How soon?

[Coyote]

I am wondering how soon after a bitch has pups can you hunt her? I have pups that are 5 weeks old right now. Would it be safe to hunt her next week or does she need an extended vacation to dry out? Any help is appreciated.

[larry]

you don't want her to rip open a bag running through the brush. let her dry up first.

[blackpaws]

if the pups are weened, run her. she will dry up way faster if you run her.

[tonto]

i agree its ok to run just be careful of the conditions if the snow is deep i would not want her tits to freeze from draging in the snow when you put them dogs on a track they forget the pain after being cooped up for the last month or so

[pegleg]

it not a real good idea to hunt them lactating as they're likely to tear themselves and this takes a lot longer to heal then it does for her to dry out normally. if it's something you feel you just have to do. hunt in areas that are fairly brush free, fencing is bad for tearing a bitch. they do sell vest similar to a cut vest for hog dogs that covers them pretty good

[liontracker]

Depends on the bitch, some dry up faster than others. Mine are usually ready to go 4-8 weeks after the pups are weened. I would personally not use a cut vest on lion. It would be like a big piece of velcro to a lions paw. I would think it would quadruple the chance that a lion would suck a dog in for the kill.

[cobalt]

Why would you take a chance on running her. If you bred her, she's probably a pretty good dog. My practice is start exercising her a couple weeks after the pups are completely weaned (mine are completely weaned by 5 weeks) by roading, mecanical walker, etc. for a couple weeks to get a little muscle tone back, then after another couple weeks start hunting her. If you don't want to stop hunting your bitches, don't breed 'em.

[Coyote]

If you don't want to stop hunting your bitches, don't breed 'em.

This was an accidental breeding. She escaped from the kennel and luckily a houndsmen picked her up. While she is my lead dog and she was bred by his lead dog, I didn't care to have pups in the middle of winter.

Why would you take a chance on running her.

That's why I'm asking. If I had the answer I wouldn't have posted the question.

Thanks to everyone that has replied.

[cobalt]

Accidents happen. It's good to know you care about your dogs welfare.

[twist]

use which hazel a couple times a day for a week just take a rag and rub on her bag it helps them dry up faster. later, Andy

[Melanie Hampton]

I've also heard that Campho-Phenique (yes for cold sores) works on helping suck them back up... I personally wouldn't hunt her until she has dried up and nothing is going to be hanging enough to become frozen or possibly ripped/torn off...

[Coyote]

I think someone should write a book on "Hound Home Remedies". Thanks for all the help everyone.