right age to start my coonhound?

[redbonecurhunting]

I have a 3/4 redbone 1/4 mountain cur, I am a 15 yr old boy so i have little experience, anyways, i have heard much different answers to this question. Some say wait 8 months, and others say to start as soon as an interest is shown. Just wondered how soon to start, and what to do right away? thanks

[mjk]

Every dog is different. One of my pups started bear running bear at 6 months old. Some started at 8-9 months old. Some at around a year old. My best advice is take your pup out to the woods during the day. Let it explore , and get used to being away from your side. Lay some drags, and get a caged coon or two for your pup. The actions & interest of your pup will let you know how to proceed. Remember to be patient. Do not get discouraged. Your pup may show no interest at present, but in a few weeks, the switch might click, and it starts to get it together. Good Luck!

[redbonecurhunting]

Thanks, I will do this. However i heard that to much exposure to caged coons can distract from using his nose?

[mjk]

You do not want to over do it with a caged coon, but it is great for getting them fired up. Also by tying a rope to the cage, and putting the rope over a tree limb, and lifting the car off the ground, you can work on training your pup to tree. Once your pup starts showing interest, let a caged coon go. In 5-10 minutes bring your pup out to the cage, and encourage the pup to take the trail. Once the pup starts doing well, increase the amount of time between turning the coon loose, and the time you bring your pup to the tracks starting point. Obviously you will need several caged coon for this, but this is a good way to expose your pup to game without getting it cage obsessed. Hope this helps. If you have more questions, just ask.

[redbonecurhunting]

Thanks again, i understand. Last question (sorry to bother you but)... why do almost no people hunt redbones any more? I heard it was because only half decent bloodlines were readily available? Not sure just wondered.

[mjk]

I have heard that it is hard to find good blood lines too. If I remember correctly, I read somewhere that at one time redbones were the breed to have. Then people started to breed for traits not related to performance. This changed the breed into something less desirable. That being said. I do believe that there are some good strains of redbones still out there if you can find them.

Take this all with a grain of salt, as this is just what I have heard, and might be completely wrong. Maybe someone with more knowledge of the redbone breed will help answer your question.

If you have any other questions, please ask.