So I have picked up a 7 month old beagle from someone that could not handle the energy. They got her from a breeder, but I don’t know anything about the line or if that even matters. She has a huge food drive. I would like to get her on rabbits. I have a little experience training hounds for search and rescue, but have never trained one for hunting.

What are some good resources to read to get started? Groups in North AL that might help get me in the right track? Suggestions from any experienced trainers on this forum?

Right now I’m just trying to bond. Walking in the yard tossing kibbles on the ground to reinforce her nose down. Sitting and calling her to come to on command. Some real basics.

You need to get that puppy in a Starting pen. Theres a Facebook group called Alabama Rabbit Hunters and Beaglers. They can direct you to someone with a starting pen.

Strait her on site chasing rabbits most use tame ones don’t let her catch it or your done unless you have a few extra. If you know someone that has dogs maybe you can go with them and bring your dog to see if she will take to it and like snuffy said take her to a running pen. If you really want t get into it get a good started dog or invest in a good finished dog but both of those will cost you some$$$$$. You have to keep tracks in front of her. Gun dog supply sells rabbit scent. Some of the reviews say it ain’t a darn but most of the reviews say it helps. But the main thing is to have patience. Rome wasn’t built in one day and a good started dog will take even longer but all that is just my opinion

Also look up Benson Kennels. They have some training videos

When I was a kid we just had to get out and kick up rabbits for young dogs, and we also always kept a old slow dog around to help them out. Take it out when u can and kick up a rabbit for it. Get down where the rabbit was at and talk real excited tell it to “get to it” or “here it goes” and the dog should pick up instinct and after a few times. Best way to make a good rabbit dog is feed it rabbit tracks. Hunt it!