EAST TEXAS HOG DOGGERS FORUM

So talkin with the good ol' boys before that last hunt. They are old quail hunters...family are all old quail hunters. Said their grandfather use to spread the pups out around the yard and the first one the mama went to collect was a keeper.

Anyone heard this one?

Yeah, they say the momma always goes for the best pup first.  Heard that and a few others my whole life.  Do it four or five times and keep track of it and go with it, and tell us how it works. 

Yeah...I'll give it a try Ben. Lol

Kevin, I have heard of that before. I think its just another of the many ways old timers used to select a pup.
I honestly believe if you are the owner of the litter, and you feed and water and clean up after the pups for 8 to ten weeks and observe them when they are playing and exploring their surroundings, You are going to know which pups have potential. You are going to see over that time period which ones uses their nose,
which ones like to go off on their own and explore new things, etc.
   After that being said, if you are not the owner of the litter and you are going to another yard to pick out
a pup then you just have to go off your gut feeling and pic one. If it's a good breeding the majority of the litter will turn out. Just my observation...

Sounds like a good way to me really what way is good but this was up before ok halfbreed said close your eyes and grab one ether will work you will have a pup when you leave lol

I totally respect Halfbreeds opinions and know how because he is a dogman through and through...I do know he says to close your eyes and pick one...  rolleyes  ;D :) but I put a lot of time and effort in picking a pup because I want the very best...picking the best ensures better dogs for hunting and improving the line of dogs as well...I for sure am not saying that I am going to be right all the time but I will give it my best when I have the time...  ??? :)lately I don't have the time or the places to really test the way I like...

Ruben I agree with ya on that I got a few out of halfbreed crossed with my buddy's dog they have came out great weren't fast out of the gate but that's ok cuz I got time to put into them like you said

I have always used the theory that the one that goes the furthest away from the momma and doesn't pay attention to anything but its nose means they outta not be afraid to be alone and get gone. Just my opinion.

Use ol t-bobs method and toss em in a bucket of cold water lol last one swimmin is the best hahahahaha

x2...I pay attention to all the pups and their personalities etc...etc...when I talk about testing I really mean that I make and setup situations so that I can get a reaction and or a response from the puppy so that I can see what their make up is made of...I am looking for natural ability/inclination and the ability to solve problems...

I keep. Them till there 6moths or so and watch them close try to keep the most indepindent the ones that aren't hanging around the yard being petted by the kids. I've also seen a group of pups pick out the dominate one and stretch him or her out . And kill it dont happen much  but have seen it.

I get all of the puppies fired up pet them all love on all of them and play with them and then I stand up and walk off. If they follow and want to be played with I ignore them & the one that is on his/her own doing their own thing, I usually pick. I picked many heeler puppies that way when I was younger.

 >:D

I figured u'd like that hahaha