How to Train Coonhounds to Hunt Raccoon

Coonhounds get their name because hunters and owners use the dogs for hunting raccoons and other small animals. When you first bring your puppy home, don't be surprised if the dog is more interested in playing with raccoons than hunting the animals. This is because the puppy does not yet have the instinct for hunting. You must work with the dog, using stuffed animals and scents, and slowly train your coonhound to chase and hunt raccoons to live up to its name.

Things You'll Need

  • Raccoon scent
  • Stuffed animal
  • Dog treats
  • Raccoon trap
  • Live raccoon
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Instructions

    • 1

      Introduce your coonhound to the setting where raccoons commonly appear. Walk the dog through any wooded areas near your home, letting it adjust to the surrounding areas. Each time you take a walk, increase your distance until the dog feels more confident and at home in a wooded setting.

    • 2

      Take the coonhound to a shooting range or practice target shooting in your own yard, if your community allows shooting on private property. Start visiting the areas when the dog is approximately 8 weeks old, letting it listen to the sounds of guns and growing comfortable around those sounds.

    • 3

      Spray a stuffed animal with the raccoon scent and let your dog sniff the toy. Create your own obstacle course for the coonhound by spraying the scent on a trail and placing the stuffed animal on the opposite end. Show your dog how to navigate the course and let it go once on its own. Repeat the process, letting the dog find the stuffed animal without your help and reward it with dog treats.

    • 4

      Set the raccoon trap and catch a live raccoon. Introduce your dog to the raccoon, letting it sniff around the edges and see the difference between the stuffed animal and a live animal. Let the raccoon loose from the cage and let your dog chase it. Repeat the process, catching more raccoons and giving your dog the opportunity for hunting in a safe environment.

    • 5

      Go on your first real raccoon hunt, taking along older coonhounds. The younger dog will watch the older and more experienced dogs, learning what it should do on the hunt. Once the dog feels more comfortable and begins chasing raccoons on its own, go on solo hunts.