hunting rabbits

Al 25

Hey can anyone help completely new to hunting but had dogs before pointer, but would like to try a bit of lamping with a dog so im wondering what kind of dog to go for whippet , whippet cross or lurcher im located in dublin rathcoole .Any input would be great

djflawless

Well it all depends on what you personally want!
If I wanted a dog completely for rabbits, and had fairly good running ground, IMO id be heading towards a whippet x saluki

Al 25

Thanks dj .yes just for rabbits ive also heard whippet cross collie is good aswell.
So anymore tips would be good I understand my dog would need all basic commands , so what age would my dog need to start hunting . Also any good spots near dublin

djflawless

Get yourself a book or DVD to pick up the basics for what you want.peoples opinions here of training would be too varied.
Personally, I wouldn't work a lurcher till maybe a year and half.
As far as locations, I wouldn't know working ground in Dublin for the life of me
Couple of tips.
Make sure the dog is livestock safe
Any land your on make sure you have permission
At about 9-12 months.try walk your dog with some fellas already working lurchers
Also, try get sorted with some insurance

sniperman

best lamping dog i ever had was whippet x sheepdog,last all night,retrieve all alive,not to big,so could avoid electric fences,and female,she was working at 9 months old,she died of old age, 16,never went lamping after that with dogs ,.:(

Al 25

sniperman wrote: »

best lamping dog i ever had was whippet x sheepdog,last all night,retrieve all alive,not to big,so could avoid electric fences,and female,she was working at 9 months old,she died of old age, 16,never went lamping after that with dogs ,.:(

Very sad , where would be the place to find such dogs , done deal or gumtree or would I better off goin to country game event like the one on in birr castle near end of the month.

Al 25

Is there anyone who could point me in direction of breeders of whippet crosses with saluki or collies
Thanks again

sniperman

Al 25 wrote: »

Very sad , where would be the place to find such dogs , done deal or gumtree or would I better off goin to country game event like the one on in birr castle near end of the month.

got mine off donedeal,id say the fair would be a good bet for a look,if you had a few spare hours,hope you get one,id go female,dogs seem to take longer to cop on,id go for one about 6 months or there abouts,best of luck;)

Tiercel Dave

I've always gone for the bigger dog, this bitch is a DeerhoundGreyhound/Bedlington Terrier cross. Don't rule out an Irish Terrier cross, I've had a few of them and they were quite bright and gentle. I've also seen a full Whippet do exceptionally well on the lamp.
Get a bitch if you're going for rabbits. Lurchers are not the 'sharpest knives in the drawer'! Having trained German Pointers as well, lurchers would do well to score E+ in class. Don't confuse dim with loyalty though, they are very loving and be gentle when they make a mistake.
Start walking it on the lead from about 6 mths, dog on the left, you are going to have the lamp in your right hand. Teach her to walk to heel, teach her to retrieve. I would start at about 10 mths. Start very light, two chases is plenty. She must be put back in the car absolutely bouncing with energy and delight. She must enjoy the chase and never let her reach the end of her wind 'till she's well over 18 mths.
Have you hunted before, or seen dogs worked, or do you need a few pointers in that direction?

A single night's haul, this bitch regularly got 18 in a night, it's getting into the realms of luck after that! All personal opinions..........Dave

Al 25

Hey dave I havent hunted before or seen dogs worked only at game fairs so any pointers would be great

DylanNolan96

Al 25 wrote: »

Hey can anyone help completely new to hunting but had dogs before pointer, but would like to try a bit of lamping with a dog so im wondering what kind of dog to go for whippet , whippet cross or lurcher im located in dublin rathcoole .Any input would be great

If it's for rabbits personally I would favour a salukix/colliexhound