So we've found a litter near enough to us to make the drive feasible. The question is what are the hardest things about a feist. What are your experiences in training and what would your general advice be? I have had labs Springer's and small dogs. Never had a chase dog for lack of a better term. I've always taught my dogs to hunt close I assume that is not how I teach a feist to hunt but need advice. Any good books on the subject. Is a GPS collar a must?

All my dogs have been well behaved and well socialized. So I feel confident that side of things will be ok.

Any info on running type dogs would be appreciated not necessarily mountain feists. Just want to know what to watch out for and tips and tricks.

On my first ever Mountain Cur here. She is a squirrel treeing machine. Keeps track of them right well when they timber. Goes after a coon as well. Mine is more a pet then an actual hunting dog. They are a natural close hunter as well from all I read on them. Not aggressive to strangers either. Doesn't tolerate other dogs around home well though. catches on quick and not near as hard headed as hounds.

Mountain Feists handle very well and hunt close. I am looking for one myself.

Dingle, Dangle and I from around 16 years ago.



Keith

I got my first Mountain fiest last year. One of, if not the best, dog I have ever had. He is now 19 months old and trees squirrels everyday. Big mouth for such a small dog.

They are natural tree dogs. hunt mostly by sight and sound, but can trail if they need to. Lucas is using his nose more and more. Once he outs one up, he will follow it if it starts topping out over him. He goes bat crap crazy when they do too. He hunts close, but not right under my feet. He is never gone over a few minutes before he either trees or comes back by me.

Worst thing about him, and from what I gather all fiests, is you have to let them run everyday. They are wired tight and if they can't let it out they will drive ya nuts at the house. He listens to me real well, but others he only listens to when he wants to. You have to let them know who is boss. I don't get real rough at all with him, but he knows when he has messed up and tries to stay away from me. They can be a little agressive if not taught not to be early. Although he does not intend to hurt anyone he can be bad about jumping up on people. I am working on him now to stop that though, he has already gotten better, much better in fact.

He goes everywhere with me. Easy to have along in the truck and gets lots of attention from other folks.

Easily trained for staying in the house. Never has any "accidents" and lets us know when he needs to go out. Doesn't chew on anything other than his own stuff. Stuffed toys are worthless as they don't last an hour and he has them shredded. They have curled claws much like a cat. I am constantly having to trim him. They can climb some trees with those claws. I have found him 20 feet up leaning trees a few times.

IMO, if you have the time to spend with them, a place to let them run daily, and want to real good buddy, they are very good dogs. I am looking now to find qa gyp to breed him to. Anyone know of any near central Illinois let me know.

As far as a collar. I use a shock collar to train him at times. He will run off if I don't watch him around the house and the farm. I put the collar on him and let him go, when he got to where I set the boundaries I "beeped" him and he knew to stop. I haven't had to actually shock him over maybe 4-5 times. They, or least him, learn real fast.

everything you need to know www.sqdog.com