Using a Lab for pig hunting

[Soccer Dad]

I need to ask these questions.

The original question was along the lines of "is it O.K. to take a lab out pig hunting?". Everybody seems to think it's a bad idea.

I have not hunted pigs with dogs. I have no experience. These questions and comments are only out of knowledge of dogs.

My thoughts are that a yellow lab is not an agressive dog. Most dogs will not put themselves in harms way. I would think a lab would smell something interesting. Start trailing it with the owners prodding. I doubt and lab would go in barking and baying at a pig. I know pig dogs do this and they are breed to.

I have an Akita. They are/were used for bear hunting. Probably still are. They are a silent hunter from what I have seen.

I personally wouldn't be afraid (I may be wrong here) to take the Akita along (I have never done, maybe I never will). I would just be looking for the nose and trailing ability of the dog. I use this dog to pheasant hunt. In four years he has not failed to find a crippled pheasant by trailing it.
He is definitely not a wonder dog. But he amazes me with the trailing ability.

Now, if I took him pig hunting, I have no doubt in my mind that he will stay away from the pigs. I give the dog a lot credit when it comes to smarts like going after a dangerous animal. I just can't imagine a dog that wasn't trained on pig hunting (where you want them to hold at bay) getting themselves in a situation where they would get to close to the pig. I know my dog can run like hell to get out of there.

Why can't one dog be used to trail?
I only want to find the pig. I don't need a 30 yard shot. If I can get me within 100 yards thats good enough.

Can you take a dog on a lead so it doesn't get too far away from you?
Has anybody used a dog that wasn't breed or trained for pig hunting.

Just curious???

 

[RIFLEMAN]

Soccer Dad,

This seems like a legitimate question and situation you pose. If I understand you correctly, you are proposing that the lab could be used not to bring the hog to bay, but to trail it in a manner similiar to trailing deer or rabbits. In other words, a lab could be used to expose the hogs to a shot by the hunter.

My quick response would be that this may or may not work. The reason being is as follows:
*The lab may or may not have the desire/instinct to be interested in the scent left by a hog.
*The lab may or may not have the desire/instinct to follow the scent left by a hog.
*The lab may or may not have the desire/instinct to continue to follow the scent left by a hog for a great period of time or distance.
*The lab may or may not put himself in harm's way.

The uncertainty lies with the fact that the lab does not have any genetic predetermination that would be favorable to any of the necessary components of using a dog to hunt hogs. In the absence of heredity, it is possible for the typically unsuited dog to learn to hunt hogs within its environment. But this is dependent on the circumstances in which the dog was raised.

You can initially lead a hound-type of dog so it doesn't get too far away from you, but that action has limited usefulness. It is usually done to steer the dog in the direction you want to hunt in or to try to visually verify the species and size of the animal that they are wanting to pursue. But it is not likely to be very productive beyond that.

I am not saying that it is impossible to hunt a lab on hogs. In fact, when I was growing up I had a lab that could tree feral housecats, coon and bobcats better than most hounds I've seen. But the likelihood of success is not there and the risk to the dog that may be a cherished family pet or good duck dog is far too great.

Stock dogs are used fairly often for hunting hogs. As far as other "exotic" breeds, I am sure many have tried to use dogs of all kinds. But the common denominator is that regardless of the breed we are talking about, there should be some genetic predisposition to perform many or all of the actions necessary for successful hog hunting. Finding it in a lab is not likely, but it is certainly possible.

 

[DILPRXO]

Hi Soccer Dad

First off let me say that I too am a novice when it comes to hunting with dogs...I have only hunted hogs with dogs on the one occasion mentioned in my post above.Other members ,like Rifleman, are going to have lots more insight into the subject of hunting with dogs than I. But I do have experience with hunting pigs in general..and from what you mentioned in your post you are underestimating them greatly. You said....

"Now, if I took him pig hunting, I have no doubt in my mind that he will stay away from the pigs. I give the dog a lot credit when it comes to smarts like going after a dangerous animal. I just can't imagine a dog that wasn't trained on pig hunting (where you want them to hold at bay) getting themselves in a situation where they would get to close to the pig. I know my dog can run like hell to get out of there.

The hogs we're discussing have the capacity to weigh over 300 pounds,they are almost solid muscle and can run/manuver over broken ground so quickly its almost amazing.IMO they are smarter and a boar over 200lbs is definately more aggressive than a black bear.They like to fight, and fight their own kind with regard to weight and speed...you said your dog would stay away...the pig might have different plans..like closing the distance..even though your dog is retreating....then your pet is in a fight outside his weight class.

Not trying to flame you bud, just my thoughts.

Take care.