I would not wet downthe coon if you are going to use caged game. First off, that is just a plain sad thing to do to the animal in my opinion (and I am no anti), and second, the dog doesn't need it to be wet. If it is a coondog in the making, it will sure-enough smell the coon whether he's wet or not. I wouldn't help the dog in that way. I also would not shoot it out mad over a pup. A coon can do a number on even a tough grown hound. I'd let the dog get a dead one shot out first. Eventually you will shoot one out alive and the dog will figure it out (or not). Not trying to offend anyone but this is just my thoughts for whatever they are worth.