The Powerful Guide to Hog Hunting with Dogs in 2024

Let me tell you about the day I realized I needed to change my training approach completely. I was out with a young bay dog who’d shown promise, but when we finally cornered a big boar, she tucked her tail and ran. That’s when it hit me – I’d rushed her training. Since then, I’ve developed a step-by-step system that’s produced some of the best hunting dogs I’ve ever worked with.

Starting with Pups: The Foundation

First, forget everything you’ve heard about starting pups on live hogs. That’s a recipe for disaster. Here’s the method I’ve used to train over 20 successful hunting dogs:

Stage 1: Building Drive (3-6 months old)

• Use hog hides to develop scent recognition
• Draglines to create tracking games
• Reward with tons of praise (I keep hot dogs in my pocket)
• Let them watch older dogs work from a distance

Stage 2: Introduction to Hog Sounds (6-8 months)

• Play recorded hog sounds during feeding time
• Use mechanical training dummies
• Practice basic commands: “Hunt,” “Hold,” and “Get back”
• Start GPS collar familiarization

Pro Tip: I lost two good dogs before I learned to train with GPS collars from the start consistently. Now, it’s second nature to them.

Developing Bay Dogs

Your bay dogs are only as good as their training. Here’s my proven method:

Basic Training Progression

1. Scent Work (2-3 weeks)
   • Hide hog scent in varying locations
   • Increase difficulty gradually
   • Reward quick finds
2. Track Training (1-2 months)
   • Start with short, straight tracks
   • Graduate to complex trails
   • Add water crossings
   • Practice in different weather conditions
3. Distance Work (2-3 months)
   • Extend tracking distance
   • Add distractions
   • Practice recalls
   • Work on stamina

Advanced Bay Training

• Use a catch pen with experienced dogs
• Introduce live hogs safely
• Practice holding technique
• Teach pack coordination

Training Catch Dogs

This is where things get serious. A poorly trained catch dog is dangerous to themselves and others. Here’s my method:

The Basics (8-12 months old)

1. Build confidence with roll cages
2. Teach grip placement
3. Practice release commands
4. Work on patience

Advanced Catch Work

• Controlled catches with experienced dogs
• Perfect timing exercises
• Practice safe approaches
• Learn to read hog behavior

Real-World Training Tips

Here’s what I’ve learned from countless hours in the field:

Weather Conditions Matter

• Train in all weather
• Focus on scent work in wet conditions
• Build stamina in heat
• Practice water crossings regularly

Physical Conditioning

• Daily running sessions
• Swimming for low-impact exercise
• Regular hunting simulations
• Gradual endurance building

Problem-Solving Common Issues

Let me share some fixes for problems I see all the time:

Gun Shy Dogs

• Start with distant shots
• Associate gunfire with rewards
• Use blank guns during feeding
• Never force exposure

Poor Stamina

• Structured exercise program
• Proper nutrition (I’ll share my feed program later)
• Regular practice runs
• Gradual distance increases

Lack of Focus

• One-on-one training sessions
• Minimize distractions initially
• Clear command structure
• Consistent rewards

Safety Training: Non-Negotiables

After seeing too many close calls, here are my safety rules:

Protective Gear Training

• Start with vests early
• Practice movement in gear
• Regular gear checks
• Proper fitting sessions

Emergency Recalls

• Practice emergency stops
• Use distinct whistle commands
• Reward immediate response
• Regular refresher training

When to Start Real Hunts

Here’s my checklist before any dog goes on a real hunt:

• Consistently follows basic commands
• Works well with the pack
• Shows proper hog reaction
• Has stamina for long hunts
• Wears gear comfortably
• Responds to emergency recalls

Remember what I always tell new hunters: “A rushed dog is a ruined dog.” Take your time with training, and you’ll end up with a hunting partner that’ll make you proud for years.

The Hunt: What Really Happens in the Field