hi lads

just looking for some advice as to how to start a terrier pup

what age to start them?
how to enter them ?
working on rats then moving on to earth work ?

thanks any advice welcome

Kev

HI Kev
myself id start him off slowly dont rush him rats to start with if its foxes and such like try not to let him work rabbits he will mark and go to ground over rabbits all the time its a hard habit to break we started all ours on rats and built up but important dont over work him the first year (1-2yrs old) next season he should be showing good signs if he his going to make anything ... try and let him work if possible with a good old un !!!! if you can find someone with one ( we have a good nutall patterdale nearly 3 !!! who is showing our young pack what to do) also i dont know if you have it or not but get hold of a copy of the world of the working terrier its a good read and there are some great points and tips you can take from it good luck
Dave

i agree with whitecat after 30 plus years experience with dogs ive learnt that you should never over match a dog. rats are the best way to start if the pup is marking never over encourage him or her until, you bolt or dig to the quarry . when you get a result then you can praise your youngster.
too much praise without results,will result in your terrier false marking . but remember terrier pups should never be entered to any until they are phyisicaly and mentally ready . and never before they have their second teeth . i once had a red lakey dog who entered to fox at three year old .and when he did he flew to them ,ive had others enter well before their first birthday . good luck i hopr this will help best advice is slowly slowly catchy monkey

thanks for ur advice lads, have ordered that book, and will deffo take my time with the pup. any advice is greatly apprecitated

kev

no problem my friend only pleased to help