Hunting Hogs with SBTs

I have been training my two SBTs to work on hogs for a bit now. They have really progressed quickly (4 times out) They are ranging farther and even the little guy is helping out my bitch by baying and acting as backup. I'm really proud that they've taken to it so well.
MVI 0041 - YouTube

 

What state do you hunt in and why do you want your catch dogs to range? Also why do you want them to bay? just curious..

 

I'm in Florida. I like them to range a little rather than constantly being by my side because it shows they are gaining confidence. I don't need them to range like a bay dog but I like that they are out looking. As for baying, I'd prefer they don't and just run in and catch but this is the first time that dog has put a mouth on a hog, like I said I'm still training them. I think he will learn with time to be a better catch dog he is just not catching on as fast as my female.

 

I bet if you do some mock hunts with them you might be able to get them hunting some in fresh sign. Window weights work well to slow them down and get them hung up after a short run.

 

Thanks JayW, they do track a little bit but I'm not really concerned about that, if they pick it up it would be interesting but I'm more focused on catching. The thing is these dogs were both raised going everywhere on leash and it took them some time to leave my side at all. That's the only reason I'm happy with them ranging, they are getting more comfortable working independently and following the bay dogs. It's not needed for a catch dog, I just like to see the change in them.

 

the few times I went hog hunting in texas with my uncle he had catch dogs that would never range but as they started hunting more they became more eager to get the hog so they sometimes would run ahead and even track down the hog them selves and leave the bay dogs behind

 

Getting CD's to send from range is fairly easy if u put a bay dog in the training process. They learn a bay means fun and will go to it if they can hear it. The more u run a CD loose the more likely it is they will learn to find their own hog. The fact is nose is not the strong point on any bull type dog. Race ability is also not a strong suit. While a SBT or APBT may be capable of a race for a short distance when that race goes into miles a bull dog will come up short against a dog built to cover ground. I know guys that ran all bull dogs on hogs in areas with high populations. They were able to get into places with fresh real fresh sign within a hundred yards or less. The bull dogs would go in and catch if the hog ran very far they quit. Which is what a man would want in that scenario.


Shotgun
Arkansas

 

I have been training them with bay dogs and more experienced catch dogs. This was the first time we did not use another catch dog. They do tire out a lot faster than the bay dogs do, my goal is not for them to go for miles. Usually they ride on the 4x4 but when I am on foot they range pretty well.

 

Cool post Supernaturalist. Some folks walk them in... others turn them out from way out. I know a couple of guys who catch hogs in the fields and run them down with their trucks and four wheelers. They eventually separate the one they are after and dump the dogs on it as it starts to tire. I'm in Texas but I've hunted dogs in Florida and it's a trip. My hats off to those of you who crawl into those palmettoes after them!

 

I hunt off a wheeler as well. I don't do any walk hunting. I have a ridgeback x pit that is a Running Catch Dog. He can and will find and catch. He can also hang with one for miles step for step with bay dogs. I keep a CD on the wheeler for back up. I will cut it loose once I'm close as I can get on wheeler. Usually 2 to 300 yards. I have seen some bulldogs that were really good RCD's but not many that were not crosses. Good luck on the training and looks like u got them started so that's the first step. Rest just takes time.


Shotgun
Arkansas

 

Shotgun I hope y'all catch a Mississippi State hog tonight ! I'm pulling for the hogs tonight !

 

Lol we could use all the help we can get. Gotta back the backs.


Shotgun
Arkansas

 

That's right!!

 

Unfortunately them dang dogs had teeth. Just like a hog tho. Put up a good fight but made a mistake and the dogs grabbed a mouth full of ear and the hog got the ol flip and stick.


Shotgun
Arkansas

 

Nice to see SBT working too!
My old boy is a fine hunter on board and badger!

 

Thanks Me, it's great to see them realize what they can do! These dogs are house pets but they sure love to work. Eva in the pink is the daughter of 12 Guage's Blake and Reba. Angus the male is littermate to UltimateK9's Boom. Very different breeding but they're both tough little dogs.

 

Mine is a pur "Show dog", he became double champion of WP in APA and UPf (Europe) and my best dog in board hunting!

A dog became what you whant with time !

On this pictures, muy boy at 10 with his Badger!
(10 min killing without assistance!) and no damage on him!

 

SBT's were my first love in dogs and i wish the original standard was never altered but in reality there are far better breeds for pig hunting. A good pig dog will have more nose and be able to cover more ground than a typical SBT. Even for a pure lugger (catcher) I would want a bigger heavier dog. It is good that people want to work them but in truth the reality of how the show ring has ruined them is obvious when you try to use them for work. They aren't quick enough for real terrier work or big enough for bull type work.

I had a bitch once who was just amazing on rabbits but was too tall and lean to win in the ring.

 

The breed was never intented for pig,thats why other breeds are better suited.The reason they can be useful on many hunted species is their huge prey drive and mouth but plenty other breeds or crosses better alrounders.

 

I am working with SBTs because I really enjoy them and they are the dogs I own. They will never be the world's best catch dogs but I don't care about that, I am just having a good time. My girl is also too tall and lean for the show ring but she's hell on pigs, possums and squirrels as well as pretty good at catching frisbees, pulling weight, biking, hiking and watching TV. I couldn't really ask for a better all around dog for my lifestyle.
She's not bad looking either.