Before dogs were considered pets, they were working animals first. They helped the early settlers hunt for food and protect livestock. Hog hunting with dogs, in particular, is quite common to this day across many parts of the country. If you wish to learn more about this practice or want to train your canines how to hunt wild boars, then you’ve come to the right place.
History and How Hog Hunting Works
Using dogs to hunt hogs in the wild in order to provide food for the family is said to have started in America as early as the 1800s. Although the practice can be traced as far back as the ancient Romans. Hunters often used two types of canines back then – bay dogs and catch dogs. …show more content…
Cougars and bears were a huge problem then and hunting dogs proved to be very useful in protecting the families that were carving out a new life in the untamed expanse of America. The term ‘man’s best friend’ took on a meaning totally on a different level during those times. Back then, dogs worked side by side with their humans to put food on the table and have a meaningful life out in the …show more content…
It is also important for catch dogs to have massive and strong jaws that will allow them to hold a full-sized boar down.
All dogs need to be trained properly because it is dangerous work they are doing. They must also wear necessary protective equipment such as cut vests that will guard their neck and other vital parts. The human hunters must be capable as well to come to the rescue just in case some of their dogs get into trouble. Sometimes the fight between wild pig and canine can be so intense that dogs get injured. Hunters need to have the skills to use needle and thread to sew up any injury, or at least be able to apply first aid.
Training Hunting Dogs
Some hunters prefer to train bay dogs and catch dogs separately. There are others though who prefer to train their canines into becoming both a tracker and catcher. Whichever route you decide to take, be prepared. Training hunting dogs will not be a walk in the park; it will take time, dedication and patience. Not only will you have to train your dogs to be able to run down and subdue a wild boar, you need them to learn your specific cues as well so that the hunt will go