In February I adopted a beagle pup from the local humane society and now that i have some of the basics of obedience down with h

[rippja]

In February I adopted a beagle pup from the local humane society and now that i have some of the basics of obedience down with her i was wondering how to train her as a rabbit dog. Does any one have any tips or techniques that might help?

[jay]

I'm not an expert but with the few beagles I have owned I would keep the skin from a rabbit I shot and drag this in a big circle in the woods. Don't let the dog watch you. Turn the dog loose and let him work his way back to you. I would store the fur in the freezer. No need to thaw before use.

[huskerguy]

I did the same thing as jay did. It came natural to the dog to go after the smell. I also used a cap gun so the dog would be use to the sound. Just be careful when you use the fur. I had a fresh hide and the dog got to it and ate it when i wasnt looking. The fur still had fleas on it, and from what the vet said that's how it got worms for a bit.

[Beekeeper]

If you can't find a fresh hide you can use a scent drag with cottontail scent.

[rippja]

Beekeeper, where can i find cottontail scent? I thought of doing that and cant find the scent anywhere around here. Thanks for the comments all.

[Del in KS]

Friend of mine bought 2 beagles and took them hunting. First rabbit they chased by got a shotgun blast. The dogs said yipe, yipe and took off never to be seen again. Make sure your dog is not gun shy.

[buddyboy564]

http://beaglesunlimited.com/beagletraining_startingpupsonrabbits.htm is a good site all about beagles and it has a great way to train dogs on beagles

[buddyboy564]

i also think beagles are the best hunting dogs and have alot of good comments on them, good luck

[deadeyedave08]

best thing to do is take it out and let it run with some already trained dogs, not too many in a group or they might get nervous and stay right by your leg. let them run with them then later that day when you are done and home put a road kill rabbit or a shot one in a patch of grass near your house and just walk by it and see if he smells it and investigates it. if he does praise him . then drag it around a area and let him follow it to the end( put it in a bush or tree base) if he does this a couple times heel be goodto go by himself

[Dale R Klein]

Take your dog to some good rabbit cover like beside r/r tracks,turn the dog loose and it should start on its own.Make sure it comes when called or put a training collar on.Take it out every chance you get!

[rudyglove27]

Agreed with deadeyedave08 answer above and A + 1 for you sir!!!