I am a squirrel hunter. My favorite breed is West Siberian Laika. This dog does not nead teaching how to tree. Everything starts naturally. Just take you Laika puppy in woods and turn it loose. Most start at the age from 4 to 10 months. Once started, the dog learnes on the job. No trash breaking is needed. If the pup runs after deer, ignore it, the dog learns quickly that deer does not stop and will ignore it as you do. Squirrels by day, raccoons by night.