Mike, I am glad to see u are using the training techniques that J.J. and Mr. John taught us. I've always said that a pup should be kept on lead for 3-4 seasons for many reasons. Let's the handler know where and how bad the deer is hurt (the dog shows you sign) and let's him correct any bad habits. I would like to see CNC take this to heart as I know he would have been better off yesterday with his pup on lead. His pup Otis will be one of the Majik dogs in a couple or three years