but they should be running a little bit by 4 to 6 months, or a least trying to bark a little on a rabbit track by then, and well on the way to being a gundog by the time they are a year old. Just start taking them out for walks and let them learn what all the smells are and how to get around in the brush and briars. Beagles are by and large tough, smart little hounds although a little headstrong and will learn how to navigate pretty quickly. Just remember a dog that won't leave your heels will not jump many rabs for you, so let them learn that this is what you want and that it is fun. If you ever see your beagle coming at you working hard on a rab track you will swear it is grinning /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Animalx1

 

[beagler]

We generally have our pups broken by four or five months.As far as running conditions I have encountered a few hounds over the years that have had alittle more difficulty driving on snow but it really wasn't that much of a problem.Generally if you have bitterly cold temps and a crusted over snow/ice hounds will have difficulty picking up scent.Damp/wet ground makes the best running conditions.Make sure you get a pup from a good hunting bloodline.Breeding is often the key.The other major factor is time afield.Take the pup out as much as possible.We take pups out on their own at first and let them develop their abilities instead of starting them running with older hounds.A good idea is to catch a cottontail in a box trap.Tie a string about two feet to the rabbits leg and on the other end tie a stick or wooden dowel about a foot long.Release the cottontail where the pup can see it.The rabbit can only go a short distance before getting hung up in the brush.Let the pup chase him by sight a couple times then release the rabbit without the pup watching and he will be forced to use his nose to locate him.The rabbit can be released unharmed after several trials. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif