Wild Boar Dogs: Training a pack of dogs is not child's play: it takes time and passion and good observation and criticism is essential to compose a close-knit and capable group. Never taking even the best dog for granted is an indispensable tip for creating a five-star wetsuit.
We have already talked about the training of dogs for wild boar hunting. The step that follows the training, however, is rarely well analyzed: after having tested your own pack of dogs on a test field, when is it good to test it during a real hunting trip?
The puppies that are thrown into free land receive in a moment a myriad of information essential for their transformation into excellent hunting dogs.
During the first outings it is advisable not to bring adult dogs with you: in these early stages the puppies must familiarize themselves with the hunting ground independently, discovering its smells and shapes. That is why it is important that there is not a "veteran" among them: they must learn to search for themselves, and the smell of the game will surprise them before you can imagine it. They must also be able to keep track of the owner and find him again if they have strayed too far. This is why the trainer will have to bring a call with him: be it the voice, a whistle or who knows what else. However, it is good to remember that the recall must be the one that will also be used in the future, otherwise it could create confusion in dogs.
This kind of "exploratory" exits must be repeated a few times, and this phase will be followed by that of a short sequel. Only at this point is it advisable to mix a certain number of veterans among the puppies. It is useless to enclose dogs and wild boar in sight; dogs in this phase must rather stimulate the search and therefore the sense of smell. It is no coincidence that the pack is required to dazzle not on sight but only when it recognizes the smell of its prey. The training towards which it is good to aim therefore is that of smell.
Having said this, it goes without saying that the best training pens (if you opt for training pens) are quite large ones, of at least 10 hectares, in which there are a good amount of wild boars. Speaking of numbers, it is good that the wild are at most three, the adult dogs at least 2 and that following there is the young pack and handler.
Needless to say, the two adult dogs must be excellent dogs for wild boar hunting: puppies will learn a lot from older dogs, for better or for worse. Once the dogs understand the purpose of the game, it is important for the handler to assemble them properly. To do this it is essential to have a good spirit of observation and to position the right dog in the right place: in short, the good handler will have to build a well-knit team exactly like the coach of a football team does.
For this reason it is important from the outset to be able to identify the dog most inclined to the search and the dog most capable in barking on the pass, that is sincere and able to recall its companions: if it should be noticed that some dog does not follow the 'bark, after some attempts at convincing he is well removed from the group. To create a good group you need collaborative elements. It is also essential to identify the most capable dog in barking at rest: it is certainly a courageous yet prudent dog that at the right moment will be able to make its voice heard.
Another phase to be carefully observed will be that of the follow-up. There will certainly be a dog that will pull the others, but everyone, without exception, will have to demonstrate excellent sound and physical abilities. If any member of the group seems not to be able to keep up with the pace of the follow-up, the advice is to subject him to a clinical check-up: a good veterinary visit will tell a lot about the shortcomings of the four-legged friend.
Once the suit has been observed in action, the good handler will be able to choose who to keep, who to rest and who to correct.