Siloh
Well-Known Member
I am not familiar with mastiff or bull-type breeds as far as getting them to work at something they are inclined towards. Hamlet is an APTB English Mastiff mix (or a later generation American Bandogge--I'm waiting on his paperwork to grill the original breeder a bit for lineage details).
I'd like to get him a backpack, and I'd also like to teach him to pull weight, but he is only 18 weeks and so far I've read not to start him on anything other than maybe an empty backpack.
If I want him to learn to walk with rollerblades or a skateboard (slowly, of course), can I start that now? I've read not to start him on bicycles, which makes sense for minimum bike speed, but maybe he should get used to the sound of a skateboard now?
I also take my beagle/basset out for "hunting" expeditions. We are not really hunting. I don't take a weapon, and even though she is extraordinarily talented at naturally following direction, tracking, and running rabbits, I don't think she has a chance of catching one alone. I was wondering how Hamlet might add to or benefit from this activity with her. Would he get it at all? I know they can be used to hunt large game, but would tagging along with a rabbiter stimulate him as a working dog at all? Or would he likely be confused and get in her way?
I'm also worried about him spotting deer and chasing them. The beagle has chased deer (three stags who live where I take her to pretend rabbit) at the very stupid joke command of my friend, and thank goodness she was not challenged. I worry bigger animals will see him as a threat or that his prey drive will kick in too high and he will not come off their trail after a reasonable distance of chasing.
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I'd like to get him a backpack, and I'd also like to teach him to pull weight, but he is only 18 weeks and so far I've read not to start him on anything other than maybe an empty backpack.
If I want him to learn to walk with rollerblades or a skateboard (slowly, of course), can I start that now? I've read not to start him on bicycles, which makes sense for minimum bike speed, but maybe he should get used to the sound of a skateboard now?
I also take my beagle/basset out for "hunting" expeditions. We are not really hunting. I don't take a weapon, and even though she is extraordinarily talented at naturally following direction, tracking, and running rabbits, I don't think she has a chance of catching one alone. I was wondering how Hamlet might add to or benefit from this activity with her. Would he get it at all? I know they can be used to hunt large game, but would tagging along with a rabbiter stimulate him as a working dog at all? Or would he likely be confused and get in her way?
I'm also worried about him spotting deer and chasing them. The beagle has chased deer (three stags who live where I take her to pretend rabbit) at the very stupid joke command of my friend, and thank goodness she was not challenged. I worry bigger animals will see him as a threat or that his prey drive will kick in too high and he will not come off their trail after a reasonable distance of chasing.
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