bark needed

[Tree rat]

I've got a young feist (13months) hunts well, but as well as not staying put on the tree, he doesn't bark on the tree until he either sees the squirrel or I shoot. My guess he doesn't quite trust his nose enough to bark on tree from scent and only barks when his confidence is up. I'm thinking when I shoot he knows I'm shooting at something. I know hunting him more and shooting more squirrels should help, but this time of year they're so hard to find them and if he trees and I can't find them I'm afraid may make it worse on his confidence. Is there something I can do to help him?

[Deleted]

[glow=red,2,300]I do belive the green timber this time of year is the biggest issue here. In most cases/dogs I've seen, a Feist does not bark on a squirrel unless he sees it or winds it strong. Your dog could be just getting confused from not being able to follow the squirrel for the leaves on the tree and mill around the tree looking for him. Once the fall season comes in and the leaves drop, I think ths issue will go right away. Once he can keep his eyes on the squirrel without leaves in the way, he'll tighten up.[/glow]

[Marc Gray]

I agree with what Byron said. I would add that you don't need to shoot out every squirrel. Lord knows I have shot and missed or not been able to find it once I get there. You can give heavy praise when the dog trees well and stays on tree.

[Luther's Feist]

I have a dog that does the same thing leaves or not. Sometimes she will bark real well others she will just whimper a time or 2 and that's it. I praise her when she does tree really well and will only shoot a squirrel to her if she is barking good. I haven't been able to hunt her nearly as much as I have wanted but can see some improvement each time we go out.

Will me only shooting the squirrels she barks good at help and also only praise her on these or should I praise or shoot everytime she trees bark or not