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-- Opinions, advice needed... (http://forums.ukcdogs.com/showthread.php?threadid=928384466)

Opinions, advice needed...

At 7 months old, this pup was turned out for the second time with an experienced older dog, pup went with older dog.. Then came back in. The pup and I started headin in the direction of the older dog that had just struck, got to the creek,( 35 feet wide), older dog had already crossed.. Pup was standing 10 ft from me when a gator , that I guess was submerged grabbed him square in the chest.. Let's just say I saved the pup, but not without severe injuries to his brisket/sternum... Emergency surgery was performed.. Around 100 stitches, so after antibiotics and a healthy vet bill.. The pup made a full recovery. This pup is bred to go.. Has an unmeasurable energy level, has only seen 2 caged coon, in which 1 was turned out to him, he tracked and treed nicely, and was rewarded. Now to my concern, this pup will go to another dog treed, and tree like a champ.. But by himself he will hardley venture out, I watched him last night( solo ), as he stepped on a stick and it kicked back up against him, and it scared him to death.. My question is, should this dog, which is now 11 months old be singled out, so he can build confidence, and learn that everything that goes bump in the night isn't trying to kill him, or continue turning out with older dog... Do you think this gator attack on this pup has ruined him, or will he over come this in time..? Thanks

I've always said if a dog is 11 months and treeing easy coon by himself he should be singled out. But its obvious your dog needs some confidence because of that accident. I'd continue to hunt him with the older dog for a bit longer. Good luck with him.

I dont know about the pup, but that woulda scart me bad enough to move the hell outa Georgia.

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