BigGameHoundsmen.com

Hello everyone. I'll explain my situation and then ask my questions to whomever may help me.

I am currently raising two 5 mo old Blues. I am in the process of giving the hounds there manners, bonding, and getting them out in the hills as much as possible. I have played countless games using a green coon skin and they love it. They both have become more independent of me when we are out for a run, and only check in with me on few occasions. I have been making sure that they don't feel the need to be sticky and hug my legs! I run them over ground that has been saturated with wintering deer, which is litered urine and dropping on practically every square foot of it. I hope my doing this, they will think little of deer smells when out on the chase. Can't hurt I would think. I have been fortunate to be able to get them out for runs many times this winter, do to the unbelievable weather (warm temps and lack of snow). Now winter finally arrived and it has been getting nearly -30 in the mornings and some snow on the ground. This brings me to my first question:

How cold will hounds take with just the protection of a lightly insulated dog house? Is their hardiness comparable to say that of a German Shorthair? Or do I need to take better measures to keep them warm when the temps drop this low and even lower?

Next question:

My pups are definately ready for some serious exposure to a live animal. I would love to start them with a caged coon to get there blood boiling, but theres no way in creation I can acquire a coon this time of year. So... would you folks just keep focussing on obedience training and bonding for at least three to four more months until I can get a live coon, or should I somehow start the trail/track training a.s.a.p? I want these dogs to run coons and bobs, so would it be fine to get them started tracking and treeing my farm cats, which are mainly feral? What should I do in this situation?

Another question:

I have already made the decision on acquiring a well started dog or even an older finished dog to help the process of training these pups, though this could take some time to find. Now then, how would you folks go about this? Any advice in the search for a trainer dog? I hate to put out a pile of cash on just blind faith or take a crap shoot. Would an old dog thats not as fast as it used to be, but well experienced, be good enough for a trainer?

My last question:

Since I am starting with Blues and want to chase bobs, would it be wise for my older training dog or starter dog to be a Walker or the like, in bettering the trio's speed for treeing bobs? Or should I just get any breed as long as it is capable of training?

Any advice or educated opinions would sure be great! I hope I can get a good start in this game, cause I am already hooked beyond a doubt. Thanks

Well I started my own dogs 2 years ago but I've done this for little while.

Dog houses I use 55 gal barrel plastic, filled with straw but I don't get - weather often. If I do I put them in the barn kennel I have.

Id start by reading mike leonards cat dog training it can be used for any scent imo. As far as trash training id recommend investing in a shock collar(invest in a good one), be easy to start and get harsher as needed. Ferals I would consult your local laws about. Biggest thing to remember is habits to keep in repetition. Always keep it a good experience, don't leave on a bad note.

As far as buying finished dogs or pup trainers I would spend alot of time around said dog before purchasing it. Always buy under a tree, when the dog has done it all by itself and no complications. I learned that the hard way. Even better is to find a vetern in your area just to go with and leave those pups at home. The idea is to train you, not so much the pups. A vet also might be willing to help you get started if you help him enough. That's how I started. I hunted 3 years with my buddy before buying my own. I learned the basics and now on a bigger learning curve by myself.

As for breeds, in my opinion don't get color blind, im the worse to say this cuz I have all blues but one. But I've seen good walkers, blues, and a few cross breeds that work good. More importantly is just to get the dog in the woods and hunted.

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Thank you guys for all the advice! I was invited to go on a chase this next weekend near my area. The guy said he may also have a hound to sell that is well hunted. He said the hound wasn't much on bobs, but it loves coon. I don't spose this would be the right choice for training my pups that I wanna chase cats with too? I should take more time and keep looking for a better dual hound I spose. I will be sure to decide on a hound that is under the tree instead of word of mouth. Tell me now... when I am searching for a trainer hound, how should I go about this? Should I have the hound split out of the pack, and run him independent? I would think this be best as to see if he can start by himself and be somewhat of a leader for my pups??? How would you folks advice me to approach my search for a trainer? Also, what should I look for for?

I did decide to cool my jets and not get to hasty in trying to train the pups on tracking and treeing. I best take the advice and keep up with the obedience etc. for a while and then work them into some fun chases on all these ferals I got around here. I want them to be ready for the spring season and get them running with other's experienced packs. This sound good to any of you?

David, I used to know some of the Ator's, but I havn't kept up many of them for a long time. I beleive Chris is about 6 or 7 years older than I am, and I do remember him back in the school days. I am a little closer now to Medicine Lake country. I live 20 miles west of Plentywood now, but I grew up in the country near Flaxville and Whitetail on the Daniel's county side. Directly North of Navajo, if you are familiar with the area.
I will be going through Fort Benton this spring on my way to Great Falls. I will be going on to my friend's cabin South of Essex for several days too. I'd love to meet up with you at Fort Benton or anywhere along the line and maybe talk hounds or even chase them! Give me your current contacts if you would, I'd appreciate that. Joel

Hounds are tough but when the weather gets cold they need good weather proff boxes and stuff them with hay or straw and they will be just fine, I also put flaps over the doors on the older dogs but young pups tend to rip them off. An older experianced hound that is slowing down is perfect for training young dogs on cats. Andy

Yes absolutely split a dog from the pack and make sure its the real deal. Also be careful putting those pups near a new dog. A tree fighter can ruin a pup quick. Id suggust hunting it with itself and other dogs both.

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