Hunting is a natural instinct in dogs and there really is no better way to enjoy the sport than with the help of man's best friend. The most popular dogs for hunting rabbits are hounds (especially beagles) and the best time to start training is when they are still puppies. If you want your dog to learn how to hunt rabbits, arm yourself with patience (and treats!)
Steps
Step 1. The best age to start training is between 6 and 8 weeks
Puppies of this age have a limited ability to concentrate over time, so organize short, 10-15 minute training sessions repeated 2 or 3 times a day.
Step 2. Spread bits of food all over the yard and let your puppy sniff and find them
This way he will learn to follow a trail. You can also take a piece of meat and drag it for a few meters.
Step 3. When your puppy is 12-16 weeks old, you can start training with a house rabbit
Release both of them in a large enclosed space, then hold the bunny by the scruff and let the dog sniff it.
Step 4. Free the rabbit
Instinctively, the dog should start chasing him. Reward your puppy if he barks or howls.
Step 5. Retrieve the rabbit if you see that it begins to be tired from running or if the dog becomes aggressive
Make sure it doesn't hurt him.
Step 6. Repeat the exercise several times and reward your dog every time he chases the rabbit to exhaustion
Step 7. Put your puppy in a moult with older, trained dogs
Once in the group he will try to emulate the behavior of the other dogs. Keep doing this until your dog chases the rabbits without the need for encouragement or rewards.
Advice
- Always reward your dog when he does a good job. Dogs respond well to the positive anchor (i.e. a treat, such as a treat or a pat).
- If you take your puppy hunting with other trained dogs you can skip steps 1 to 6: he will learn very quickly!
- If your pup can't catch the pet rabbit, you can start with a fur coat first or just have it follow a rabbit's trail.
Warnings
- Do not use a wild rabbit for training as it could injure the dog.
- Do not start training in an open space. Puppies, especially hunting breeds, are very curious and are likely to get lost very easily. Pay close attention to your dog and do the exercises in an enclosed space.
