The coonhound has a long history as a proficient trailing and treeing dog.There are six purebred groups of coonhounds, including the Plott hound, walker, treeing, English, black and tan, redbone and bluetick. They have a reputation for being difficult to train, perhaps because they are used to working with other dogs in a group. If an owner does not begin the dog's life with proper training, the dog will likely try to escape and "follow his nose."
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One At a Time
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The only consistent method of dog training is by doing the exact action over and over until the dog learns how to get the reward. Be sure not to change the command and to say it in the same tone of voice. When you first get your coonhound, pick an action that is the first most important thing you would want him to do. This might be bathroom training, walking on a leash or heeling.
Good Commands Make Good Commands
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Pick an easy-to-say and clear command. Do not choose words that sound alike such as "Go" and "No". A much better choice would be "Walk" and "Stay." Coonhounds love treats and food. Say the command, have the dog perform the action, such as forcing him to sit, or dragging him with the leash. Say a great deal of praise and positive words and give him the treat. Do it again. You might have to do the same thing over and over for a few days or more than a week before he is able to do it by himself.
Focus
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Try the exercise about 15 minutes every day. Be sure you are in a place where there are no smells that will distract him. What eyesight is to a person, scents are to a coonhound. Just as you would have trouble studying for a math exam in a movie theater, so does a coonhound have trouble concentrating in a park or outside environment.
Set Aside Time
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Aside from an indoor place, be sure there are no distracting noises during your training sessions. Turn off your cell phone. Be sure there are no people walking in and out. Other people talking, petting him and making noises distracts him from your commands, which is the only thing you want him to hear.
Crate Training
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Michigan Coonhound Rescue, an operation specializing in helping coonhounds for nearly 30 years, states that the crate training method works best for bathroom training. This is where you temporarily confine your coonhound to a crate or small place to sleep. A coonhound will naturally not defecate in a small, confined place. After eight hours, take your dog out and lead him to the place he is supposed to go. It is important to state that this is a temporary training method and it generally is considered animal abuse to keep an animal in a confined space for a long time, especially for over eight to 10 hours where they will be forced to defecate on themselves.
Special Breed
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Coonhounds are known for being loud. If you cannot tolerate barking, it may be difficult to train one to be as quiet as another breed. You might want to consider a different breed such as a cocker spaniel or golden retriever. Coonhounds also function best with other dogs. If they are the only dog you have, training may be difficult and even after training, they may become bored and act out. Before purchasing a coonhound, it would be best to consider your needs.
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