In my opinion it doesn't matter if its a dog, horse, cow, or rooster. The animal needs to be genetically predisposed to perform the task that they will be burdened with if you expect consistent results. Naturally there are freaks that are able to do tasks at a high level that the breed or line may not be intended for. But if it can't reproduce its self consistently, it isn't worth much in the long run. You don't see cutting horse trainers shopping for colts in Kentucky LOL. Sure handling or training play a big part in this as well, but it's more important to stay out of the animals way as it is to get in it. Ive never been able to beg one to hunt, not gunna try it again either
I agree...it is genetics...
Early starters are inspiring to me...put an 8 week old pitbull pup on a 10 pound pig and it catches the ear, well I know I can put this pup up for a while and I know it will catch again...a 3-month-old puppy that bays well in a controlled environment is exciting...and at 4 months I take that pup to the woods and it makes a a round...well I'll put my money on that pup and it will be getting preferred treatment from this day on...
Yes, I put my money on genetics but there needs to be a minimum time in the woods, and then there is proper handling...proper handling brings out the best from the dog so handling is important as well...
I like to say this as an example...the winningest greyhound racing handler is given a dozen basset hounds to train and race against the greyhounds due to his winning record...we all know that those bassets could never win a race no matter how good a handler...
just like a hunting dog that doesn't have the genetics to ever become a good hunting dog...you can take this dog to the woods 5 times a week and get the same results...a great hunting dog with the right genetics can get by with one hunt every 2 weeks and can lay up for months and will still perform when taken out...but just like anything else...the more they hunt with the right handling and this dog will perform and look good doing it...
