Hunters have used dogs as assistants for generations, and some species have been specifically bred to help hunters chase down squirrels, racoons and other small, quick prey. Many coonhounds, including bluetick, redbone and black and tan, come from Tennessee, where breeders and caretakers prepare them for the intensive hunting. One particular trick of the trade for a skilled coonhound involves treeing, which involves the dog chasing the prey up into a tree so that the hunter can find it more easily. Training your coonhound to tree can help ensure hunting success in the future.
Instructions
1. Begin training your coonhound from the time he is a puppy, around two to three months of age. Starting early will increase the likelihood that your coonhound will quickly and efficiently respond to commands and train well.
2. Travel with your dog in informal situations to the areas in which you like to hunt. Allow him to explore and get used to the sights, sounds and smells. The more comfortable he is in the area, the less likely he will be to get distracted when you are hunting.
3. Point out prey animals (squirrels, racoons, etc.) to your dog and talk excitedly or run around with him to get him excited. Take the dog to a local park where you know he will see animals. Get him riled up for the chase.
4. Lead your dog in training exercises with prey hides or scent trails. Get him to chase them and follow the trails, rewarding him with kind words, pets and other positive reinforcement.
5. Lead him to trees with the hides and hang another hide up in a tree. This will get your dog used to the idea of running his prey up a tree. Clap, slap the tree, and encourage him when he sees the hide in the tree until he barks. Reward the barking immediately. To properly tree an animal, the coonhound must bark to tell you where the prey is.
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