Step By Step to Training Your Beagle for Rabbit Hunting

The success of a rabbit hunter largely depends on how well his dog is trained.

Beagles are fantastic dogs that you can have as a companion and are ultimately the best dogs to take for rabbit hunting. They are very energetic, joyful and have the spirit of adventure in them. Moreover, they have a stronger sense of smell than several other dogs.

However, beagles can ruin your rabbit hunting experience if you do not offer them proper training.

For example, owing to their solid sense of smell, they may tend to ignore whatever you say when they pick up a scent. It is therefore important to train them well in readiness for the rabbit hunting season so that you can tap into those strong instincts and use them to your advantage.

So how can you train your beagle for a successful hunting season?

1. The first and most important step is to ensure that the dog listens and pays attention when you speak. This can be achieved by calling the dog’s name and waiting for it to respond before issuing a command. Every time the dog reacts to his name and the command, reward him. Reward-based training has proven to be more effective than punishment. You can practice this severally to ensure that he responds each time you speak his name, even when distracted. This will ensure that the dog does not run off during hunting.

2. You can then hold a toy or a treat above your head to ensure that it is visible. Make sure that the beagle remains in the sitting position and does not try to come towards you. We need to maintain the beagle’s attention to the task at hand. Then begin to hold the toy or the treat to the dog’s chest and ensure that he focuses on you and not the treat. If his attention wavers, snap your fingers and say something like, “eyes here!” You can then reward the dog once he looks at you until he can consistently do this.

3. Next, you need to bring the toy or treat from your dog’s chest down to his paws. This is to test whether the beagle will pop up suddenly or will wait for your command to take the treat. If he does not pop up suddenly, give your dog the treat and you can even pat him. You should do this until he becomes accustomed to it.

4. Finally, move away from the beagle and ensure that he does not pop up towards you. If he pops up, no reward is given. However if the dog stays calm until you give the command, then reward him. You should ensure that you carry enough treats in your hunting backpack to ensure you can control your dog at all times.

Introducing a Rabbit to the Training – Tips to Train Your Beagle for a Successful Rabbit Hunting Season

Now that your beagle has achieved some level of discipline, it is time to introduce rabbits in the training. It is advisable to use a tamed rabbit, since a wild one could end up injuring your dog.

1. The most important aspect is to familiarize the beagle with the rabbit’s scent in preparation of tracking during hunting. This can be done by holding the rabbit by the scruff and allowing the dog to sniff it. The beagle should become excited and ready to chase the rabbit.

2. Then tie up your dog using a leash and have him watch you run after the rabbit around the enclosed perimeter. This will prepare him to concentrate on the target – the rabbit, and avoid running after other animals that you may encounter during hunting such as the squirrels and beavers

3. You can then release both the rabbit and the beagle. The beagle should become exhilarated and begin chasing the rabbit. Sometimes it is deemed wise to hide the rabbit behind logs and bushes. This will be very instrumental in training your beagle to use its senses to track and investigate the rabbit. You should also allow your dog to chase the rabbit at least thrice per week to increase his speed and agility. Therefore, the rabbit you choose should be faster than your beagle. You do not want a rabbit that will be caught in one run.

4. After a few weeks of training, the dog will be able to catch the rabbit with much less effort. This will be the time to replace the rabbit with a faster one that is harder to catch. You should ensure that you reward the beagle every time he runs the rabbit to exhaustion. The reward will be a source of motivation for the beagle and will encourage him to put more effort in the task at hand.

5. You can also consider getting an older trained dog as a companion for your beagle. This will enable your beagle to learn new skills and techniques from his counterpart. You can allow them to track, chase and investigate a rabbit that you have hidden to enhance the skills of your beagle.

Following these simple steps will ensure that your beagle is properly trained and ready for the rabbit hunting season.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brandon Cox is the founder of StayHunting, who is passionate about all things of hunting and fitness. Through his hunting website, he would like to share tips & tricks, finest tech that will excite all of the intricacies of hunting whether you be an amateur or a professional.