New to bushing - best resources to learn from?

[Plotem 0]

Hi all complete novice here,

What are the best resources to learn about bushing from step 1?

Always been interested but have no idea where to start, read a couple of D Brian Plummer books last month but nothing in there on bushing. Any good books or videos to go to?

My experience is 0 other than a couple rabbits caught by the family pet knocking around with her as a kid.

Thanks for your help all much appreciated.

[DogMagic2 64]

Honestly mate all bushing is, is walking the dogs in a place where there's bushes and every now and then a rabbit in a bush. If the dog doesn't really seem to know what to do you can teach him by going out and sitting in the car with a rifle and when you see a rabbit, shoot it. Try and get a couple. Then put the gun away and take the dog for a walk and "find" the rabbits you shot. Have a tug of war with them, then make a BIG fuss of the dog. Let him know he's a good boy. Then take the rabbits home. Skin them and eat them and let the dog have a bit of them so he knows that rabbits have value to you as food. Next time you go out he will be like a different dog, darting from bush to bush looking for scent and when he finds it he will follow it and try to catch the rabbit. 

[Bangersanmash 4,494]

On 19/04/2025 at 00:48, Plotem said:

Hi all complete novice here,

What are the best resources to learn about bushing from step 1?

Always been interested but have no idea where to start, read a couple of D Brian Plummer books last month but nothing in there on bushing. Any good books or videos to go to?

My experience is 0 other than a couple rabbits caught by the family pet knocking around with her as a kid.

Thanks for your help all much appreciated.

Ask Greb

[terryd 8,872]

If you have a dog from half tidy stock just walk it in rabbity area and follow the dog. It will teach you all you need to know. Don’t expect to catch much though you need to combine with a ferret or crafty set stop nets 

[Aussie Whip 4,277]

Get control of your dog/dogs in off lead situations then just get out into areas with game. You will learn more about it from a hunting dog than any human.

[foxpack new 1,143]

Get the dog to listen to you 100% first .stock break 100% 

After that as stated go where there is plenty of rabbits, scent ,activity .

 

If the dog uses its nose and it will start to wander off into bushes on the hunt .every day will be better n better .and you like us all will learn every day and still do .

 

Most of all get a well bred bushing dog or spaniel cross etc .and just enjoy !! 

[eastcoast 4,374]

I think getting a dog wed to hunting above ground is something that we can take for granted, and getting them out with other "made" dogs is of a massive benefit, if possible. Starting a runner easy, there's a rabbit, go on son. Terriers below ground, so much is instinct and breeding resulting in instant reward if trying them in the right places. Crashing through thick cover for very little reward can be a difficult thing to get a young dog on its own tuned into no matter how good its nose and prey drive. 

[white van man 3,433]

On 22/04/2025 at 22:22, foxpack new said:

Get the dog to listen to you 100% first .stock break 100% 

After that as stated go where there is plenty of rabbits, scent ,activity .

 

If the dog uses its nose and it will start to wander off into bushes on the hunt .every day will be better n better .and you like us all will learn every day and still do .

 

Most of all get a well bred bushing dog or spaniel cross etc .and just enjoy !! 

That’s it. Once it’s broke to stock you can get out and about more. If it’s from decent breeding it will get going early on. Always good to get it out with other bushers if possible. I’ve never had to do much training with a busher other than to brake to stock, ferrets and general obedience. The rest normally comes naturally. 

[tatsblisters 10,829]

Only advice i can give if it's a young dog don't over face it taking it to thick cover like big bramble patches and start it off in light cover. I always found standing corn ideal for getting young spaniels going not that they needed much encouraging though. Like another poster has said on hear getting them going with other experienced dog's helps'.