training a pup

[coondogger80]

Just bought a two and a half month old male Bluetick. Has lot's of Ch. and Gr. nite Ch. in his bloodline. Though I never had the opportunity to hunt and watch his Dam or Sire, I have high hopes.

Had an 8 month old Blue once before, trained him on couple caught coon and he basically taught himself. Unfortunitly I had to get rid of him due to where I was living at the time. Anyway, This pup I have now, I've been taking for walks in the woods almost every day but other than that I just been lettn him be a pup.

Don't want to put him on a live coon yet, he's just to young. But I wanted to know if anyone had any other idea's on how I could condition and prepare him for hunting? argument

[briarpatch]

Cliff, teach him to listen and mind (handle) and then do him just like you did your blue pup. As you already know if you give them a little opportunity they will "teach" themselves. 90% of it is genetic. Most of the "extra" training that people do is nothing more than entertainment for themselves.

[coondogger80]

thanks, I'll be sure to focus my energy into some simple training like getting him to listen. But I'm not sure what you mean by getting him to mind or handle?

[YotaDawger]

Live traps are a anwsome way to train a pup. Well lets them smell one a little closer nd not get hit by the coon.

[houndsnmules]

Its a good time to teach him basic commands stay, come and sit. It will pay off later when you want to call him in or put collars on him before hunting

[FullCryHounds]

Read my post on "deer running dogs".

[michael.magorian]

These are all great ideas, and the only thing that I would add is get the pup used to a dog box. At first dogs love to fight it and it is a hastle getting them in and out. Have the pup spend some time in there and then take her someplace to have fun so it starts to associate the box with fun, and then work on getting it to load. Have fun.