Instructions
Train the puppy in basic commands before starting squirrel training. A puppy needs to consistently obey you before he is able to start hunting; this avoids losing the puppy to excitement later. A puppy should always come when called.
Start slowly. Spend only a few minutes on training at a time to keep the puppy's attention.
Reward the puppy when she does a desirable action. If the puppy is standing below the tree but not barking, pet the puppy for the right action of being under the tree. Give the puppy a treat when he stands under the tree and barks, to show him that the action wanted is barking.
Avoid punishment. The puppy may not associate the punishment with the action you want her to stop. Give rewards for wanted behavior and avoid punishment so as not to confuse the puppy.
Teach the puppy to look up into trees. It is rare that a squirrel will be on the ground, and a puppy needs to learn that the squirrels are in the trees. Teach him where to look before trying to teach trailing. This will make it easier for the puppy to learn to hunt.
Get the puppy used to the environment. The puppy should be used to the woods and the challenges of moving through forest. This way when she's ready to tree squirrels, she won't be stumbling over dead trees and uneven ground.
Allow the puppy to learn at his own pace. Each puppy is different and the learning pace will vary. The puppy should enjoy the experience to optimize success.
How to Train a Puppy to Tree Squirrels
Puppies are able to learn easily; the problem is that they have a short attention span that can make training difficult. Fortunately, training a puppy to tree squirrels is a task that is fun for the puppy and easy on you. Moreover, it is a skill that serves to keep squirrels away from your home, helping you to avoid the problems that come with squirrels.