How to Train Coonhound Pups

Coonhounds are hunting dogs and pets, but training a coonhound puppy is a difficult, often frustrating process. New owners may discover that coonhound puppies tend to learn and mature more slowly than many other breeds. They have a high amount of energy, and this can make training them quite a task. However, if done properly, you can train your coonhound and earn the animal's respect and affection. The relationship you'll have with your coonhound will make the effort well worth it.

Things You'll Need

  • Leash
  • Dog treats
  • Container of raccoon scent
  • Rope and cloth to create a "drag" toy
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Instructions

    • 1

      Train your puppy to walk on a leash by attaching the leash to the puppy's collar and letting the animal drag it around inside the home while supervised. Once the puppy is used to the weight of the leash, try holding it and letting him guide you. When he is accustomed to this, begin taking him on regular walks. Coonhounds require a large amount of exercise and must be walked daily to be healthy and happy.

    • 2

      Introduce your puppy to the scent of raccoons by buying a container of raccoon scent from a hunting store and using it to mark an old cloth or rag. Tie the rag to the end of a rope and let your puppy examine the scent and become interested. Then drag the cloth across your yard, hiding it behind something. Let the puppy follow the scent and when she finds the rag, reward her with treats and affection.

    • 3

      Increase the difficulty of tracking by dragging the scented cloth to a tree, then placing it up high in the branches. Let your puppy follow the scent and if he stops under the tree, wait for him to bark and indicate that he has found the "raccoon." Reward him with a treat and affection. Continue to increase the difficulty by making each trail longer and adding more obstacles.

    • 4

      Show your puppy the woods by taking her to an area that is known to have raccoons, far from busy roads. Encourage your puppy to lead you on her leash and explore. If she finds a raccoon's scent, let her follow it to completion and reward her for the correct behavior. If she follows the incorrect scent, give her a gentle but firm verbal correction and lead her away.

    • 5

      Practice firing your gun with your puppy nearby. Coonhounds must get used to the sound and smell of guns early in life. Begin in an environment the puppy is used to, then slowly introduce him to guns being fired in the wild.

    • 6

      Take your puppy on a hunt with other coonhounds. If you don't have other dogs, go hunting in a group. Your puppy will learn how to behave on a hunt from the other dogs.