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-- Spookey's almost there now. (http://forums.ukcdogs.com/showthread.php?threadid=44835)

Spookey's almost there now.

Posted a few months back. "SERIOUS INPUT NEEDED" See this post for background on Spookey.
Have dealt with Spookey for almost 8 months now and finally felt comfortable to take him on a regular hunt last nite.
He loaded himself into box w/o coaxing and though we left him in box for the first dump, he barked continusly 'til other dogs were re-loaded. Next dump, we turned two dogs loose and kept Spooky on lead 'til coon was struck, he wwent crazy to get into the race, did a good job of running and treed well. Getting over fence, I stumbled and he moved back from tree slightly, but I called and he came back for me to leash him. He continued to tree. Turned them deeper into woods and he "burned a trail" to the nearest woods and got struck with the other two, went in ground and Spooky treed for a short time in the ground and came out, only to go to another patch of woods with the other dogs. They struck, but headed towards a blacktop road, so we caught them. Called Spookey and he came to me immediately for reloading. I feel VERY good about the progress Spookey has made. He was a TOTAL WRECK 8 months ago, but such a tree dog I felt that he HAD to be dealt with. Remember fellows you don't have to be real smart, just have loads of patience. It is VERY rewarding to see a dog like this "make it". Also, I looked at this project just like dealing with a puppy. May not even keep him but Probably will, wife says "SPOOKEY'S GOT A HOME".

SPOOKIE is "THERE"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Spookie is now acting MORE than normal in every way now. He's and excellent strike dog, moves track VERY well, is extremely fast and a quick hard locator and "stay put" tree dog.

He got the test on his former "gunshy" problems Monday nite. Treed coon in tall oak, wind was moving the tree top, causing shooting to be difficult. Shot up over a box of "STINGERS" at the "moving target". after every shot, Spookie got louder and more intense with his treeing. Guns do not bother him at all and he is over all his fears.

I was told by many experienced dog men that Spookie would never be any good, so I should just "put him down". They all have now seen him "do his thing" and tell me that I "Saved his life". The plus side for me is that now I have an excellent coon dog from him and he has taught me(and oters) that PATIENCE does pay off.

WOOHOO!

good news! Glad you had the patience to do it. My old riding instructor specialized in HORSES that were "ready for the glue factory". Not everyone can do it. Being a rescue volunteer sometimes we have to deal with difficult hounds. Not all of them Can be "saved"
I am truly happy for the hound but I'm happier for you. You sound like you got a good hound out of this AND you were able to sort of Win a game...there is a triumphant feeling when you do this kinda thing.
Post some pix of him sometime! Happyhunting!!!
Heather WIlliam

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Yes, bigcastledogs, I've been hunting hounds for over 60 years now and have gone thru the cycles that some are now "hung up" in, I've been "heavy handed" with dogs in my younger years. I've given up on young dogs, only to see them make good coon dogs in the hands of older and more experienced hunters.

This experience has really been an "eye opener" for me and has really made me appreciate the virtue of PATIENCE. The intelligence and willingness to please that most hounds have amazes me. In the "old days" hounds were "trained" to do what todays hounds are "bred" to do. Consider just what can be done by applying the "old" methods to todays well bred hounds.

mr grubbs its great to hear ol spooky is doin fine now youve done a fine job
i dont know half what you do about hounds but gettin one like spooky and puttin in all the time and patience with them does pay off ive had 2 hounds like spooky both died of old age with me

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Jimmie, I son't "KNOW" much about hounds,but I do care a lot about my dogs and this is the difference. Seems like you do too.