How to Obedience Train a Bloodhound

Hello Abby, Check out the Step Toward method from the article I have linked below for the jumping. https://wagwalking.com/training/train-australian-shepherds-to-not-jump I would also use pup's kibble to train while at home, so pup is motivated but not overly excited. This is also healthier for pup than most treats, then you can save the treats for things like heavy distraction areas and socialization. You will need to use the treat to lure pup into position when first teaching something, but after pup has learned the command and you are practicing it, keep the treat hidden in your pocket until after pup obeys. Most young puppies get super excited around food so what you are experiencing is also pretty normal when training a puppy. Puppies take patience but they are also a lot of fun. Once pup knows what a command means, have pup practice doing that command to earn other things they like without treats too, like ask pup to sit before you toss them a toy they want, open the door to go on a walk (as long as pup won't have an accident needing to pee), or before you put their food bowl down. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

June 21, 2022

Hello Virgil, First, know that every puppy is an individual, so your pup could be the exception to these these, but generally I would say. 1. Understand that pup's instinct to sniff and the smells around pup will be very distracting and interesting to pup. Many bloodhounds will get caught up in a scent and forget everything else they were doing. I would start recall early but always keep in mind that smells, which are invisible distractions to us, can lead pup into trouble when not monitored. Additionally, you can also use smells to your advantage and teach pup finding games, hide treats, and motive pup with smelly objects and smelly treats in training. Smell will often be a bigger motivator in training than something like a tennis ball would be for another breed. 2. Bloodhounds tend to do things at their own speed a bit and it's normal to need a lot of repetition in training. Set your expectations for slow and steady win the race. Pup can learn but it's likely a slow march forward with steady progress than instant results. Consistency and steadfastness from you will be important for training, and remember to use scent to your advantage in training. 3. Bloodhounds can be sensitive even though they may seem also independent or stubborn. Consistency and follow through often works better than harshness. Earn respect through regular training practice, consistently enforcing your rules, and patiently waiting pup out until they follow through on things. Overly harsh training, like hitting or yelling can cause them to shut down. Use smelly rewards to your advantage, and even scents in your environment to your advantage - such as "You may go sniff that tree if you come first, but only if you come to me first", so obedience is rewarded with smell, instead of smell being a reason pup can ignore you. A long training leash helps with this type of training. 4. If you want to see pup get excited about training, tricks, games, ect...keep pup's breed in mind and choose ones that fit his instincts. A bloodhound isn't always into the conventional dog games like fetch, frisbee, agility, ect...Although many have excelled anyway. Tracking, hide and seek, day hikes, and calm socialization with other dogs might appeal to your dog more. Think about pup's prey drive, scenting ability, social skills, and what environments, games, and training utilize those if you want to really watch pup have fun. Again, there are exceptions and the occasional hound will love a frisbee, but if not, that doesn't mean pup can't have a lot of fun by changing the activity. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

Sept. 21, 2021