Shed Hunting Dogs
 

Hey guys, I figured I could get some good feedback here.



I would really like to train a dog for shed hunting.

1st, what breed of dog would you all recommend.

2nd, if anyone is already doing this, can you talk about the training

Thanks in advance

Troy

RE: Shed Hunting Dogs
 

Hey Troy,
One of the hunting magazines has been running a two or three part series on shed hunting dogs.If I havn't already given them away I will get the articles to you.I do remember that one of the subjects written about was from Idaho.

I've heard of people training their dogs to find sheds.
But I don't know the process.
That would be cool though.
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I read about it in a field and stream magazine a few months ago sounds like a good idea.

I have a yellow lab (1 year old) that fetches the sheds very well (as long as she sees me throwing them). I am still trying to get her to actually go search for them on command. Still having difficulties. She searches very well if she knows I've thrown it, but once she finds it, she is done. Not sure how to go to the next step.

I personaly think you can train any hunting breed to do that.

To help the NASH Assoc is located in Wisconsin and here is a link with a phone number to call.

http://www.shedantlers.org/NewsNotes.htm

I know they can help just ask.

Now for the Lab question.

If the dog retrieves what is thrown - try to hide it.

I don't know first hand how much scent is given off a shed but try this idea.

Wet the shed and drag it across the grass a short distance and hide it. I would start at a 25 yd mark no more.
Do mark you starting point.

Bring the dog up and show her the scent by rubbing or waving your hand over the start of scent trail of your drag mark. While doing this walk the dog forward a step or two and then release the dog and see what happens. I would do this with the wind in the dog's face to start with.

If the dog tracks lots of praise but once released say nothing - let the dog search.

If the dog does not find it or looses interest walk a few steps towards your hidiing spot and again say nothing. Let the dog figure it out.

Once she has found your spot whether she retrieves or not praise her. The retrieve can be taught later through force fetch. What you are after is the dog searching for antlers.

Just an idea but do call that shed club........

JW

Ps - at the start of your track waving your hand shortly over the grass while holding onto the dog's collar is the way to go. Do NOT try to push the dog's head down but simply move your hand forward . Once you have the dog concentrated on the track let go of the collar and be quiet and face the direction the shed is hid. Let the dog figure it out. Be patient......

Many NAVHDA members teach drags this way as well as the NA Track.

dont sheds have a blood smell to them? if they do, I would look at the wirehair weiner dog. those babies are sweet. and they wont out run you to bad in the hills

And I found this

From North American Shed Hunter Magazine

Antler dogs = www.antlerdogs.com or PM me as I ahve an e-mail and a phone for them

JW

When my old mutt leaves earth I am going to get a retriever of some sort. It would be great to have a dog help me find some bone.