I used to put a fox pelt on a bit of rope and tie it to the fence just about head height for the pup for ragging, and fox tails for them to play with...As adults the first few runs they were held back and let go after the fox was dealt with, then doubled up for a few more runs...only when I was confident that the dog was ready did it go solo. Personally I think the majority of dogs get entered too quickly and lack experience to do the job properly.