Training a tracking dog?


johnf

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[h=2]Deer tracking dog training[/h]

I've got a little Mt. Fiest that was given to me a couple years ago. I don't squirrel hunt and she's supposed to be gun shy so I've got no reason to train her for squirrels. After trying to give her away my wife went ballistic on me, so I guess I'll keep her. To be honest I've not really paid much attention to her since I've been working on the house. I didn't realize what a good little dog she really is. I've been taking her out to the new house lately and she stays pretty close to the house. When I'm outside she's generally right with me or within 20-30 yards. I've been thinking about training her to trail injured deer but haven't got the foggiest clue how to do it. I'm guessing I need to kill one and take her with me when I track it even if it's a short tracking job. Would that be a good place to start? Should I get deer parts or blood and make a trail with it and have her follow that, what about just some skin drug on the ground? I've never trained a dog to do anything but simple house dog tricks so I really don't have a clue.

Any advice would be appreciated.

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You've got the general idea. My Grandaddy has had beagles for over 30 years to trail deer; although they are bred for it, pretty much any dog can learn but it's best to start out when they're young. After you shoot a deer, find the first drop of blood. If you want, you can find the deer on your own first. Show your dog where the blood is. Most likely, you'll have to guide her the first time. Just remember to keep saying, "Find the deer," over and over and whether the dog ends up finding it on her own or not, praise her. Do this with several deer you shoot and just key in on putting her on the blood and saying "find the deer". Soon she will know what "find the deer" actually means. I've got a male Pomeranian who only ways 18 pounds, and he can take you right to a deer. Your dog should get the hang of it pretty quick, but be patient and give lots of praise. Hope this helps! :D

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careful with trailing the deer first yourself. Your dog will be able to pick up your scent and follow it so it could be trailing you instead of the deer. Hopefully if one drops in sight do not take up the trail and take the dog out. Introduce them the arrow and the blood and off you go. A ton of praise is reuired. A dog aims to please its owner and giving them a ton of praise makes them eager to do it. No discipline at first as it could ruin them on the experience.

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