Hawk dogs or bird of prey dogs are canines trained to assist in hunting birds of prey, such as hawks and falcons. These dogs are used to flush out prey, retrieve downed birds, and aid in falconry.

However, some falconers have started using puppies as hawk dogs, and it has sparked a debate on whether or not puppies are effective as hawk dogs.

What Makes a Good Hawk Dog?

Before diving into whether or not puppies can be effective as hawk dogs, let’s take a look at what makes a good hawk dog. A good hawk dog should have a natural instinct to hunt prey.

They should also have a strong prey drive, be obedient, and be able to work well with their handler and the bird of prey.

Puppies as Hawk Dogs

Using puppies as hawk dogs has become a trend in the falconry community. Some falconers believe that starting a puppy’s training at a young age can help them develop a strong bond with their bird of prey and become more effective in hunting.

However, others believe that starting their training at such a young age can be detrimental to their physical and mental development.

The Pros of Using Puppies as Hawk Dogs

One of the main benefits of using puppies as hawk dogs is that they can develop a strong bond with their bird of prey. This can make them more effective in hunting and retrieving downed birds.

Starting their training from a young age can also help them develop better obedience skills and prey drive, which can enhance their effectiveness as hawk dogs.

The Cons of Using Puppies as Hawk Dogs

One of the main concerns with using puppies as hawk dogs is their physical and mental development.

Training a puppy to work with a bird of prey can be stressful and overwhelming for them, and can lead to physical and mental health problems if not done correctly. Puppies also have a shorter attention span and can become easily distracted, which can make it difficult for them to stay focused during training sessions.

Alternative Options

For those who are hesitant to use puppies as hawk dogs, there are alternative options. Some falconers prefer to use adult dogs that have already been trained as bird of prey dogs.

Adult dogs are typically more physically and mentally developed, which can make training and working with them easier. Additionally, some falconers use ferrets or other small animals to flush out prey in place of a dog.

Conclusion

Using puppies as hawk dogs is a controversial topic in the falconry community.

While they can develop a strong bond with their bird of prey and become effective in hunting, their physical and mental development can be put at risk if not trained correctly. As a result, it is important for falconers to carefully consider the pros and cons before deciding to use a puppy as a hawk dog.