Registered: Mar 2009
Location: King,NC
Posts: 70

I have started taking my 8 month old Bluetick out by himself hunting. I don't have a started dog and this is the first pup I have trained from the get go. He has done well treeing released coons that he didnt see released and the other night he made a tree for the first time. I didnt see any eyes but assumed they were there and really praised him. The next night he treeded again but again no eyes. Question is should I continue the praising even though I haven't seen a coon in either of his first trees and just assume they are there and reward the tree. Both trees were very tall and had lots of hiding places. Thanks

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Registered: Mar 2009
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 1454

I dont think you should praise unless you see the coon

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Registered: Jul 2007
Location:
Posts: 3075

i never praise unless i see the meat. treeing is in them they dont have to be praised that might just start another problem. just praise him when he is accurate when your not sure lead him off and cut him again.

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Registered: Aug 2006
Location: Berlin Center,Oh
Posts: 2424

Sounds like ya have a pup that shows alot of natural tree in him at a young age!! The thing too be careful of is praise without knowing wether or not he has a coon. Always remember that some ya find and some ya don't. Here's a little tip for ya that lots forget about when working a young pup when the leaves are on and the trees are hard to shine!! Absolutely leave the coon squaller at home!! Blowing on a squaller is just as bad as praising one when your not sure he's right!! The thing to remember is even thou you're not petting and praising him in his mind with all the excitement of sound coming from the squaller, it gets to his mind but in a little different way!! The pup will do nothing but get hyped up and then you take him off the tree when ya still can't find the coon so you can praise them!! One other thing, and that is natural born treedogs want to be there and in time, you just talking to him when ya find the coon is all most natural treedogs need. Praise is a good thing but it can be overdone and create habits that later on you won't like!! Just let him tree and good things will come as he gets older!! Good luck, Danny G.

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Danny G

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Registered: Mar 2009
Location: King,NC
Posts: 70

Thanks for the advice. I really like this pup and his personality and I appreciate all of the input.
Steven

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