Post by Marc Gray on Jul 16, 2012 20:13:08 GMT -5
This is what pups from our dogs do when they first get introduced to a squirrel tail....Good and gamey, huh?
youtu.be/XK3pzNvOPX8
This is the first step in training a good squirrel dog. Play is an important part of learning to hunt for many predators. Adults bring kills back to the den and the pups learn what they are supposed to be after and more. Allowing pups to taste and smell fur and wrestle over the squirrel tails teaches them that they want to get the squirrel. Sparring with litter mates simulates the movement of prey and the resistance of a struggling animal. Key jaw placement is everything if you want to win a tug of war.
Later, while you don't want to discourage a pup from showing interest in a squirrel - you definitely want the pup to know you are dominant and tug of war with you is NOT an option.
youtu.be/XK3pzNvOPX8
This is the first step in training a good squirrel dog. Play is an important part of learning to hunt for many predators. Adults bring kills back to the den and the pups learn what they are supposed to be after and more. Allowing pups to taste and smell fur and wrestle over the squirrel tails teaches them that they want to get the squirrel. Sparring with litter mates simulates the movement of prey and the resistance of a struggling animal. Key jaw placement is everything if you want to win a tug of war.
Later, while you don't want to discourage a pup from showing interest in a squirrel - you definitely want the pup to know you are dominant and tug of war with you is NOT an option.