cats and coons

[sawtooth]

This was my first season after having to get out of hounds for a while cause of a change of employment. A guy who was going through the same thing I had been through said he would give me his dogs. I took them and gave them a try. I decided that they were a far cry from good dogs and got rid of them. I now have a couple of pups that I am going to put through some serious training with cat scents all summer. My question is if I want to make serious cat dogs out of them should I not hunt them on any coons this summer or if it wouldn't hurt them to chase a few and still be thinking cats this fall?

[coastrangecathunting]

I use coons to start pups and it dosnt seem to be a problem.Once they start treeing fairly good i usually change over to cats . you probably are ready know this but if i were you i would try to find a old dog .I have started young dog with out a old dog and it is pretty tough.it seems the first couple cats they catch they might only locate bark a couple times .So soon as you here that 5 min lose you better start heading in.Thats what i think hope i wasnt rambling on to much.Good luck

J.c.

[sawtooth]

Thanks. I appreciate all the advice I can get. I have been looking for an old dog but they are hard to find, atleast one a poor boy can aford

[sonofabeach]

Start them on coons and if you cant find a dog find a buddy that does not mind if you tag along. a older dog is the best way to train.

[MAC]

Just hunt them hard. then if you want break them off of your considered non game animals.I hunt on coon, lion and bear. You will find that some are better at one then the other. but mainly have fun