Independence is the ability to be self-reliant, able to run a rabbit on its own and the ability to refrain from becoming upset or influenced by the actions of faulty hounds. The proper degree of independence is displayed by the hound that concentrates on running its game with no concern for its running mates except to hark to them when they claim, find or indicate progress by giving mouth or “tonguing”. Tailing, following or watching other hounds, is indication of lack of sufficient independence and in most cases will prevent a dog from having the ability to solo. I have seen mature beagles be this way to the extreme of trailing other dogs when left alone and some would actually give mouth. Ignoring other hounds completely and refusing to hark to or move up with running mates is indication of too much independence. If your seasoned dog will not passionately search, pursue and jump its own rabbit and cannot circle his own rabbit because of the lack of nose “scenting ability”, especially when there is no competitive pressure or outside interferences while soloing, do yourself a favor and “scratch it”. Give it away to a good home as a pet.
The biggest mistake that most people make is to deny what you have in your own kennel. Once upon a time there were breeders that only let a select few pups from each litter leave their kennels and they were the ones they felt had “it”. If they didn’t feel that it was a successful cross, the puppy papers were destroyed and the pups were eliminated or given away as pets. They were not concerned about making a quick buck. Their motive was to better the “hunting” beagle. Too many people make excuses for what their dog’s lack. This leads me to the second biggest mistake, people trying to correct the impossible.
Sometimes we need to come to the conclusion that either our dogs have “it” or they don’t. Too many people take mediocre dogs and because they have hard work, time, money, an emotional attachment to a certain bloodline which had better success in the past, they hold on to their dogs and attempt to force the dogs to be something that they will never be, rather than to cut their losses and start over. People are taking mediocre dogs and breeding them to studs and hoping to produce a great dog at the roll of the dice.
We all know in our heart of hearts what our dogs excel in and also what they lack in. So what do we do about it? “Breed to and buy the best that you can afford” – Branko Krpan. Rev. John Parks while writing about the Yellow Creek Hounds and the beginning of the bloodline with L.M. Watson pointed out a very valuable lesson; “Watson bought his first three hounds; one from Stroh {Blue Cap}, one from Willet Randall {Patch}, and one from Dr. C.W. Sanford of Arlington Heights, Illinois {Blue Cap}. The latter hound, a female, is the really important one. Her name was Elora Blue Peach, and she had been imported by Dr. Sanford from Mr. Hiram Card of Canada {Blue Cap}. So, you see one of L. M. Watson’s first foundation bitches was three-fourths “Blue Cap” breeding, and I mean solid Blue Cap too, right from Hiram Card himself. This is a significant point that we should remember. L. M. Watson started out with the very best that could be had in his day, and then he built well on that solid foundation.” – Rev. John Parks.
There are many great dogs around today. Keep or obtain the best you can and then breed to the best you can find and afford. Be very critical of your own hounds, be selective, do not be kennel blind, don’t hesitate to “scratch it” and above all do not settle. When you breed, do so with pure motives. Breed to enhance the traits that will promote and better the “Hunting” Beagle. God Bless & Good Luck
author website: http://www.lanelinebeagles.zoomshare.com/
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Best story I have read concerning of “the training of beagles”. To the point and on the money. Thank You!