Activities For Black And Tan Coonhounds
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
Black and Tan Coonhounds are adept hunters who are very big and athletic. With the large and athletic look comes the long, soft ears and the expressive face. This breed loves company and is a true companion, as a house dog or as a loyal hunter. They do enjoy being couch potatoes, but love being on the trail chasing those ole’ raccoons. They have a very keen sense of smell and are ready to roll when it is time to hunt. When it is not time to hunt, they are the most loving canine buddy a dog-lover can find. They also like to be social with other dogs and people and are quite friendly. Due to their amazing sense of smell, a fenced in area is needed, although they become quite the family member in the home. Also, when going on a walk, a harness and leash are very much needed!
Lure Coursing
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Sunny Day
Moderate
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Harness
Leash
Activity description
Lure coursing is a real hit with many active hunting dogs. Black and Tan Coonhounds love hunting raccoons, and with the hunting certainly comes the chasing! Lure coursing occurs in a field, on a course where a mechanized lure moves rapidly. Attached to the lure are small prey that appear to be very real, even to humans! What happens in a lure coursing event is that the "animals" run very fast and make different turns to try to lose the dog. The dog, using their prey-drive, chases after the animals and tries to catch them. There are different lure coursing competitions and many professional dog athletes compete on a regular basis.
Step
1
Keep your dog fit
Before thinking about lure coursing, be sure your dog is physically fit. You already know how much exercise your Black and Tan Coonhound gets per day, but think about the stamina. If your future lure courser can run for long periods of time, this activity may be perfect. You may want to take your dog to the veterinarian to get a check-up, just like people should do before they start a rigorous exercise program.
Step
2
Contact a course
By looking online, asking different hunting associations, or by simply knowing someone who takes their dog lure coursing, you may be able to find a course in your area. Once you know of a course, contact them and see if you can take your dog for a trial. Different lure coursing organizations have different rules in terms of fees, dog supplies needed, and if they allow free runs on the course.
Step
3
Go visit
Once you find a course in your area, take your dog and go check it out. Talk to the people about what needs to be done in order to allow your Coonhound to make a trial run or perhaps to start off even slower than that. It may vary depending on the course regulations and how the club or class is run.
Agility Fun
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Any Day
Moderate
Hard
1 hr
Items needed
Harness
Leash
Activity description
The agility course can really challenge your Black and Tan Coonhound, both mentally and physically. Agility courses can be anywhere from easy to difficult, depending on your dog's skills. Canine agility is very popular and courses can be found throughout the country. Training is always necessary, for both you and your dog, as you will need to successfully guide your dog along the course and over or through all of the obstacles, including tunnels, jumping bars, pause tables, tires, teeter-totters, and more. The goal of agility is to get the dog to run a full agility course and conquer all of the obstacles quickly and precisely. It is quite fun to be involved in agility, as many dogs really enjoy it and love getting treats when they are successful! If your Coonhound is good at this, there are competitions that you may want to enter!
Step
1
Get your dog a check-up
Before you begin any type of physical activity that is different from what your Coonhound is accustomed to, take him to the veterinarian for a check-up. The veterinarian will check your companion out and let you know if agility will be suitable for you and your jumper to try.
Step
2
Find an agility course
In order to find an agility course suitable for your dog, do a little research online about the different types of agility based on skill level. Look online, ask around the dog-lover community, or even ask your veterinarian about any agility courses in your area. Once you find a course, give them a call and talk to them about your hound and ask any questions you have!
Step
3
Take a visit
Take a day and go visit the course and meet the instructors. They will let you know what you need to do in order to get your Black and Tan Coonhound started in this stimulating activity. If they have training on site you can sign up and get on a consistent schedule. When you are there, watch other dogs run the course. Ask permission to take your dog out and see what the reaction is. As your pup tries the course, encourage them and give praise as an obstacle is conquered.
Hiking
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Sunny Day
Cheap
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Harness
Leash
Water
Collapsible bowl
Snacks
Activity description
If there are trails in your area, you are really in luck! Your Black and Tan Coonhound will love going on hikes through the wooded, scenic trails with you, and you will enjoy it just as much. Hiking is a wonderful way for you both to get exercise, and the scents and exploration will benefit your Coonhound both mentally and physically. Your companion's senses will be stimulated in true hunting dog fashion, and so will your dog's cardio and muscles! You can find an easy hiking trail with a shorter distance and fewer hills, or you may want to find a more difficult one with challenging hills and a longer distance.
Step
1
Find a trail and prepare
If you live in a rural area, more than likely there are hiking trails or parks with trails suitable for both and your pup. If not, ask around or look online for places where you can hike, even if it is a bit of a drive. You may know people who enjoy hiking that know of trails within a suitable distance, and perhaps they may want to come along! When you go on a hike, it is important to be prepared with supplies. Bottles of water, a dog bowl, snacks for you and treats for your hound, bug spray, a first-aid kit, sunscreen, a hat, and anything else you may think you need (such as a snake-bite kit...just in case!).
Step
2
Take off
Begin your hiking adventure early in the day so it is cooler. Getting a good start will also help in case your hound is an afternoon napper. Drive to your destination and be sure not to forget anything. Hiking boots or safe shoes should be worn by you, and if you feel you need a hiking stick then take that as well. Put your hound in a harness and use a leash just in case your dog sees a critter to chase!
Step
3
Take breaks
Try not to rush anything - enjoy the trek and don't get overtired. Take several breaks to drink water and have a snack. Enjoy the scenery and at the same time, be certain to leave the trail in the same pristine shape that you found it, for the enjoyment of all. Once you get to the end of your hike, take another break together. Once you get home, enjoy a lunch. Then, it may just be nap time for your companion, and you as well!
More Fun Ideas...
Find the Treat!
This is a perfect rainy day activity. Hide smelly treats around the house and see if your Black and Tan Coonhound can sniff them out. The reward is finding the treat!
Training
Obedience training is a great way to give your dog mental stimulation. If your dog tends to jump on people or has no recall skills, perhaps obedience training can help!
Conclusion
Black and Tan Coonhounds are lovely dogs. They excel in hunting, and they also make great family dogs. They are calm, loving, and loyal. They can be as much as a couch potato as a lazy teen, but can also be fierce on the hunting trail. Coonhounds also have wonderful personalities, and they are super cute as well!