A question that came in via e-mail

[Marc Gray]

"Good morning,
I have two male Feist they are from the same litter both are 1 and half yrs.old. I have squirrel feeders set up are there dog kennels to get them use to looking up. I trapped a squirrel and put it in a rolling cage they both tries to get at the squirrel but only one barks from time to time. I hung the cage in the tree they look up trying to climb and jump up at the squirrel but no bark. Is there something I'm doing wrong why they aren't treeing.

Thanks,
Doron"




Here was my initial response (Feel free to add your input!)

How are they bred? Some lines are tighter-lipped than others. The same can be said for how long it takes them to mature and come into their own. The best thing for them is to be patient and hunt them individually in the timber where they are going to find wild squirrels. Heavy praise for doing the right thing (opening) and ignoring things you don't want them to do. If it's obvious they have located a squirrel but have not barked, try tying them to a small tree nearby and walk off. You leaving may spur them to barking. Come back and praise for opening and so on.

[Luther's Feist]

I agree with ya Marc just keep them in the woods but mostly individually. Like you said some dogs are tight mouthed. I have one that will tree and bark good until it sees you then it hets quiet and just sits at the bottom of the tree.

Another thing to add is some do start much later than others and not wanting to hurt feelings or be mean they dont all make it.