Dachshunds were originally bred for hunting badgers.
Hunting with dogs is one option hunters use to locate prey. There are a variety of dogs that are used to find animals from birds to deer to badgers. The primary job of the dog is to flush the animal out of its hiding place so the hunter is able to kill it. Badgers are a dangerous animal to hunt because they are courageous and vicious when they feel threatened, according to Arizona Hunting Today.
Instructions
1. Look up state laws regarding badger hunting and hunting with dogs. Some states prohibit the use of dogs during hunting because of the risk of rabies, dangers to the dog or animal cruelty. The proper use of a hunting dog is to flush and find prey, but some hunters will pit the dog against the animal, which can result in injuries to the dog. States often prohibit the use of dogs for hunting because of injuries and cruelty to the dogs. Always make sure the laws allow hunting with dogs by looking on the state's website under hunting and reading the laws relating to hunting. Most states have the information available under the hunting section, though the exact location of laws relating to dogs and hunting will vary on the state.
2. Train the dog. Always teach the dog commands and hunting skills before taking him out badger hunting. Badgers are mean when threatened and can easily harm a dog, especially a small dog like a dachshund. Teach the dogs to find the badgers, but do not teach them to attack. Instead, the dog should learn flushing skills, such as digging after the badger so that it will come out of its underground home, but the dog should be out of range of claws and teeth before the badger comes out so the hunter has a clean shot.
3. Practice hunting skills in the appropriate environment to get the dog accustomed to sounds, smells and location before taking the dog hunting. This ensures the dog will not injure itself because of lack of attention. Take the dog out several times without looking for a badger before going on the actual hunt.
4. Hunt down a badger. Scent hounds can locate the badger, while flushing hounds can bring the badger in range of a shot. Hunters should not allow dogs to battle the badger and should shoot the badger before it can attack to prevent injury to the dog. The ideal dog for flushing a badger is a dachshund, which was originally bred for badger hunting. Dachshunds can dig after the badger to bring out of its layer. In a battle, the dachshund would lose, so never allow the dog to fight the badger. Other good hunting dogs for badgers include coonhounds, basset hounds or any other dog used in hunting. Most hunting dog breeds can help by finding the scent of the badger and helping flush the badger out, though dogs that are not good at digging should not get too close to the badger to avoid injury.
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