Dan Hawkes

They are both Whippet x Collie (mother was pedigree, father was the cross). I took them out this afternoon and walked along the hedgerows, one big problem is there is a railway line which lines parallel to the field and rabbits tend to run over the tracks. Anyway, I decided to walk along the hedge and train track, one rabbit did bolt - Fin nearly caught it before it got in to a bush so I'll try that tactic going forward. I'm also planning on getting out late/really early over the weekend and see what happens then. Fingers crossed!

I believed you up until the point of getting on all fours! although after a few too many I won't put it past us to give it a go (minus the gun..)

Hi lads, It's the first time I've had working dogs so getting used to how it all works to be honest, I slip them as soon as they rear up when they catch sight of a rabbit. It's amazing how much ground they cover in next to no time. Once all the rabbits have cleared they stay off the lead but are constantly sniffing trails and trying to get in the bushes. In fairness my bitch gives a good go at going through brambles but she'll only go so far before giving up. She's small but so agile. Thanks for all the help, I'll keep at it (also set my alarm clock a little earlier) hopefully they will s

Here are my two Whippets, brother and sister and just under two years old. We live opposite a large field where in the early morning (around 6.30 by the time I get over there) it's crawling with rabbits. Both dogs only have to see them to put a chase on, they've come so close so many times to taking one down. I do think it's a matter of time before they get one. The only problem is the rabbits will naturally dive in to thick bush and as such the dogs lose them. I have two quick-release leads that I use but I was wondering if there were any tips anyone has that'll help them with their firs