Mike Clinton
Introduction: Training an American English Coonhound
Training an American English Coonhound is a rewarding experience for both the owner and the hound. Coonhounds are intelligent and independent dogs that thrive with positive reinforcement training. By training your hound, you can help them become a well-behaved and obedient companion.
Training should start as early as possible and be consistent. Hounds respond well to reward-based training, which involves using treats, praise, and affection to reinforce desirable behaviors. Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are key to successful training.
Sit: A Basic Command for American English Coonhounds
"Sit" is a basic command that every American English Coonhound should learn. It’s an essential command for controlling your hound’s behavior and keeping them safe. Start by holding a treat above your hound’s nose and slowly moving it back towards their tail. As they follow the treat, their hindquarters will lower, and their front paws will raise. As soon as their hindquarters hit the ground, say "sit" and give them the treat.
Repeat the process several times a day until your hound learns the command. Once they’ve got the hang of it, you can start replacing the treat with praise or affection as a reward.
Stay: Teaching Your Hound to Wait in Place
"Stay" is another important command that can help you control your hound’s behavior. Start by commanding your hound to "sit" and then step backward. Hold up your hand and say "stay." If your hound stays in place, reward them with a treat or praise. If they move, gently guide them back into position and try again.
Gradually increase the distance and duration of the "stay" command. Remember to reward your hound each time they successfully complete the command.
Come: Essential for Off-Leash Control
"Come" is essential for off-leash control and keeping your hound safe. Start by calling your hound’s name and then giving the command "come." If your hound comes to you, reward them with a treat or praise. If they don’t come, try using a different tone of voice or running away from them to encourage them to follow you.
Remember to reward your hound each time they come to you, even if it takes a few attempts. This will encourage them to associate coming to you with positive experiences.
Heel: Training Your Hound to Walk Nicely
"Heel" is a command that teaches your hound to walk nicely on a leash without pulling. Start by holding a treat in your hand and walking with your hound by your side. If they start to pull, stop walking and say "heel." When they return to your side, reward them with a treat or praise.
Repeat the process several times a day until your hound learns to walk nicely on a leash. Once they’ve got the hang of it, you can start replacing the treat with praise or affection as a reward.
Down: Laying Down on Command
"Down" is a command that teaches your hound to lay down on command. Start by holding a treat in your hand and getting your hound into a "sit" position. Then, move the treat down towards the ground, and as your hound follows it, say "down." When they lay down, reward them with a treat or praise.
Repeat the process several times a day until your hound learns the command. Once they’ve got the hang of it, you can start replacing the treat with praise or affection as a reward.
Leave It: A Command for Distractions
"Leave it" is a command that teaches your hound to ignore distractions. Start by holding a treat in your hand and saying "leave it" as you drop the treat on the ground. When your hound doesn’t go for the treat, reward them with a treat or praise.
Repeat the process several times a day, gradually increasing the level of distractions. Remember to reward your hound each time they successfully complete the command.
Off: Discouraging Jumping and Mouthing
"Off" is a command that teaches your hound to stop jumping or mouthing. Start by gently pushing your hound down and saying "off." When they stop jumping or mouthing, reward them with a treat or praise.
Repeat the process several times a day until your hound learns the command. Once they’ve got the hang of it, you can start replacing the treat with praise or affection as a reward.
Place: Teaching Your Hound to Go to a Designated Spot
"Place" is a command that teaches your hound to go to a designated spot, such as a bed or mat. Start by using a treat or toy to lure your hound to the designated spot and say "place." When they go to the spot, reward them with a treat or praise.
Repeat the process several times a day until your hound learns the command. Once they’ve got the hang of it, you can start replacing the treat with praise or affection as a reward.
Release: Letting Your Hound Know When Training is Over
"Release" is a command that lets your hound know when training is over. It’s important to have a specific word that signals the end of training so that your hound knows when it’s time to relax. Use a different word than "sit" or "stay" so that there’s no confusion.
When you’re finished training, say "release" and give your hound a treat or praise. Over time, your hound will associate the word "release" with the end of training.