QUESTION - YOUNG HOUNDS DEVELOPING THEIR SKILLS

[B&D Kennels]

I would first like to give a little background before I ask a question. I have owned hounds since I was a youngster and after a 10 yr layoff, I am getting back to it. Bird dogs were fun but I am now back to my true love. I and my son, most of the time, run a small pack of 3 females, 1 yr, 1 1/2 yrs and 3 1/2 yrs of age. We have killed about 15 cottontails (letting many more go) over our small pack this hunting season with 3 to 4 hours of Saturday hunting. Our hounds run a medium fast speed with line controll. For the past 2 months, I have also soloed the 2 young females most Sundays for approx 1 1/2 hrs each hound. They are doing a good job with circling their own rabbit when soloed. We are very pleased with their progress but recognize they both need to improve their check work as well as continue to imrove all of their skills, as they mature.
Now, without trying to get into the solo versus no solo controversy, I ask the following question: Will our 2 young hounds continue to learn and improve their running skills when packed with our broke hound or will they tend to become "me too" or following hounds?
I know there is no 1 correct answer but I would appreciate your experienced comments.

B & D Kennels
"Where controlled speed is appreciated"

[Bart Caudill]

I believe soloing a dog helps them improve check work.
They have to figure it out for themselves, (if they are the only one on the ground)
with no distractions from others.
I wish I had the time to solo alot more than I do.

[Goforth]

Soloing and packing are both very important when training a young dog.

I think no matter what the age of the dog is they need equal amounts of soloing and packing time, but remember each dog is different. So if you see your dog getting too independent pack it and if you see your dog getting too dependent solo it. They should please you so you are the best judge and jury of this question. JMO

[B&D Kennels]

How about you small or large pack runners I am interested in your opinion


B & D Kennels
"Where controlled speed is appreciated"

[Nor' Easter]

I believe soloing helps alot as Brad said, but still pack them also. I seen a major jump in my hounds checking abilities at both 18 months and 22 months old, alot at 22 months. I was wondering if he'd ever get to the level I hoped for and he did. After 2 hunting sesons they should be there for sure. I run LPH. Had other hounds that had it all at 8-14 months old too, I find some young hounds take more time than others to settle down and work the check properly.

[Newt]

Now, without trying to get into the solo versus no solo controversy, I ask the following question: Will our 2 young hounds continue to learn and improve their running skills when packed with our broke hound or will they tend to become "me too" or following hounds?
I know there is no 1 correct answer but I would appreciate your experienced comments.

B & D Kennels
"Where controlled speed is appreciated"

Yes they will continue to improve. There is no substitute for time in the field and tons of rabbit tracks to bring a beagle to its full potential. IMO, running them in a pack with similar bred/speed dogs will not have a negative effect.