Hi everyone,
I am new to this site and I have just adopted a lovely rescued dog named Rocky. He was labeled as a lab/mix (aren't they all) and I believe him to be a hunting dog for sure. Actually, he looks exactly like a black mouth cur. He is about 1 1/2 years old. My problem is this. First of all he is being treated for heartworm so I am trying to keep him quiet, but we live in the country and thre is a family of woodchucks living under our porch. Needless to say, Rocky is wild when we go out. He has seen them and today he came about 2 feet apart from a very young woodchuck. They both stared ( I was hanging on to him so he couldn't lunge) and finally the woodchuck ran under the porch.
Now, my question is this. I have had many dogs, but never a hunting dog exactly. If/when I let Rocky go and if he can catch the woodchuck what will he likely do? Will he kill it outright? Will he try to fight with it - and risk getting bitten? Will he just chase, and maybe dig for it? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. If this is the wrong forum, can you suggest one?
Marge

[wishbone]

Hello Marge and welcome.

It's hard to say something about hunting dogs, there are many cases that even dogs wants to play or chase other animals, some usually end up killing them. You got to train Rocky the "Stop" and "No" commands, show him you're the boss. Hope no one will be harmed. Keep us updated!