From Promising Youngster to Accomplished Competition Hound

WHAT STEPS ARE CONSIDERED FUNDAMENTAL WHEN TRAINING A COONHOUND PUPPY?

WHAT IS NECESSARY WHEN CAMPAIGNING THE COMPETITION HOUND?

WHILE HUNTERS HAVE DEVELOPED SEVERAL SUCCESSFUL METHODS OVER THE YEARS, THERE ARE SOME CONCEPTS THAT APPLY TO ALL OF TODAY’S PROGRAMS.

BY VICKIE LAMB

In today's fast paced world of coon hunting, hunters work toward molding top-notch dogs — for pleasure or for competition. Some people elect to start with young pups that they can train themselves, while others opt for buying started or fully trained hounds. Due to the movement toward money returns in PKC, AKC and other registries in recent years, well-trained hounds can bring top dollar, with prices often exceeding $20,000 for certain hounds. In addition, there are several rich purses offered in the course of any year. With incentives like these, there can be rich rewards in spending the time necessary to develop a young coonhound pup to its potential and in maintaining the fully trained hound.

Early training can begin without any regimental procedure. Helping a young pup become accustomed to riding in a vehicle and spending time in a dog box is very important — it will help in eliminating potential road sickness in the months and years ahead. This may seem elementary, but this is a critical, yet often overlooked step. The dog box is where an accomplished competition hound will spend much of its time en route to events and hunting locations; the dog box also often provides living accommodations while on the road.

Becoming friends with a pup or hound of any age is vital, albeit rewarding. Using lots of hands-on communication will teach him/her to trust you. Also, use the dog’s name often, and spend quality time with the dog. Other important early items include teaching hounds to walk on lead, to be tethered, and to come. These variables are often ignored; when taught, they can make those early hunting excursions more enjoyable.

Control is necessary around the tree area when working young dogs to help prevent bad habits from developing — problems that could curtail an otherwise promising competitive career. The tree is where most tracks will end, with the quarry — raccoon — safely above hounds and hunters among the branches or dens. Consequently, this is the scene with the most excitement. Some undesirable habits that could crop up include milling at the tree, (where the pup is constantly up on the tree or rambling about, nosing around other hounds and sniffing through vegetation), face barking, running the tree, and even fighting.

Finally, the significance of the “here” or “come” command cannot be overemphasized. This is a fundamental command that will be used throughout the life of any worthwhile hound. Firm compliance can be a strong asset. In addition, all of the above factors contribute toward building a social, well-adjusted animal that can withstand the rigors of performance in today’s competition arena. None should be overlooked and all are vital to the accomplished competition hound.

The main factor in starting young hounds or working with older hounds is to choose a simple program for the obedience and socialization steps, and to remain consistent when teaching and reinforcing those learned behaviors. This consistency, when practiced, will forge a means of communication between hound and hunter that will prove to be invaluable in the years to come. Most successful competition hunters will agree that – in conjunction with natural ability – communication with their hound(s) remains at the forefront of their success.

What elements are involved in maintaining the successful competition hound? Of vital importance are 1) quality food source, to provide digestible protein and fat levels, 2) conditioning, and 3) proper hunting amount. The first two should already be incorporated into the developing hound. The third issue is often disregarded, and many fine hounds are "burned out" as a result. The amount of actual hunting that any hound needs varies on an individual basis. Some hounds possess personality and genetic makeup that require substantial hunting, while others thrive on hunting just one or two nights a week. Other maintenance would include a tailored exercise regime.

In addition, when traveling, frequent stops to air and water the competition hound will aid in its physical well being upon arrival at an event. Ensuring comfort within the dog box is of vital importance, because the hound should arrive on grounds as rested as possible; riding can be very tiring. Feed should be offered on a consistent schedule throughout the week and at events. It helps to keep the hound on the same feed, and not alter it on weekends. Any change in the water source can upset the system of certain hounds. Many hunters carry a supply from home, then supplement with bottled water while on the road.

There are many unseen factors that contribute to the success of the well-trained competition hound. These elements begin at an early age and continue throughout the life of the animal. Sound early training concepts, good socialization skills, communication, quality feed, conditioning, hunting, and care all play vital roles toward building a successful career in the night hunts — a career well worth pursuing these days — one which can reap large financial rewards. 

Vickie Lamb has campaigned her coonhounds and retrievers in licensed events for 20 years, and has titled dogs in both areas. She has also written for several hound, retriever and dog Publications.

Posted with permission from Louis DeVoltz, American Kennel Club's Cooner's Corner November/December 1999