Podenco

[Woodsmoke]

We've recently taken on a rescue Podenco who's been in the UK for some months now. He's a cracking lad, with a couple of issues obviously, but so far he's settling in very well indeed with our lab' and whippet. He's a big lad, and full of beans, but with a very low prey drive (which is quite probably why he ended up being a rescue) I'm wondering if anyone has any experience of training Podenco as I have a thought in my head to train him as my deer dog in due course. He's about 2 now, and I'm not sure if the combination of his age and background may mean I end up wasting my time? He's with us for keeps regardless, but I'd be interested to hear some thoughts

Meet 'Duende' (name to be changed once we figure out what suits him best)

 

[finnbear270]

I think he's possibly a Henry?, Easier to familiarise, Duende' ENRAY, Henry

 

[gixer1]

Deniro….look at the moles. It’s got to be Bobby or Deniro! Can’t help on the training side as I’d never heard of this breed!

 

[Woodsmoke]

never heard of this breed!

Neither had I until my wife started to show an interest. They (along with the Galgo) are a hunting dog used extensively in Spain. As hunting dogs have no legal protection under Spanish law (don't get me started) they're treated horrendously, very often being killed or discarded at the end of each season. In Duende's case, he has very little prey drive, which possibly explains why he was rescued from a kill pen . . . . . have a Google at Podencos In Need Scotland?

 

[VIGILAIRE]

Before my friends returned to the UK they had a micro ( think skinny long legged Jack Russell size ) turn up at the gates of their home in the hills. Had a wire collar so was an abandoned hunting dog they believe. They took him in and he settled in straight away, he came back to England with them, lived with me and my dogs for a couple of months and still visits regularly. As to hunting we've watched him 'stalk' rabbits in stealth mode, he's never caught anything. Very obedient and anxious to please. Walks so close to heel off the lead you forget he's there and recall is never a problem. Glad you've given Duende a second chance. C.

 

[Woodsmoke]

Glad you've given Duende a second chance

He's got his issues of course, but he just needs time to settle in and adapt. He had a growl at me when he pinched a wrapper, but that was entirely my fault for a) giving hi the opportunity, and b) treating his as I would our other dogs and trying to take it off him. Lesson learned! He's a big, affectionate lump, and as my wife knows hounds inside and out I'm taking my lead from her as I'm a lab' man.

 

[LuckyEddie]

No experience with older dogs, only what I’ve read which indicated that older dogs take a bit longer to train. All that’s required is patience.
Good luck with him as he looks a cracker

 

[Stalker62]

Unable to offer anything constructive, other than 'well played' for giving the fella a chance of a good and happy home.

 

[sh1kar]

Wow looks very like one of these

 

[bfltd0]

Got to say well done on the rescue dog.

Absolutely have to rename him, as he looks nothing like an elf, goblin or leprechaun!

 

[finnbear270]

Stunning animal.

 

[TomT3]

As stated, nothing to add re training but good show for rescuing him woodsmoke not heard of the breed either so thanks for the introduction.

 

[VanGogh76]

My mate's Pod next to my mongrel. They're not bad but massive prey drive on this one, great temperament but will also happily sleep all day. Do not let loose near livestock and it lives mostly on a long line. Also a rescue and a non working dog

 

[VanGogh76]

Wow looks very like one of these

View attachment 235768 View attachment 235769

Pharaoh hound is in the mix

 

[foxdropper]

Treat like any other dog Stu .Labelling dogs is for crufts and puppy farmers .Any breed will blood trail and looks like he will have the mineral when up to a beast .Good luck and keep us informed please .Merry Xmas mate .
Hunting instinct may well of been suppressed on this one in favour of another dog .
Not many canines turn down the opportunity to act like a wolf .

 

[foxhunter]

Well done on taking a rescue , my little dog is also a rescue, very rewarding

 

[Woodsmoke]

Treat like any other dog Stu .Labelling dogs is for crufts and puppy farmers .Any breed will blood trail and looks like he will have the mineral when up to a beast .Good luck and keep us informed please .Merry Xmas mate

And to you!

He certainly seems to be settling in well. Our two have been brilliant with him. He's a two year-old, but he's had zero socialising or training, and has only been in the UK three months. He has his wee foibles of course (terrible thief, bit grumpy if disturbed, no recall, etc) but these are all tiny things, and will no doubt improve as he settles in more. He's fantastic around the stock and hens, confirming my suspicions that his lack of prey drive is what led to his rescue. And he's a big affectionate lump of a dog too. From what we can see, he's not been abused (thankfully) He really is just a two year-old puppy. Everything I've seen so far I would expect from a 12 week-old pup. He's house-trained too, as he was in a three-month foster home and they've done a wonderful job in decompressing him. I think he's going to be a wonderful addition to the household. We've renamed him as Duande just didn't suit, so he's now Rigby.

Lots of work to do yet, but I think we have a really good foundation to start with. He's a bloody handsome lad, too

 

[Dunwaters]

I dont know the breed but lots of dogs dont mature until they’re 2ish or a bit beyond, so dont give up on the prey drive just yet.
Best of luck with him.

 

[Woodsmoke]

Thanks mate. We'll see how he gets on. I need to instil the basics in him first, with his recall being a priority. He's responding really well to us both in the house, and our plan is to meet up with one of the podenco rescue staff and see how he's gets on in an enclosed area.

 

[foxdropper]

How does he react to raw food Stu or is he on dry ,wet food .