BigGameHoundsmen.com

Do you put your pups in with dogs in the field first or is it straight to the bay pen first then to the field?

I like to expose them to a hog, but I don't think you have to. They will always learn more on the job. As long as they don't start catching (if you're talking about bay dogs) I wouldn't think it would hurt anything. Just remember you also want them to find a hog, not just bay one.

i believe starting pups in a baypen is very important to get the dogs familiar with a hog and to let him learn the respect that he should give a bad hog that could infact easily kill the dog. i usually start my pups at about 3-4 mos old on a pig that is around 30-40 pounds and move them up as they progress. i will usually put the pup in the woods shortly after he starts showing some skill in the pen witch is usually 7-8 mos depending on the dog. i also like to breakk the pup in on the rig (4-wheeler) in my case before i take him to the woods for the first time so the dog feels comfortable with the whole opperation before hand.