How to Train a Dog to Squirrel Hunt 
Squirrel hunting is an excellent way to introduce kids to the fun sport and the sport itself is inexpensive. To introduce kids to the sport, you can use your dog to hunt squirrels. In addition, the training of your dog can also help you teach your children to hunt as well. Listed below are some tips for training your dog to hunt squirrels. But first, you need to choose a breed.
Rat terriers
The Rat Terrier is an excellent family dog that is naturally inclined to hunt squirrels. The breed’s temperament is a great match for an apartment lifestyle. While terriers are known for being feisty, they are not aggressive or hostile toward cats, and can be taught to hunt with a variety of tricks. You can also train a Rat terrier to kill squirrels, if you want to increase the amount of time your pet spends outside hunting.
Training a Rat Terrier is a two-pronged approach: the first is to expose the dog to gunfire before teaching it to hunt squirrels. It is also important to teach good obedience and the dog to stay out of trouble when hunting. Various training methods may include using scent, live traps, or a dead squirrel. If you do not have access to a forest or other location where you can train your Rat Terrier, a small cage hung from a tree may work.
Mountain cur
If you’re planning to train your Mountain Cur to hunt, there are several things you need to know. This working dog is very intelligent and eager to please its master. As a result, it can be demanding. This breed is not for every household. You must be prepared to exercise it daily, whether that means taking a brisk walk or jog. Also, you must have a large backyard to exercise it in.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when training your Mountain Cur is to keep him clean and free of fleas. You will have to brush him or her at least once a week, and you’ll need to keep his ears clean as well. You should also regularly bathe him or her. The dog sheds excessively in the spring and fall. You may need to bathe him or her once he or she gets dirty, so make sure you keep a bottle of dog shampoo on hand.
West Siberian Laika
The West Siberian Laika is a breed of dog that is native to Russia. They are medium-sized dogs with bushy tails. They are closely related to wolves and have been domesticated for hundreds of years. While they are generally friendly and good with children, you may want to look for a different breed if you are inexperienced. This breed can be fiercely protective of its territory and can sometimes be aggressive. For this reason, you should consider the type of environment your pup will be living in.
When training your Laika to hunt, the first thing to remember is that they do not bark while searching for game. However, when they find it, they will bark loudly to alert hunters. Another important thing to remember is that a Laika does not climb tree branches or jump on tree trunks. This may frighten the game and cause them to flee. The correct treeing method requires the dog to keep watch over the game.
Scent hounds
The first step in training your scent hound to hunt squirrels is to choose a dog with a good bloodline. Dog aficionados will often have better insight into an animal’s lineage than their family members. It’s important to get a good-quality dog as it will cost several thousand dollars. The next step in training your scent hound to hunt squirrels involves exposing the pup to squirrel hides and tails. At about eight weeks, Thompson drags a dead squirrel across the ground before putting it in a tree and watching to see whether the pup follows its scent.
Scent hounds need to learn to track squirrels by spotting them and then identifying them. The training process will be much like that of a child, so start small and work up from there. After a few days, a seasoned dog should be able to detect a squirrel’s scent from a tree branch and run to it. This will teach the dog that the tree is where squirrels hang out.
How do you get your dog interested in squirrel hunting?
Start by teaching your dog to chase and bark at squirrels in your backyard.
Once your dog is motivated to chase squirrels you can begin training him to hunt squirrels in the wild.
How can you tell if your dog is ready to start squirrel hunting?
If your dog is motivated to chase and bark at squirrels in your backyard he is likely ready to begin squirrel hunting.
What equipment do you need for squirrel hunting?
You will need a shotgun and ammunition a hunting vest or backpack for your dog to wear and a Squirrel Call.
How do you safely introduce your dog to firearms?
Start by getting your dog used to the sound of a gunshot by having someone fire a gun while your dog is at a distance.
Once your dog is comfortable with the sound you can introduce him to the gun by letting him sniff it and giving him a treat.
How do you teach your dog to fetch a squirrel?
Start by teaching your dog to fetch a toy.
Once your dog is proficient at fetching a toy you can begin training him to fetch a squirrel by holding a squirrel in your hand and rewarding him when he brings it back to you.
How do you teach your dog to tree a squirrel?
Start by teaching your dog to chase and bark at squirrels in your backyard.
Once your dog is motivated to chase squirrels you can begin training him to tree a squirrel by holding a squirrel in your hand and rewarding him when he tree’s it.
How do you teach your dog to track a squirrel?
Start by teaching your dog to follow a scent trail.
Once your dog is proficient at following a scent trail you can begin training him to track a squirrel by laying a squirrel scent trail and rewarding him when he follows it to the end.
What are some common mistakes people make when training their dog to squirrel hunt?
Some common mistakes include not teaching their dog to fetch or track a squirrel and not properly introducting their dog to firearms.
How much exercise does a dog need to squirrel hunt?
A dog needs to be in good physical condition to squirrel hunt so he should be getting at least 30 minutes of exercise per day.
What should you do if your dog won’t chase a squirrel?
If your dog won’t chase a squirrel try luring him with a treat or a toy.
You can also try holding a squirrel in your hand and running away from your dog to get him to chase.
What should you do if your dog won’t tree a squirrel?
If your dog won’t tree a squirrel try luring him with a treat or a toy.
You can also try holding a squirrel in your hand and running away from your dog to get him to chase.
What should you do if your dog won’t track a squirrel?
If your dog won’t track a squirrel try teaching him to follow a scent trail.
You can also try laying a squirrel scent trail and rewarding him when he follows it to the end.
What are some common health problems that can affect a dog’s ability to squirrel hunt?
Some common health problems that can affect a dog’s ability to squirrel hunt include obesity joint problems and respiratory problems.
How can you tell if a dog is too old to squirrel hunt?
A dog is too old to squirrel hunt when he is no longer interested in chasing or barking at squirrels or when he is no longer able to physically follow a scent trail.
What should you do if your dog is no longer interested in squirrel hunting?
If your dog is no longer interested in squirrel hunting try luring him with a treat or a toy.
You can also try holding a squirrel in your hand and running away from your dog to get him to chase.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
