what age?

[BS40liam 203]

A conversation cam up between me and a mate last night about lurchers ratting. Most of my mates who uses terriers let them on rats from 6month but what age would YOU let your pup lurcher/whippet on rats? Genuine question and I've got a terrier for rat work not gonna use my lurcher but just thought I'd ask? thanks.

[birddog 1,354]

depends on the nature of the pup but always better too late than too early, i made a smart wee collie x pup i had hard mouthed using her on rats too young , i think she was a tad under 5month when she had her 1st, i was just a teenager myself and a little too keen to hunt anything, anywhere. the thought of a 4 or 5 mnth old pup catching scrapyard rats now would make me cringe but as they say you learn more from mistakes than from successes. incidentally the wee bitch turned out a real tiger who went on to bigger and better things

[Moll. 1,793]

I take my lurchers (and terriers) as pups, age depends upon what time of year they were born, 16wks upwards.

I would have been horrified at the thought of young pups out ratting several years ago, but have learned since then.

You see the pups are not even remotely interested in the rats, and that is not the reason for taking them along. They go along for socialisation at an age they are receptive to everything around them without fear. They learn not to be afraid off or aggressive towards other dogs acting in frenzied hunt/kill mode.

Get used to new dogs and people in new surroundings, and to grown men people running around shouting, all excited

Edited August 14, 2012 by Moll.

[BS40liam 203]

Well I'm going ratting 2night so might take the whippet/beddy pup now her legs better along just to have alook then she can watch the terrier at work. If she has ago then I don't mind. The whole hard mouthed thing isn't to much of an issue with me as for the future any rabbits caught will just become dog and ferret food. But as a 5month old pup she should be ok. thanks for the replys lads

[AshR1 214]

my pups 5months and if she see's a rat she's very keen on them, i was wanting to know this information too!

[BS40liam 203]

My little lurcher will go for things if she sees something moving but wasn't to sure what she would be on rats so maybe I do bring her with me tonight and she goes for them it could be quite a good thing!...glad you got your answer aswell then ashr1

[Moll. 1,793]

I wouldn't be encouraging a 5mth (20 wk!!) pup to try to chase and catch rats. My rule is always wait till their adult teeth are fully through, and the pup is trained enough to listen to commands.