Congrats on your pup. Nothing like watching your dog progress. No matter how the dog turns out- you'll probably never sell him if he's your first. I don't know everything, but I'd like to mention something to you based on experience since you're new to the hog dog scene. Taking an 18 week old pup to the woods can be a very dangerous thing. I'm not saying it's a bad idea, but you might want to work him on a couple rough sows so that he learns to RESPECT a hog before he encounters a bad one in the woods. Good luck to you.
That is a very good post. This man has passed great advise on to you. I hope Ike turns in to a fine one. Keep the pics coming.