Culling (strike dogs)

I agree with most everything that was said above, especially Ruben (first post). I'll add a little of my own thought. When you look at a young dog (say 10-14 months) and you know they are not going to make it than it time to pull the plug and move on. On the other hand, if there is a trait in the same dog that is 10-14 months that you just don't like, I may give more time depending on the trait.

If the trait is terrible confirmation or bad feet, I would not keep the dog. If the trait is not ruff enough, or not enough nose, I would look at keeping the dog a little longer; here s why I say that.

For the last 10 years of so I have I have had some good young pups that met most of my likes but there was something that I didn't like. Many of those dogs went to friends of mine that had more patience than me and a lot of them turned out to be great dogs because someone gave them more time.

Look at the reasons for culling and I think the time extension should be based on the reason. I cant stand a skittish dog, in you situation, those two would be the first to go. The others that don't show much of a interest, I may give a little more time.

Remember, not every dog is going to be a Grade A # 1 strike dog, I believe many Grade B # 2 strike dogs are good for the pack; they should not be selected to when it comes time to reproduce. My thoughts on culling!