re: Deer Blood Tracking Dog

Both of mine have been labs. Neither one would bark on a dead deer but bark almost every breath on one that was alive. The one that I have now I think would fight to the death. Both were very easy to train. I would work with him 15 mins twice a day starting around 3-4 months old. They took to it pretty quick. Also like many have said put them on every track you can. Even if it’s 25 yards in the bushes.

One thing that I learned very early on is when you do start tracking for people, make sure YOU are the only one packing a gun. People get excited. That’s the reason we hunt. No deer is worth getting your dog accidentally shot. Nobody ever plans on it happening, but in the heat of the moment it can. My first dog almost did early in my tracking career. From that day forward I am packing the gun. I have no problem giving it to you to shoot once I catch my dog but until then it’s mine. Every once in a while you are going to run across somebody who will buck you on this. They don’t want anybody else shooting “their” deer. Usually once you explain why and let them know that how it’s going to be or you are leaving they come around.

Also, the garmin collar really is a game changer. I started with a bell on the collar. Moved up to one of garmins first models that strapped around the middle of the dog and sat between his shoulder blades. The alpha is so far ahead of that it isn’t comparable. I have always had big labs. (100lbs +) A leash is out of the question when either one gets on a trail. Once you get into it you will love it. I would rather go on a track than shoot one now. Especially to find one for a kid. They get so excited.