At this time, I have two bluetick coonhounds and one
Lemon color beagle. All three are
females. (Read more about my beagle on Lucy's Page)
Notice how dark Brandy Rose is compared to Anna Marie.
Blue ticks can be very dark, where others can be marked light, as Anna is.
Bluetick coonhounds come in a multitude of
patterns and shades. Most have large black patches and ticking,
where the rest of the body could be tan and white on them. They generally have a
very soft fur. They generally don't shed a lot. I know they don't
shed near as much as the other breeds of dogs I had.
Blueticks have long floppy ears, which is generally prone to ear
infections. It is just a matter of keeping them clean with an ear
wash.
Blue ticks and treeing walker dogs can be really nice pets and are very
intelligent animals. However, most coonhounds usually require a lot of
exercise . My dogs have free roam of about 8 acres that is fenced in.
Bluetick coonhounds are generally mild-mannered
dogs. However, they have a lot of energy, this is why it is
important for them to have enough exercise daily. Generally when
these type of dogs reach about 3 years old, they seem to slow down,
assuming they are raised with ample exercise.
These type of dogs should never be put a chain with no attention or
exercise. Coonhounds love being around people, and will become very
dedicated if given the chance. I often hear of people having
problems with their dogs and can't understand why. The biggest
reason for any dog's misbehavior is generally due to stored energy, lack
of exercise and lack of attention. It is really sad, because
many people end up putting their dogs in a humane society, because they
can't handle them. This all boils down to "common sense".
My famous motto: "A bored dog is a bad dog"
Blueticks are very intelligent dogs. If given
the chance they can prove their intelligence.
However, sometimes (mostly males) can be a little hard headed.
Training, love and attention will bring the best out in coonhounds and
any dog for that matter.
Coonhounds have a very strong scent, and have been bred for hunting.
Coonhounds are known for chasing and/or killing smaller animals.
yes, they will in wild. My dogs seem to understand wh at is wild
and what is not. My basic reason for having coonhounds was to
guard my chickens/ducks/geese, which does work out well. However, some of the coonhounds were very
easy to train to understand that my poultry is off limits to them.
This is why I mentioned previously, that some coonhounds can be hard
headed. What I did for the hard headed ones, was put a shock
collar on them. As soon as they would chase chickens, I zapped
them, but, prior to that, I would hit a "warning button" which don't
shock them.
Usually the first time, they won't respond to the warning button. When
they don't respond, I zapped them, but, the good part is, they
associated the warning button with a zap button. So thereafter, I
only needed to use the warning button. On a shock collar NEVER set
the
intensity too high. I also start out with a low setting, if they didn't
respond, I would raise it a little each time, until they respond.
It might take a few days of this, but, generally the dog will have to be
reinforced in a week or so. A shock collar should only be used as a last
resort.
Once a coonhound reaches about 3 years old, they really calm down a lot.
They don't seem to be as active or get in any trouble. When using
a shock collar, it is very important to understand the correct
usage prior to using it. The dog MUST understand the connection of
the collar and behavior problem.
Otherwise, all that will happen is the dog will be confused and not
understand. It takes time and patience to use a shock
collar.
My coonhounds also help keep hawks from taking any of my small poultry.
Sometimes, I get 1-5 hawks flying above. Once the hawks see the
dogs,
they move on. On another note, I would think any type of dog would help.
Most coonhounds will get along fine with a cat or other animals.
My
coonhounds get along great with my cats, raccoons, foxes and black bears.
With any new animal, it is always best to do an introductory, if the dog
is an adult.
Most coonhounds have different type barks.
When I hear them bark, I can generally tell if they are hunting or found
prey or if someone is here. Their bark tone seems to change.
I know many people use them for hunting, I don't take mine out to hunt.
But, again, they are very intelligent and great pets if given the
chance and understanding. I just hope that all the people that
hunt their dogs, realize what a great pet they really are.
I would also like to mention, that not all coonhounds have a great
interest in hunting. Some of my coonhounds had no interest in hunting. Seems, it is mostly the
'treeing n Walkers" hounds. Sadly, sometimes coonhound hunters
will kill a hound or give them up to a animal rescue league that are not
good hunters. |
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