19 May Are Hounds Hard to Train?
Hounds have a bad rep when it comes to training. The hound group includes diverse breeds and each breed features its own qualities. If you’re thinking about getting a hound, but you’re concerned about training, just keep in mind that they’re hunting dogs bred for chasing prey. A scent hound’s idea of a fun day is following a scent to the ends of the earth.
Sighthounds also have this innate hunting drive, keeping their prey in sight throughout the chase, rather than tracking by scent. The inbred love of chasing prey by both scent hounds and sighthounds can make training them a challenge.
Putting in the Time and Effort Are the Keys to Successful Hound Training
If you want a friendly, loving and loyal hound, it takes training with love, time and patience. Since hounds have stamina, independence and determination during a hunt, they exhibit the same traits at home with the family. For this reason, for successful training, you need to have stamina and determination equal to that of your hound dog.
Research the Traits of Hound Dogs before Bringing One Home
Before you decide to bring a hound into your home, learn about the personalities of the different dogs in this group. Knowing the instinctual behaviors of hounds will help you decide which breed is the best fit for you. Of course, characteristics and temperament really depend on the individual dog you select. Once you understand the nature of hound breeds, it will be easier to train your hound in a way that encourages his natural talents and makes him a wonderful companion for you and your family.
Characteristics of the American Kennel Club Hound Group
According to the American Kennel Club, there are 31 breeds of hounds. The following list describes the traits of the hound breeds, so you can make an informed decision about which hound would be the easiest to train:
Afghan Hound
If you don’t mind daily brushing, an Afghan hound can keep you smiling with his silly antics. These dogs are athletic, speedy sight hounds bred for hunting in rough, mountainous terrain, so they need plenty of exercise. They are very independent, so it takes a lot of patience to train them. Because Afghans are sensitive dogs, positive training methods have the most success.
American English Coonhound
Bred as raccoon hunters, American English Coonhounds are high-energy and stubborn with loud, piercing barks. They are friendly, hard workers, but their hunting instincts and determination make them difficult to train as pets. They prefer hunting all night long, rather than settling into a dog bed for the night.
American Foxhound
These sweet, friendly hounds love children and get along well with other dogs. They require a lot of exercise to be happy dogs. American Foxhounds can be difficult to housebreak and train, so being consistent and patient when training them is essential. If you live close to your neighbors, keep in mind that American Foxhounds have loud, howling voices that could annoy the folks next door.
Basenji
Also known as, barkless dogs, Basenjis do voice their opinions with a yodeling-like sound. These small hounds are smart and need exercise. Many people compare training Basenjis to training a cat. They even groom their bodies in the same way as cats. Basenjis respond to positive, encouraging training techniques, especially clicker training.
Basset Hound
These hounds are short, yet powerful. They have the stamina and nose for hunting deer and rabbits. Their charming disposition and loyalty makes them one of the most popular hounds for pet owners. Basset hounds are sensitive and affectionate, but they can also be stubborn. Since they are pack dogs, they don’t like to be home alone. Bassets need routine positive training. Because Bassets are so sensitive, any type of punishment depresses them.
Beagle
These small, happy pups are number five in popularity, according to the AKC. They’re friendly, loyal and loving companions. Beagles love to play and hang out with the family. When trained consistently, Beagles excel at field trials, agility and obedience. It’s natural for them to howl, especially if left alone.
Black and Tan Coonhound
These are large dogs bred for hunting deer, mountain lions and bears but in spite of this, they have friendly dispositions. Coonhounds become lonely if left alone, which results in booming, mournful howling. Any small animal, such as a squirrel or rabbit passing by will have Black and Tan Coonhounds giving chase. No amount of training can prevent their prey drive. They don’t excel at obedience, but they will comply with basic house rules.
Bloodhound
These quiet, scent hounds are relentless when on the hunt. They’re large dogs, weighing about 100 pounds. Because Bloodhounds are one of the best scent hounds and follow their noses, keeping them on a leash is essential, especially in high traffic areas. They are devoted pets, but don’t expect perfection in obedience.
Bluetick Coonhound
Craving lots of attention and exercise, these night hunters howl long and loud if left alone. They are friendly and devoted, but training is difficult because of their overpowering prey drive. If you have the time, persistence and patience, you can train Bluetick Coonhounds for family life.
Borzoi
Even though these 100-pound dogs are strong and run up to 40 miles per hour, they don’t like rough play. They’re graceful and calm, but they’re also stubborn. When training a Borzoi, you need a positive, calm manner and a sense of humor. Positive reinforcement training works the best for these sweet dogs.
Cirneco dell'Etna
These are gentle, coursing hounds from Sicily that make loyal pets. Cirnechi are very fast runners, and hunt by sight. They are easier to train than most hounds, if you encourage them with praise and rewards.
Dachshund
These little bundles of excitement are fun, loving, and loyal. Dachshunds are courageous and curious, originally bred for hunting badgers. Using rewards and praise, you can train your Dachshund to be a well-behaved member of your family.
English Foxhound
With extreme stamina and power, these hounds can run and hunt all day long. English Foxhounds are friendly dogs, but you don’t usually see them as house pets. They prefer to be with their pack and are difficult hounds to train.
Grand and Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
These sweet, shaggy, short-legged dogs get along well with other dogs and children. Basset Griffons are energetic, so keeping them active, keeps them happy. Because they’re hunting dogs, it’s important to socialize them with other animals.
Greyhound
Bred for speed in Egypt over 5,000 years ago, Greyhounds are gentle and independent. They are natural runners, so make sure you have enough space, so they can run. Because these sight hounds are so active, they excel in agility, rally, tracking, lure coursing and obedience.
Harrier
These scent hounds are larger than Beagles, but they have the same markings. These pack dogs make wonderful family pets. Harriers are friendly, gentle and love being around their human pack. They have an independent spirit and will always follow their nose, so don’t get frustrated if they don’t always respond to your call. Use encouragement and rewards for getting the best behavior from your Harrier.
Ibizan Hound
These swift, medium-sized hounds originated in Spain. They love to leap, jump and sprint, so they need lots of space. Ibizans are quiet and sensitive by nature, so using plenty of rewards and affection are appropriate training methods for these dogs.
Irish Wolfhound
Originally bred for hunting wolves, these hounds are the tallest of the AKC breeds. Irish Wolfhounds are gentle giants, making them loyal companions. These kindhearted dogs need lots of affection and positive training. All they want is to be part of the family.
Italian Greyhound
Although Italian greyhounds belong to the AKC toy group, they are true greyhounds. They are loving and playful miniature dogs, which enjoy sitting on the couch with their favorite human. These 13-inch dogs revel in chasing prey, but usually they’re companion dogs. Italian greyhounds are intelligent, lively and quick learners. They can be timid, so it’s not recommended to have them as pets for young children.
Norwegian Elkhound
These alert, confident dogs lived with the Vikings in days of old. Norwegian Elkhounds are smart and get bored easily. Keeping them physically and mentally active during training has good results. They respond well to intermittent toy play while training.
Otterhound
When full grown, these hounds weigh up to 115 pounds. They’re full of energy, and they love to swim. In fact, they have webbed feet and waterproof coats. When hunting, Otterhounds follow the scent underwater. The key to training Otterhounds is to be patient and don’t get frustrated. Short, fun training sessions are ideal.
Pharaoh Hound
Although these hounds love to run at high speeds, they calm down when they’re at home. Pharaoh hounds excel at agility, racing, lure coursing, tracking, therapy and obedience.
Plott Hound
This breed originated in the mountains of North Carolina as bear hunters. Plotts are fearless, aggressive and strong. Unless you’re planning on hunting big game with a Plott, this hound is not a good choice as a pet. They live for hunting, and they wouldn’t be happy as housedogs.
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
These lively, small rabbit hunters live for any kind of play, chasing balls in the yard, running with the kids or just hanging out with the family. Podengos try hard to please, so positive training with affection, toys and treats works great.
Redbone Coonhound
These hounds are friendly and warm at home but get them on the trail, and they’re relentless. Redbone Coonhounds love swimming and other physical activities, but they also enjoy long naps during their off time. Consistent, positive training is necessary to make these hounds happy family members.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
These large, strong, independent hounds want to dominate their surroundings, so it can be difficult to train Rhodesian Ridgebacks. If you have the determination to keep an upper hand with this domineering hound, using rewards and affection, then you have training success in dog sports like agility, rally, obedience and lure coursing.
Saluki
These slim hounds have an ancient heritage. Although Salukis are calm, gentle and loyal dogs, their hunting nature makes them difficult to train. They chase any animal they see, and they won’t always come when called. With consistent, positive training, you can get them to behave in the house.
Scottish Deerhound
Weighing as much as 110 pounds, these extra-large hounds are of Scottish origin. They are quiet while in the house and thrive on human companionship. Because of their friendly, calm demeanor, Scottish Deerhounds don’t require much obedience training for good behavior.
Sloughi
Also known as, Arabian Greyhounds, these sleek North African hounds are aloof with strangers but love being part of a family. Sloughi hounds need intelligent, positive training for the best behavior.
Treeing Walker Coonhound
These hounds have the stamina and strength to run down prey, chasing them up trees until the hunter arrives. As companion pets, you can train Treeing Walker Coonhounds in physical activities like agility, tracking and obedience. Positive reinforcement using affection, praise and rewards has the best results.
Whippet
These sighthounds look like miniature greyhounds and run just as fast. Whippets make good family pets and rarely bark. They do well with patient, positive training and daily exercise. Whippets are one of the most cooperative hound breeds. If you own one of these little hounds, then you know that they love to please you. They’re clever, funny and obedient, making them a pleasure to have in the family.
Summary
As you can see, all hounds are different and learn at their own pace. The one thing that resonates with the entire hound group is training with patience, love and praise. Remember that all the traits of these hound groups are generalizations. Each dog has his own personality and quirks, so training won’t be the same for every dog. In fact, two dogs from the same group might require very different training strategies. For successful hound training, gear your methods toward your dog’s specific motivations, personality and confidence level.
By understanding your dog, your dog will continue to learn and improve his behavior for his whole life. No matter how fast or slow your dog responds to training, reward your dog when he does something right. Celebrate with time out for toys, tug or a run around the yard. Positive training can boost your dog’s intelligence, allows him to think and strengthens his confidence.
Last thing…
Be sure to grab your FREE copy of After Getting Your Puppy by the world renowned veterinarian, dog trainer and animal behaviorist Dr. Ian Dunbar…go do it. Right now! It’s full of valuable insights and information using Dr. Dunbar’s easy, effective and enjoyable dog training techniques. Oh and it’s perfect for adult dogs, too
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