How to Choose the Right Squirrel Hunting Dog for Your Needs

How to Choose the Right Squirrel Hunting Dog for Your Needs Squirrel hunting with dogs is an exhilarating and rewarding experience that combines the thrill of the chase with the satisfaction of a successful hunt. Selecting the perfect squirrel hunting dog is crucial to enhancing your hunting adventures and ensuring a productive partnership in the field. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential factors to consider when choosing your ideal squirrel hunting companion.

Understanding Squirrel Hunting Dogs

Squirrel hunting dogs are specially trained canines that excel at locating, chasing, and treeing squirrels. These dogs use their keen senses of smell, sight, and hearing to track down bushy-tailed prey and alert hunters to their presence. The most popular breeds for squirrel hunting are curs and feists, known for their agility, intelligence, and strong hunting instincts.

Key Breeds for Squirrel Hunting

Curs: These versatile hunters are known for their stamina and ability to work in various terrains. Curs are generally medium-sized, muscular dogs with a strong prey drive.
Feists: Smaller than curs, feists are agile and quick, making them excellent at navigating dense woods and underbrush. They are known for their high energy levels and sharp senses.
Mountain Curs: A popular choice among squirrel hunters, mountain curs are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and strong treeing instinct.
Terriers: Some terrier breeds, such as the rat terrier, can make excellent squirrel hunting dogs due to their tenacity and ability to navigate tight spaces.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Squirrel Hunting Dog

Hunting Style and Environment

Your hunting style and the environment in which you hunt are critical factors in selecting the right dog. If you hunt in dense forests with thick underbrush, a smaller, more agile dog like a feist may be ideal. For open terrains or larger hunting areas, a larger, more robust dog like a cur might be better suited. Consider the following:

Terrain type (dense forest, open woods, mixed environments)
Typical hunting distances
Climate and weather conditions in your hunting area

Temperament and Personality

The dog's temperament should match your personality and hunting style. Some dogs are more independent and prefer to hunt alone, while others work better in a pack or with close human interaction. Assess whether you need a dog that can work independently or one that requires more guidance and companionship. Key temperament traits to look for:

Eagerness to please
Trainability
Energy level
Sociability with other dogs and humans

Training and Obedience

Training a squirrel hunting dog requires time, patience, and consistency. Some breeds are easier to train than others. Feists, for example, are known for their quick learning abilities, while curs may require more rigorous training due to their strong-willed nature. Consider your experience level and the time you can dedicate to training when choosing a breed. If you're a first-time dog owner or have limited time for training, you may want to opt for a more easily trainable breed or consider a started or finished dog.

Physical Attributes

The physical characteristics of your squirrel hunting dog can significantly impact its performance in the field. Consider the following attributes:

Size: Smaller dogs may be better for dense underbrush, while larger dogs might have an advantage in open terrain.
Coat: A dog's coat can affect its ability to withstand different weather conditions and navigate through thick vegetation.
Stamina: Look for a breed with the endurance to keep up with long hunting sessions.
Sense of smell: A keen nose is crucial for tracking squirrels effectively.

Range and Hunting Style

Different breeds have varying hunting ranges and styles. Some dogs prefer to work close to the hunter, while others may range farther out. Consider your preferences and the typical hunting conditions you encounter.

Close-ranging dogs: Ideal for smaller hunting areas or dense forests.
Wide-ranging dogs: Better suited for larger hunting grounds or more open terrain.

Buying Options: Pup, Started, or Finished Dog

When purchasing a squirrel hunting dog, you have three main options: buying a pup, a started dog, or a finished dog. Each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Buying a Pup

Purchasing a puppy allows you to train the dog from a young age, ensuring it develops the skills and behaviors you desire. However, this requires a significant time investment and patience.

Pros:

You can shape the dog's training and behavior from the start.
Puppies are generally less expensive.
Opportunity to build a strong bond from an early age.

Cons:

Requires extensive training and socialization.
Longer time before the dog is ready for hunting.
Uncertain hunting abilities until fully trained.

Buying a Started Dog

A started dog has already undergone some training and has been exposed to hunting. This option is suitable for those who want a dog that can start hunting sooner but still want to influence its training.

Pros:

The dog has basic hunting skills and experience.
Less time required for training compared to a puppy.
Opportunity to assess the dog's natural hunting abilities.

Cons:

More expensive than a puppy.
The dog may have developed habits that are hard to change.
Less opportunity to shape the dog's early development.

Buying a Finished Dog

A finished dog is fully trained and ready to hunt. This is the best option for those who want to start hunting immediately and do not have the time or expertise to train a dog.

Pros:

Ready to hunt immediately.
Proven hunting skills and behavior.
Ideal for experienced hunters looking for a reliable partner.

Cons:

Most expensive option.
Limited ability to influence the dog's training and habits.
May require adjustment period to bond with a new owner.

Evaluating a Potential Squirrel Hunting Dog

When evaluating a potential squirrel hunting dog, there are several key questions you should ask the breeder or seller:

How does the dog move through the woods while hunting?
How deep into the woods does the dog hunt?
Does the dog bark on the track?
Is the dog a hard tree dog (does it bark at the base of the tree)?
Does the dog stay tight on the tree, or does it mill around when treed?
Is the dog typically on the squirrel when it trees?
How much has the dog been hunted?
About how many squirrels have been killed over the dog?
Has the dog been hunted with other dogs, and if so, is it ill-tempered (tends to fight) in any way?
Is the dog independent, or does it go to other dogs when they tree?
Has the dog been obedience trained to handle easily?

These questions will help you understand the dog's hunting style, behavior, and experience level, ensuring you make an informed decision.

Training Your Squirrel Hunting Dog

Training a squirrel hunting dog involves several stages, from basic obedience to advanced hunting skills. Here are some key steps in the training process:

Basic Obedience Training

Before focusing on hunting skills, ensure your dog has a solid foundation in basic obedience. Commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel are essential for controlling your dog in the field.

Introduction to Squirrels

Gradually introduce your dog to the scent and sight of squirrels. Use squirrel tails or hides to create training scenarios that mimic real hunting situations. Encourage your dog to follow the scent and reward it for showing interest.

Treeing Training

Teach your dog to bark and stay at the base of a tree when it locates a squirrel. Use positive reinforcement to reward this behavior, ensuring the dog understands that treeing is a desirable action.

Field Training

Take your dog to hunting areas and allow it to practice its skills in real-world conditions. The more exposure your dog has to actual hunting scenarios, the better it will become at locating and treeing squirrels.

Consistency and Patience

Consistency and patience are key to successful training. Regular practice and positive reinforcement will help your dog develop the skills and confidence needed for effective squirrel hunting.

Health and Maintenance

Maintaining your squirrel hunting dog's health is crucial for its performance and longevity. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper exercise are essential. Additionally, ensure your dog is protected from common pests such as fleas, ticks, and heartworms.

Nutrition

A high-quality diet tailored to your dog's breed, age, and activity level will provide the necessary nutrients for optimal health and performance. Consult your veterinarian for recommendations on the best food for your dog.

Exercise

Regular exercise is vital for keeping your dog in peak physical condition. Daily walks, playtime, and hunting practice will help maintain your dog's fitness and energy levels.

Grooming

Regular grooming, including brushing, bathing, and nail trimming, will keep your dog clean and comfortable. Check for any signs of health issues, such as skin irritations or parasites, during grooming sessions.

The Squirrel Hunting Experience

Hunting with a well-trained squirrel dog can be an incredibly rewarding experience. As you follow your canine companion through the woods, you'll witness their keen senses at work as they track down elusive bushytails. The excitement builds as your dog's bark signals a treed squirrel, and you rush to the scene, ready for action.

Squirrel hunting with dogs offers a unique opportunity to observe nature up close and personal. It's not just about the harvest; it's about the journey, the partnership with your dog, and the memories created in the great outdoors.

Remember, choosing the right squirrel hunting dog is a personal decision that depends on your specific needs, hunting style, and preferences. Take your time, do your research, and don't hesitate to reach out to experienced hunters and breeders for advice. With the right dog by your side, you'll be well on your way to many successful and enjoyable squirrel hunting adventures.