hey guys, im wanting to start my jacks on hunting for squirrels and retriveing dove, but im not sure where to start . I was thinking of using a squirrel pelt and tail as a retriveing toy, so they would know what smell to be familiar with, and as far as dove i dont have clue. Any one have any advice they could give?
-josh

My male jack is a natural at dove. He was retrieving land and water. I didnt have to really do anything, I never followed through and honed his skills because of my lack of places to hunt or times to go.
If your dog retreives good he will probably do , just get them to look up!
I have a female jack that does nothng but wonder and try to go in holes, normal but not fun chasin a dog around.

thanks for the reply brother, the male i have is like you said a good retriver(Tennis balls) the only problem is he is afraid of loud noises, i figured i could use .22lr sub sonics when squirrel hunting, i dont know how to get him used to shotgun shots with out terrifying him. The female i havent tried any retrieving with her, but she doesnt like to venture to far from me so i might have to work on that and it wouldnt make me too worried about her going into any holes which is a relief. How did you get your jack used to the loud gun shots?

I have a jack that is the best dog I've ever owned, I wouldn't take for him. Pull a gun out and he's going under something. He is scared of guns period. I have never pushed him on it.

When I come home he goes and gets his tennis ball and his rope and and wants to play. He knows the difference between the two.

I used to have a huge Rottweiler, he loved to go dove hunting. He would go out in the tanks to get the birds too. But when he got back with them they were somewhat tenderized, to say the least.

Go to these websites:

http://www.high-range.com/

http://www.hineshill.com/

http://www.texasstarjrt.com/mainpage.html

http://www.hatcreekkennel.com/

These were some of the results I got when I googled Hunting Jack Russels in Texas. I would think that these folks could give you some good advice.