I think a lot is human error.
Ditto. I don't know anyone who hunts regularly, and has been hunting for any amount of time who hasn't lost dogs. Not a part of the sport I enjoy, but it happens. A good many people during their years of driving have also gotten into an automobile wreck...doesn't stop us from driving. Heck, I've lost five (good ones) curs in the past two years and not a one was even directly related to a hog injury. Go figure...
Dub, I can respect your view on dogs but I think you might be setting yourself up for something bad. Do you hunt with any regularity?
Dub...you do what you want, but if your choosing to double the working dogs as children's pets I'd start thinking of some good excuses right now for the first time one doesn't come home. Not if, but when.
Having said that, my main catch dog is over six years old, and I'm his fourth owner. Between Krystal, Mr. Mason, Tim Nichol and myself owning him, the number of catch dogs alive who have caught as many or more hogs than Zeus would probably be very few. Not being reckless as an owner, and a dog that catches correctly are key.
I haven't been hunting with catchdogs but about five or so years, but it's been my observation that finding a good line that suits me has been difficult to say the least. Contrary to popular belief (perhaps standards are low??) good catchdogs AREN'T a dime a dozen...
