PUPPY walking is a vital part of a hound’s development. Following weaning, the puppies are sent to puppy walkers who are typically supporters and hunt followers who have farms or households within the hunt country.

The role of the puppy walker is to teach the hound their name, familiarise the puppy with farm life, other dogs, chickens and everything that a normal puppy learns within the first six months of their life.

As Huntsman of the Carlow Farmers, Ado Moran, puts it: “Puppy walking is nothing out of the ordinary. It’s time for the hound to enjoy being a puppy and you as the walker get all the benefits of having small loveable pups.

“It’s supposed to be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone involved, so I tend to leave people work away on their own with their puppies, but of course I am there if they need any help or advice.

“Pups are sent out in pairs or groups of three and all you need is somewhere clean and dry for them to sleep - a kennel or stable is fine. They can be fed normal dog food, the main thing is to keep it simple for the walkers.

“The pups stay with their walkers for a minimum of two months and a maximum of six, but three months would be the norm. At the end of all the training, walkers then enjoy the puppy show for that year’s entry and all the walkers are given a memento for their work.”

It is incredibly rewarding to see your hounds out hunting the following year, so if you are interested in walking hounds for your local hunt, contact the Huntsman or kennels.