What age

[brian82]

At what age would you start taking your dog out accompanying you when stalking? Obviously once the basics training is good enough. But is there an age you think that you should leave them till at least. Even if it’s just for the walk

 

[StephenToast]

As soon as it's ready. I wouldn't wait for a certain age.

 

[User00047]

8 weeks

 

[Jon P]

Mine tracked her first and very mobile deer at 8 months of age. It was a successful track but I am not sure it did her steadiness any good as after every shot she thinks she can charge off and latch on to the deer - luckily prior to the shot she is silent and deer can walk within a few yards and she won’t move.

 

[SikaSeeker]

When it’s rock steady with basic training. Like most working dogs

 

[rem284]

As above. When training has been installed.

 

[AMoorlen]

Wouldn't rush it. Should think plenty of tidy dogs have been ruined by owners being too keen, I've had one...

 

[Keith Edmunds]

Let's hope your dog has a 10 yr working life. It is better to spend the first two years going through all basics, including some simulated stalking training sessions (NOT stalking but training) and then have 8 good working years than balls-up the early training and then have a liability for its remaining lifespan.

 

[NullMac]

I introduced mine to deer from as a young pup. That wasn't accompanied stalking but I would go get him and take him to the carcass. Once he knew the smell I would start to ask him where the deer were so he got used to the idea that his primary job was deer detection.

I only took him out when he would heel properly so there were no problems from running in.

He is a Lab so didn't take training as such, he worked that out for himself on the job. Steadiness in a young dog is the main issue. I agree with the view that there is no rush. I think too many dogs in general are forced on. Having said that introducing some of the bits early on makes them normal quickly