Author Topic: Walker Pup (Read 656 times)

strokers_babey · « **on:** September 27, 2004, 04:02:34 PM »

We have a 3 month old walker lab cross. I was wondering if he will be make a good family dog and still have potential to be a hunter?Any advice is greatly appreciated thanks.

Airedale From NY · « **Reply #1 on:** September 29, 2004, 01:44:03 AM »

I think your dog has a good chance of being a fine companion. We all know that Labs are near the top but hounds can make great companions also. I have owned hounds my whole life and with the proper training they can be a fun dog. Actually any hunting dog that serves as both companion and hunter in the field is a much better handling dog in most cases. The down side of hounds is they just can not be left to their own devices as any interesting scent can and will lead them off your property to who knows where. So a good secure yard or run is in order.

As for the hunting part of your question, any time a cross is made between two breeds such as yours Forest Gump comes to mind, they will be "like a box of chocolates, you never know what you will get". I will say this as always a lot will depend on what kind of hunting dogs the parents are. A half way decent coon or squirrel dog may result and even a decent retriever. One thing I have noticed on these types of crosses on hounds, when running a track they will be silent or semi silent. Anyway good luck with your pup and I hope everything works out for you.

AL

strokers_babey · « **Reply #2 on:** September 29, 2004, 03:22:50 PM »

I got a chuckle out of your letter.....he has a nose for the darn scent of food for sure.I have talked with a few people who own hounds from the neighborhood an they seem to think he will have a fair chance of proven himself.He is just barely 3 months old now an if let of his run will take to chasen squirrels up the trees outback....Now Im na sure if it is more play or instinct tho.He loves to chase anything really....even the nasty neighbors dog when he intrudes into our yard.As long as "Scooby" can maintain his manners and be loyal to our family guess it dont matter much if he aint the best hunting dog....they're is always others.

RB Rooson · « **Reply #3 on:** October 03, 2004, 05:15:14 AM »

One of the "old wive's tales" that I have come across repeatedly over the years is 'that if you keep your dog as a household pet, it will never make a good hunter in the field'.

Let's debunk that theory right now! I personally had a gyp (that means female) terrier that I hunted for 16-years and she was thought to be one of the very best by many.......oh, and she never slept outside for a single night in her entire life!!

I've seen gundogs that were absolutely brilliant on upland game and owned by lady hunters that lived in apartments. Lisa Ann Londe owned a Chesapeke Bay Retriever that never left her side in 10 years. Lisa was a crack-shot and along with her Chessie they would win 8+ trials per year for 7 years in a row. They both lived in her condominium, but were out every single weekend either trialing or hunting. It all has to do with giving your dog many chances to use his instincts and refine his craft.....and conditioning is tantamount to getting out!!

Currently have 4 dogs that work and they all live in the house with my wife and I.......every weekend, when I start putting on the hunting clothes, they know......and there they are - dancing and pleading to go again. The dogs never fail me, I just give them the chance to do what they were bred for.

As far as I know, they probably think that they live in a really fancy doghouse!!