Recall will be especially important during training in order to counteract predatory tendencies in the puppy and help to prevent them from injuring tame rabbits used in the training sessions. A guide to training a puppy to follow the recall command can be found here.
Dragging a dead rabbit through the grass will also familiarize the puppy with its scent and prepare it to track live rabbits. [4] X Research source
Starting pens are surrounded by rabbit proof fencing (or chicken wire), and can range in size from 60 x 60 ft. to five acres large. [5] X Research source [6] X Research source You may choose to take your puppy to a private running pen, where you will pay for each dog that is trained. Alternatively, you can buy a tame rabbit and build a pen in your yard. It is recommended to only train up to 3 puppies at a time in the starting pen. Too many dogs can be distracting, and the rabbit’s scent will be weaker to the dogs’ noses. [7] X Research source
Also try tying up your puppy with a leash and having it watch you chase the rabbit around the enclosure. The puppy should become excited and try to break from the leash. [8] X Research source
You can allow the pup to run, track, chase and investigate the rabbit on its own, but keep watch in order to prevent injuries to either the puppy or rabbit. The rabbit should be too fast for the puppy to catch, and the puppy itself will most likely not understand what to do if it actually catches the rabbit. [9] X Research source
Puppies will not usually harm a tame rabbit, but you should keep a close eye on the pup and the rabbit in order to prevent injury to either animal.
The length of training in a starter pen depends on the puppy’s individual temperament. Some puppies will require only a day or two in the pen, while others may take weeks before they are independently tracking and chasing the tame rabbits. It is important to have cover in the pen that the rabbit can hide behind, as you want to train your puppy to use its nose to track, rather than “sight chase. "
Running pens can vary widely in size, from 5 acres all the way up to 100 acres or more. To save time and money, join a local gundog field trial club. Most clubs will have both starter and running pens that you can use, as well as professional dog trainers who can help with puppies or dogs that are proving more difficult to train. Keep close to your puppy most of the time to build a strong team relationship. [10] X Research source
A “brace,” or two-dog pack, is often created by pairing your puppy with an older dog. Your pup will learn more advanced tracking skills from the older dog, in particular how to behave during a “check,” or temporary loss of a rabbit’s trail. Aim to run your young dog with a trained, but slower, female. If you only have one puppy (or puppies), you will have to run it with a friend or neighbour’s dogs, or visit the local gundog club. [11] X Research source [12] X Research source
Gradually train your dog to tolerate gunfire. Incorporate low-level, distant gunfire into daily activities, only moving closer as your dog becomes accustomed to the sound. Do not suddenly fire a gun near your dog if it has never heard the sound before. [13] X Research source [14] X Research source
Dawn and dusk are the best times to locate rabbits. [15] X Research source
When hunting in packs, a dog that picks up the scent of a rabbit will begin barking, signalling the other dogs to join the chase.
Rabbits do not stray far afield from their homes, and will eventually circle back during a chase. If the pursuit seems to be taking a long time, be patient, as the rabbit will begin to circle back to its home.
If the rabbit puts enough distance between itself and the dogs, it will pause to look back. This is the most ideal situation in which to kill the rabbit. Always be aware of the location of your dogs and hunting companions, and be certain you have a clear shot before pulling the trigger. [16] X Research source
