the two guys that already responded know what they are talkin about. I have to agree with bryant regarding simply purchasing one that comes out of a line of dogs that do what you are looking for them to do. My opinion doesnt mean much but I am on the side of the line that believes that you really can't teach a dog to range out, they either got it or they don't. sure you can attempt to munipulate em by hunting them with longer range dogs but even that is really a crap shoot, it may work, it may not.
x2...
we can bring out the best from a pup or a dog...but we can create bad habits in a pup just as easily and sometimes we do this without realizing that we are doing it...I have written about this several times on here when the topic comes up...
it is best to do this alone without anyone else around so you can take the time needed to get the results you want...
Take the pups straight from the kennel and put him in the dog box and take him straight to some good woods. I say this because you want your pup to be full of energy and chomping at the bit to do something...don't drop him in a right away or he will probably run down the road/pipeline etc...get your wheeler in the woods and turn the pups out and just kick back and ignore them...if they have it in them they will roll out...they make a good loop and they show back up move slowly a quarter mile or so and park it again...ignore the pups and they will get bored and roll again...
once they have it down and striking pigs you can road them...try to road cross wind or into the wind from the hogs...some folks make the mistake of moving along too fast...keep it slow and watch the pups...anytime they act like they are interested on a track stop and let them work it out...you are the captain and you are analyzing the scenario in front of you...the dogs are acting piggy for a reason...look around and see which direction the pig might have traveled and get off the wheeler and you look around as the dogs are doing and then you work your way towards where the hog might have traveled...that could be all that is needed to get the dogs on track...
if you are moving along and the dogs roll out as you are roading them stop and wait on them...this teaches them to be thorough about working out the track and they are not worried about keeping up with you because you will be there...this teaches the pups to use their nose to the fullest and not just looking for hotter tracks because they are worried about you moving forward...it is all about the dogs...we must be attentive to what is going on with them....we should do all we can to get the best out of our dogs...if they are winding and can't line it out stop and help them out...the wind could be channeling or skimming over the thick briars and weeds and they can't figure it out...you have an idea where the hogs are located so you get down wind and work towards the hogs and the dogs can pick up on the wind currents and go to the hogs...
follow a plan similar to what I have described and you will bring out the best from within your dogs when it comes to casting, ranging, roading, winding and trailing...let your imagination be your guide...
