Rabbiting Terriers: Their Work and Training

Description

Britain is the undisputed home of the terrier. There are over twenty breeds and although each one is a capable hunting dog, over the centuries some breeds of terriers have proved themselves to be more suited to rabbiting than others. The 'rabbiting terriers' have many common characteristics and in this fascinating book the author analyses these attributes in order to describe the height, weight, shape, stamina and intelligence of the 'ideal' rabbiting terrier. Demonstrates how a trained rabbiting terrier can show its owner where rabbits are located and how the dog can work in a typical warren, along the hedgerows and in more unusual surroundings such as derelict barns and amongst farm debris.* Describes how a rabbiting terrier can be worked happily alongside ferrets and within a terrier pack.* Emphasizes that the terrier must be properly trained and discusses basic and advanced obedience commands and how the dog must be trained to behave correctly amongst livestock.* Provides advice on health and welfare, including nutritional requirements and how to administer simple first aid. 92 b/w photos & 19 line drawings

David Bezzant has practised rabbiting with terriers, ferrets and purse nets in England, Wales and Scotland for over twenty years. Together with his brother, he has run a rescue service for ferrets and currently finds new homes for ferrets inconjuction with the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. He has been a contributor to The Countryman's Weekly and is author of Ferreting - A Traditional Country Pursuit [Crowood 1998]. John Bezzant has written about terriers, ferrets and birds of prey for Gun Mart and has also been a regular contributor to The Countryman's Weekly.