How to Training Your Hunting Dog to Have a High Tail

The tail of a hunting dog is a visual indicator to the hunter while in the field. Hunting dogs, such as pointers and coonhounds, raise their tails while tracking game making them easy to locate in dense brush. Some dogs lack a naturally upright tail carriage, but the proper training can keep their tails up while chasing down their quarry.

Things You'll Need

  • Collar
  • Leash
  • Hunting bait
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a collar and leash on the dog each time you train. This allows you to control the dog and keep him from running off while being worked. Hunting dogs often wander away to follow a scent and a collar and leash helps to prevent this.

    • 2

      Stand the dog on your left side and show him the hunting bait, giving him the hunt command and waving it in front of his muzzle to excite him. He will raise his tail in excitement as he leans forward to inspect the bait. Reach down with your free hand and place your palm under the tail, holding it up over the back while giving him the bait. This will teach the dog that holding his tail high when he smells the bait earns him a reward.

    • 3

      Remove the bait from the dog's mouth and toss it a few feet in front of him, giving the command again, and walking him towards the bait. Keep your hand under his tail to keep it erect and praise him when he reaches the toy. Repeat this exercise during each training session, placing less and less pressure against the tail until the dog holds it high on his own.

    • 4

      Tie the dog to a solid post and drag the bait along the ground to create a scent trail. Keep the trail as straight as possible, placing the bait in a bush or tree at the end of the trail. Untie the dog and ask him to hunt, walking him along the trail towards the bait. Press the tail up if it falls as he tracks to remind him to keep it high until he reaches the bait.

    • 5

      Move the dog to an active hunting ground once he keeps his tail high during training. Unclip the leash, following the dog as you give the hunt command. His high tail will stick out over the brush, allowing you to track him with ease.