Why do they do it?

[chainrated]

Why is it that when you go huntin with somebody for the first time that's when your dogs decide to act like they have never even been hog huntin?
We caught a few but it wasn't pretty....

[Miller Lite]

I was always taught to let my dogs do the talking cause as soon as you start braggin on them they'll make you a liar lol   

I completely understand where your coming from though lol im sure everyone with good dogs does

[airduster29]

I agree
but also I wonder if you notice more when there is company u might over look when byurself or let slide ??/ hmmm....

[Bryant]

I know your post was meant jokingly, but let me throw something out there for thought because I have experienced the same thing and thought about it a lot.

I have noticed over time that whenever I'm feeling apprehensive my dogs don't respond well.  For instance, I've had a bad day and in a foul mood prior to hunting.  Perhaps, someone new is along and I'm feeling the heat to produce some pork, or maybe a new dog hunter is along and you're really feeling anxious hoping your dogs make a good showing.  I believe the example scenarios I mentioned all effect our body language, and I'm of the thought that dogs pick up on this very keenly.  I've heard from others (and experienced myself) over time that my dogs usually always shine like a diamond in a goats rear when I'm hunting alone, or maybe with one other person that I hunt with often and they are familiar with.  My thought is that usually at those times I'm fully relaxed...no pressure...just going to the woods to kick back and if I catch a hog thats just a bonus.  I've got one old dog in particular that is just a basket case mentally...any little thing might throw his game off completely but when he's on his game he's one of the best.  It may sound silly to some, but I can almost bank on how this dog will hunt before I ever cut him out of the box based upon my own demeanor at the time.

[BA-IV]

Good hog Matt. 

Bryant,

That's just knowing your dogs.  Most people don't take the time nor care to learn their dogs.  Instead they are wrapped up in catching hogs.  They will realize that learning your dogs and what they excel in can really turn up the number of hogs they catch.  That's a good post though, definitely alot to think about on dogs reacting to your attitude, demeanor, and moods.

[HS]

Bryant that's a great answer, I never thought bout that

[skunkhounds]

it happens when you hunt with new people  and dogs some times mine have done it  nice hog

[johnf]

i hate it when you hunt someones land and they go with you.your always worried.hope nothing goes wrong.then theres tons of sign but its all a few days old.then they say.I JUST DONT UNDERSTAND.WHY ARNT WE GETTIN ON HOGS,WITH ALL THIS SIGN.you explain these dogs can only smell a few hr.track.if we can find that .the dog will find the hog.I DONT UNDERSTAND???HOW PLD IS THIS ,,,HOW BOUT THIS..then you tell them when you first see rootin new rootin call me il be right down.never hear from them again cause your dogs aint no count.

[driller1987]

Thats a good one John. An then again some people don't no any thing bout hog doggin so they want understand