Rabbit hunting with just 1 dog

[Rocko0305]

I used to have beagles when I was younger and have only rabbit hunted a couple of times so I'm sorry if I sound new to this. I now have a GSP and are really starting to get into bird hunting.

But anyways, I am looking to get a beagle in the future and I am wondering how successful one can be while hunting with only one beagle for rabbits?(Whenever I have gone it has been with 2-4 dogs) Is there a different approach to be taken towards hunting with one dog? Will that dog live up to its potential if it never has the chance to learn from other, more experienced dogs? Thanks for the help in advance, much appreciated.

p.s. If anyone knows any good beagle breeders out there a link to their website if they have one would be great. As long as its located in Michigan, distance isn't an issue. Thanks.

[Whit1]

By all means you can be successful with one dog. I'd rather bunny hunt behind one good dog rather than 3 or 4 medicore mutts.

As for tactics there shouldn't be much difference other than, if you are hunting with others the group will not be able to cover as much territory as you stand awaiting the rabbit to make it's turn.

[jackbob42]

Alot of times , one dog is better than a pack. He'll be more apt to keep his mind on what he's doing , rather than worrying about what the other dogs are doing.

[Flooded Timber]

Alot of times , one dog is better than a pack. He'll be more apt to keep his mind on what he's doing , rather than worrying about what the other dogs are doing.

I wish I only had one beagle to run sometimes.:lol: Ask any houndsman what the secret to success is with a hound and they will most likely name in no particular order: Put lots of tracks in front of dogs.
Solo dogs
These 2 things are the most important.

Like Jackbob said one dog is better sometimes, no pressure from other hounds, not fast enough for other hounds. Make sure to hunt with another dog once in awhile if you ever plan to trial.

[Wolf_Dancer34]

I only have one beagle and that is all I need. He gets the job done---no problem. He is getting a little older now and his voice isnt as pretty but would not trade him for anything in the world...

He started running rabbits at 5 months and has not stopped since. He will run until he cant run anymore if I let him....actually starting to think about getting another pup myself. Facing the fact that Benny wont live forever!!

Good luck in your search!!!!

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=264&pictureid=1646

[Nealbopper]

Another option is a Jack Russell Terrier. It can be your house dog also and it doesn't bark nearly as much as a Beagle. Jack Russells are great rabbit dogs.

[timberdoodle528]

Depends on how good the dog is. A lot of times hounds can be over-competitive and scew up the race while running with others. I've seen hounds not able to circle their own rabbit by itself as well. Just depends on what type of hound you get.
I prefer a pack of 3, as long as they will all slot up and run smooth together.

[thundrst]

My first beagle was trained & hunted as a single beagle. He did fine & I actually liked NOT having him go & pack with other dogs when I hunted areas that had other hunters nearby. The next beagles I had were a pair & I trained them occasionally with other older dogs because I did want them to pack with other dogs cause some of my buddies also had beagles then. If you do want it to pack with other dogs, be sure you get some training in with other dogs in the first 6 months to a year. If you wait longer than that, it might not pack with other dogs at all.

If you train/hunt with other hunters, make sure they know to stay STILL & QUIET whenever the dog is running (including during long checks and when the dog is far away). If they move or talk the rabbit is often much farther in front of the dogs than expected & it will backtrack or quickly turn, or stop moving completely, all of which make the track that much harder for the dog.

Just my .02 worth. Good Luck & enjoy your beagling

[FREEPOP]

I had only one for a couple of years and everything was awesome. I ran him a couple of time with other dogs and he wouldn't pack, he was single minded. Now I have another that is about the opposite of the first, he won't open till the scent is hot, a little faster on track, and a fearless little guy. They compliment each other very well and I couldn't be happier.

Though beagles are pack dogs, the pack can be of people or dogs of other breeds. Best of luck.

[Wolf_Dancer34]

I had only one for a couple of years and everything was awesome. I ran him a couple of time with other dogs and he wouldn't pack, he was single minded. Now I have another that is about the opposite of the first, he won't open till the scent is hot, a little faster on track, and a fearless little guy. They compliment each other very well and I couldn't be happier.

Though beagles are pack dogs, the pack can be of people or dogs of other breeds. Best of luck.
I to tried to run my beagle with a pack and he wanted no part of it. And he actually found more rabbits than the whole pack put together. The funny thing was that the pack I tried to run him with just happened to be his father and uncles.....

I can't wait to start running him this winter!! As far as barking--my male does not bark when in his kennel. He might make a little noise when we go up to feed him but he has been trained not to bark while in his kennel---that is reserved for hunting time.

[FREEPOP]

Ours are spoiled rotten house brats (I'd like to be reincarnated as a dog with an owner like me :D) but they only bark when someone comes or on trail.