Hog Hunting Bay Dog Training Tips

Bay dogs are breeds of dogs, such as the blackmouth cur and mountain cur, that find and chase or bay large animals. They are used by hunters to bay, a process in which the dogs chase and circle the animal while barking. The barking draws attention to the catch so hunters can find the animal and hunt it down.

  1. Breeds

    • Success in training dogs for bay hunting is dependent on finding the right breed, according to Big Country Outdoors. The right breed of dog is one with natural training and hunting instincts. Dogs such as the blue lacy, catahoula cur, kemmer cur, leopard cur, and mountain cur all have natural hunting instincts and they are able to smell out the blood trail of a wounded hog. They are also fast breeds and have good wind noses that are able to spot hogs.

    Basic Training

    • Dogs should start out with basic training: learning how to obey the master's command promptly and efficiently. Dogs must learn the ability to recall a command without it being repeated several times. Other basic training skills include the ability to follow hand signals. In general, dogs should have a familiarity and comfort with the woods and should not be shy or afraid of loud noises, such as the sound of gunfire.

    Trainers

    • Before bringing your dog out to the woods to hunt for hogs, consult with a bay dog trainer to see what training is involved to prepare your dog for hunting hogs. Many trainers have their own bay pen where they can practice and teach dogs simple baying techniques. They also socialize the dogs with other dogs to ensure that boundaries are respected. The dog is taught how to hunt and smell for hogs, as well as how to strike. The dog gradually moves up to larger pens and learns to be with other dogs.

    Practice

    • Before training, practice baying with your dog in smaller wooded areas where you have more control over the outcome. This will allow your dog to get a sense of the task. Start small and don't involve a lot of other hunters in the group at once to avoid confusion for the dog.