More on Epigenetics

It is fun exposing pups to different conditions and watching them work...we get to see who does what and that gives us an idea as to what these pups might be one day...I keep it simple...nothing complicated at all.. I always put them through these situations when they are hungry...I first teach them to like the pieces of meat whether liver or chicken etc...I do this while they are kenneled up...just enough for a good taste and the idea is in getting them to really like it and look forward to them...after about the third time (once a day) I let them smell the tidbits and then I go and scatter in a 30 ft area or so... I do this upwind from them so they can smell what is in the wind currents...observe pups on who does what and remember...I look for the naturals...if your lucky one or two will be focused on the wind currents...open the gate and sic them on...see which ones go to it with the least encouragement...encourage as needed and watch who circles and finds the most...usually the best finders at this age will grow up to be the best finders...the Ladner pups should really be good at this...I do this exercise 5 or six times...as they get older I scatter in a larger area...

On a hog head I think it is best but most any part of a hog should do the same...
You can train them to gunfire by 10-12 weeks...you can see which ones will naturally range out...
You can break them off of deer by 5 or 6 months...
Just let your imagination be your guide...

Try to breed for natural abilities, the pups that need the least amount of training or exposure...breeding those types begets more of the same...of course there is more to producing better dogs but this is a major part of it as well...