I second jumpshootin's answer. I have 2 curs now and got them as pups and raised them on my own. Just take them to a park or the woods and they will tree. (give them at least18 months before you give up them because despite what all breeders say a dog isn't mature until he is about 2 so those 6 month old wonder dogs IMO are few and far betwen. If you've never hunted squirrels with dogs it tons of fun adn it isn't as easy as you would think. Those little buggers get very antsy when there are no leaves on the trees and bail outs and hot races make for some great action.

Good luck.