by Dean Smith

Created on: October 06, 2008

Training a coonhound is a simple task, but it requires patience. Like most dogs, coonhounds require attention and stimulation, but the end result is a well handled companion that will provide years of stable hunting where it will pay for itself time and time again. Training begins at the earliest stages of life with stimulation, and ends with a functioning coonhound with many steps in between. If an owner dedicates 20 minutes to puppy training then successful results will occur.

Almost out of the womb training begins with stimulation. It is essential to capitalize on the neurological growth of the puppy by using stimulation drills at key points in the puppy's development. The more neurological connections the dog has the more intelligence the trainer will have to work with later in the puppy's life. Simple problem solving drills at an early age will get a puppy headed in the right direction. Things as simple as holding your puppy upside down, or placing them on a wet towel will allow your puppy to begin to understand how to improvise and adapt to situations. Dogs that lack this pressence of mind are referred to as being "cage dumb." Military research of canines suggest only 30% of a puppy's potential is due to genetics and breeding. That being considered early stimulation is the first step in puppy training. Don't be afraid to test the limits of your puppy's intelligence. It costs as much to feed a "cage dumb" hound as it does a smart well stimulated one.

As an adult your puppy will travel miles in a single night acrossed many obstacles in search or trailing racoons. If the owner intends to keep its dog for any length of time it is crucial to create a bond with the dog. Bonding with your puppy is not difficult. Puppies have an innate bond with humans. Simply playing fetch or calling your puppy often by its name will be adequate attention for now. A puppy should come to its name by 10-12 weeks of age. From the time the dog is 3-4 months of age is the best time to teach your dog handling procedures. Not only does this give the ownner a time to guage the puppy's intelligence, it will also create the bond that is needed for a lasting partnership. This is also a good time to throw articles of clothing into the dog pen or let it sleep on your old shirt for a bed. This act may seem crazy, but it helps bond the puppy to the owner, and if the puppy ever gets lost the trainer may simply throw down a garment near your exit to give the puppy something to find when it decides

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