Rich Lucibella
Staff
Ahenry-
As a Dobie owner, before they were recognized and destroyed by AKC; as an Aussie Shep owner, before they were recognized and destroyed by AKC....I can tell you that you have one helluva a dog.
Catahoula's are nothing mysterious. They're natural nose hunters, workers and extraordinary testers of their owners. They're also really loyal.
Yes, you need to find that 5 year old pup a job. He'll tear up your life if you don't. So many good suggestions already. Listen to them...especially those who argue that his jobs should be centered around things he does naturally....not necessarily things you'd like him to do.
They are, as you point out, cattle and hog dogs. And I share your concern that a single hog Bay Dog is in enormous danger in the field. I've found that the Mighty Miko Wattah has a real penchant for tracking, though. If you're a hunter, you can always use a tracker for wounded or killed game.
Think about teaching him to track. Footsteps, hog scent....doesn't matter. They're both readily available. But the fact is, that pup will not be dissuaded from doing what is atavistically natural. Best you can do is direct it.
I may loose this 9 month old pup to the wrong Boar; but I'd be doing worse by giving him 15 years on a couch.
Rich
As a Dobie owner, before they were recognized and destroyed by AKC; as an Aussie Shep owner, before they were recognized and destroyed by AKC....I can tell you that you have one helluva a dog.
Catahoula's are nothing mysterious. They're natural nose hunters, workers and extraordinary testers of their owners. They're also really loyal.
Yes, you need to find that 5 year old pup a job. He'll tear up your life if you don't. So many good suggestions already. Listen to them...especially those who argue that his jobs should be centered around things he does naturally....not necessarily things you'd like him to do.
They are, as you point out, cattle and hog dogs. And I share your concern that a single hog Bay Dog is in enormous danger in the field. I've found that the Mighty Miko Wattah has a real penchant for tracking, though. If you're a hunter, you can always use a tracker for wounded or killed game.
Think about teaching him to track. Footsteps, hog scent....doesn't matter. They're both readily available. But the fact is, that pup will not be dissuaded from doing what is atavistically natural. Best you can do is direct it.
I may loose this 9 month old pup to the wrong Boar; but I'd be doing worse by giving him 15 years on a couch.
Rich