What about hounds turns people off?
- Thread starter Sweet72947
- Start date
I've never been a hound fan, mostly because of the things people have already said, which I realise isn't true for all hounds. Also, because I think I like dogs that are a bit different, and hounds are everywhere. Same reason I'm not a fan of labs and goldens.
But, here I am dying to adopt a dog that's most likely a hound mix! Go figure. Sometimes you don't get to choose the dog, the dog chooses you.
But, here I am dying to adopt a dog that's most likely a hound mix! Go figure. Sometimes you don't get to choose the dog, the dog chooses you.
Sight hound yes, scent hound NO...........that is the way I think of it 
I think they are BEAUTIFUL dogs, but I don't want one. My uncle kept huntin' dogs growing up and they were one track minded, LOL........HUNT! They were either workin' or sleeping........not much in between for them.
Then I watched my best friend go through trial after trial with her Basset hound trying to get that dog trained to do ANYTHING........even just housebreaking that dog was MURDER. Not to mention the howling bark.
And finally my cousin had a total terror of a beagle, it was constantly escaping, ripping to shreds EVERYTHING (including his car, LOL) and it NEVER ceased the baying..........ugh! Now I must say that he didn't try to train the dog very well, so none of that can be put on the dog, just saying that my past contacts with any scent hounds have not been positive.
That girl in your picture is just LOVELY, hopefully she will find someone who loves hounds SOON!
I think they are BEAUTIFUL dogs, but I don't want one. My uncle kept huntin' dogs growing up and they were one track minded, LOL........HUNT! They were either workin' or sleeping........not much in between for them.
Then I watched my best friend go through trial after trial with her Basset hound trying to get that dog trained to do ANYTHING........even just housebreaking that dog was MURDER. Not to mention the howling bark.
And finally my cousin had a total terror of a beagle, it was constantly escaping, ripping to shreds EVERYTHING (including his car, LOL) and it NEVER ceased the baying..........ugh! Now I must say that he didn't try to train the dog very well, so none of that can be put on the dog, just saying that my past contacts with any scent hounds have not been positive.
That girl in your picture is just LOVELY, hopefully she will find someone who loves hounds SOON!
sighthounds I love, beagles I'm not so mad on. I wouldn't own a blooodhound simply because they don't fit me but I do like them. Bassets are too low energy but they're adorable.
Some of the more high energy hounds like black and tan coonhounds are gorgeous.
What exactly are we defining as a hound? IS it any breed that assists in tracking when hunting?
Some of the more high energy hounds like black and tan coonhounds are gorgeous.
What exactly are we defining as a hound? IS it any breed that assists in tracking when hunting?
I just want to point out that my beagle does not bark anymore than any other breed in the neighborhood. People always say they bark more, because their bark is more distinctive its something people remember about them so I think that is where they get that they bark more, but if zoe is barking I can guarantee you if I walk outside either another dog is barking or there is someone there. And personally I want my dog to tell me if someone is coming up the walk in the dark or outside the fence. And I think their barks are adorable and I would rather hear a hound bark than another bark.
If you're willing to learn how a hound thinks, you can teach a hound how to heel in a total time of less than 45 minutes. You can teach sit in about 30 seconds. And other behaviors in about 5 minutes total.
Hounds learn much more quickly than any other dog I've been around. They just get bored with repetition. Keep lessons under 3 minutes and your hound will amaze you by learning things you didn't intend to teach.
The problem is that most people don't want to unlearn the training regimes that have worked in the past for them. Hounds, though, never tire of asking the question "What's in it for me?" And that is a big turn off to a large majority of people.
Hounds learn much more quickly than any other dog I've been around. They just get bored with repetition. Keep lessons under 3 minutes and your hound will amaze you by learning things you didn't intend to teach.
The problem is that most people don't want to unlearn the training regimes that have worked in the past for them. Hounds, though, never tire of asking the question "What's in it for me?" And that is a big turn off to a large majority of people.
Hounds are bred to chase prey, some to chase and then tree or hole prey, others to chase and kill prey, or predator (think wolfhounds or borzoi.)
Some will "hound" prey and follow a scent trail, others hunt on wide open plains and use eyesight to track the movement of the prey. Still other hounds use a combination of sight, scent and sound to acquire their quarry.
Some will "hound" prey and follow a scent trail, others hunt on wide open plains and use eyesight to track the movement of the prey. Still other hounds use a combination of sight, scent and sound to acquire their quarry.
Well, I will say that owning a pet hound is quite often a lesson in humility. It's true, they are not out just to please you. You have to give them a better reason to work than that, and a lot of people I guess find that sort of offends them personally. To train a hound and do it right you have to not make it personal, at all, because it really isn't.
My pet theory is that hounds have the reputation of being untrainable and stubborn because they do not respond to "traditional" training methods. They don't work for praise, and if you issue physical corrections or punishment, they stop working with you, period. To many people a dog who behaves that way is "untrainable" because that's the only way they know how to train, but that is not the only way to train.
But of course yes, hounds are hunting machines and they excel at what they were bred to do. You can't ever forget that if you have one, and chances are they won't let you forget it. But you can work through it. Most hounds even when they are working have to be trained to hunt what the hunter wants to hunt. Coonhound folks call this "trash-breaking". A coonhunter doesn't want his dog to track anything but coon--not deer, not rabbits, not squirrels. That does not come inborn, it must be trained. I actually think I inadvertently broke Marlowe of squirrels, which we have in abudance here in the city when I trained him to not lunge at prey while on leash. Now, he doesn't even bat an eyelash at squirrels.
I'm lucky, our trainer does not let anyone use their dog's breed to make excuses. There's a woman with this great, spunky mini schnauzer in our class who is constantly making excuses for her bad behavior (she's not really that bad, but she's got some typical terrier behavior problems) and last time she did that I was like um hello, I'm training a coonhound in agility over here?
Though these folks here have bred multiple obedience and agility champion black and tan coonhounds.
My pet theory is that hounds have the reputation of being untrainable and stubborn because they do not respond to "traditional" training methods. They don't work for praise, and if you issue physical corrections or punishment, they stop working with you, period. To many people a dog who behaves that way is "untrainable" because that's the only way they know how to train, but that is not the only way to train.
But of course yes, hounds are hunting machines and they excel at what they were bred to do. You can't ever forget that if you have one, and chances are they won't let you forget it. But you can work through it. Most hounds even when they are working have to be trained to hunt what the hunter wants to hunt. Coonhound folks call this "trash-breaking". A coonhunter doesn't want his dog to track anything but coon--not deer, not rabbits, not squirrels. That does not come inborn, it must be trained. I actually think I inadvertently broke Marlowe of squirrels, which we have in abudance here in the city when I trained him to not lunge at prey while on leash. Now, he doesn't even bat an eyelash at squirrels.
I'm lucky, our trainer does not let anyone use their dog's breed to make excuses. There's a woman with this great, spunky mini schnauzer in our class who is constantly making excuses for her bad behavior (she's not really that bad, but she's got some typical terrier behavior problems) and last time she did that I was like um hello, I'm training a coonhound in agility over here?
Though these folks here have bred multiple obedience and agility champion black and tan coonhounds.
Hounds are loyal to a fault...the issue many people have is that they consider their hands special...their property special...their treats special...their scent special etc.
Hounds are loyal to the human race...that means ANY human is a good human and worthy of inspection and solicitation.
Don't go fooling yourself that you are the ONLY human out there capable of patting them or giving them food. The intelligent hound knows better!
THAT...is how loyal hounds are...how many dogs out there are that loyal...to that extent?
Hounds are loyal to the human race...that means ANY human is a good human and worthy of inspection and solicitation.
Don't go fooling yourself that you are the ONLY human out there capable of patting them or giving them food. The intelligent hound knows better!
THAT...is how loyal hounds are...how many dogs out there are that loyal...to that extent?
I like the way hounds look but I also prefer a dog who is more "in tune" with me...hence my preference for herding breeds. I like being able to do off-leash things with my dog. And while I actually kind of like a little baying, a lot of baying is enough to drive me mad. Working in a boarding resort, hounds are not my favorite. They're frequently quite crazy, never shut up and just are not fun to handle. I think a lot of this has to do with people thinking "it's a hound, I can't train it" though.
That being said, Smkie's friend Kelly has two b&t coonhounds (maybe mixes, I'm not sure) and they're pretty neat dogs. She works with their instincts, so when they go to the park, she hangs cowbells on their collars so they can go treeing and sniffing and she still knows where they are. In return, they've learned to meet her down at the lake when they're done with their exploring.
I would like to meet some of you hardcore hound people and see how you train. I need this card in my repetoire.
That being said, Smkie's friend Kelly has two b&t coonhounds (maybe mixes, I'm not sure) and they're pretty neat dogs. She works with their instincts, so when they go to the park, she hangs cowbells on their collars so they can go treeing and sniffing and she still knows where they are. In return, they've learned to meet her down at the lake when they're done with their exploring.
I would like to meet some of you hardcore hound people and see how you train. I need this card in my repetoire.
I looove hounds. : D
However, I probably wouldn't desire to own one... Even though Fozzie may or may not be part Beagle, and acts it sometimes! Personally, I just couldn't deal with the poor recall & stubbornness - at least in scenthounds. I have considered a sighthound, and I would love to have a Grey, but the whole running away thing really does scare me.
Of course, any dog can have bad recall, with lack of training. But the fact that it's instinctual is hard for me.
I actually think it's a good thing, that a lot of people realize they can't safely own a hound. Most of the people in my nieghborhood have Labs that sit in the front yard off-leash for hours, and they expect that out of their dog... not that it is safe for any breed of dog.
However, I probably wouldn't desire to own one... Even though Fozzie may or may not be part Beagle, and acts it sometimes! Personally, I just couldn't deal with the poor recall & stubbornness - at least in scenthounds. I have considered a sighthound, and I would love to have a Grey, but the whole running away thing really does scare me.
Of course, any dog can have bad recall, with lack of training. But the fact that it's instinctual is hard for me.
I actually think it's a good thing, that a lot of people realize they can't safely own a hound. Most of the people in my nieghborhood have Labs that sit in the front yard off-leash for hours, and they expect that out of their dog... not that it is safe for any breed of dog.
I allmost brought home a hound from DC in 2000, I cant remember if it was a Tick or a B&T. The dog was huddling at the back of his cage jumping from everybody and shying away when people aproached. I squated in front of his cage and stuck a couple of fingers in the crate, he came right to me and started licking my fingers.
I was working 10-12 hour days back then living in an appt in Anchorage. I hope he found a good home.
I was working 10-12 hour days back then living in an appt in Anchorage. I hope he found a good home.
I have 7 dachshunds..I LOVE hounds. They are my favorite group of dogs, I love sight and scent hounds.
My dachshunds DO bark alot.. But they don't have any distinct odor (But Who knows, I may not be able to smell it..I was raised with Dachshunds), they don't drool at all, and their eyes are not droopy.
They are very hard to train, and housebreak. The only one of mine who won't run when off leash is Harry the fetch-o-holic as long as I have a tennis ball. He could find his tennis balls ANYWHERE I hide them.
But I LOVE hounds, and I always will.
My dachshunds DO bark alot.. But they don't have any distinct odor (But Who knows, I may not be able to smell it..I was raised with Dachshunds), they don't drool at all, and their eyes are not droopy.
They are very hard to train, and housebreak. The only one of mine who won't run when off leash is Harry the fetch-o-holic as long as I have a tennis ball. He could find his tennis balls ANYWHERE I hide them.
But I LOVE hounds, and I always will.
Funnily enough, owning JRTs that are every bit as much of a "whats in it for me" sort of dogs, and love to follow their nose to hunt. I still would not own a scenthound. One of my best friends loves hunting dogs. Her family has a 'huntin camp' and she always has a hound or two. They live in the house, are great with her kid etc etc. They don't bark much, and don't smell as far as I have noticed. Now remember these are dogs that have been bred and soley chosen due to hunting ability, but they really aren't interested in playing with the people. They are polite, well mannered dogs. But even with the yummiest treats, or great toys, they seem like they are only humerouring us humans. And postive punishment..forget it. The dog then just shuts down and avoids you. I like dogs that are into me.
Sighthounds I love (lol now own 2) I find they are very into their people. Yes they can be tricky to train. But so far Bounce has been the easiest pup I have ever worked with.
Sighthounds I love (lol now own 2) I find they are very into their people. Yes they can be tricky to train. But so far Bounce has been the easiest pup I have ever worked with.
Having Marlowe in my life has been a huge gift for me because he forced me to reconsider and reevaluate how I thought about dogs. He's the reason I began clicker training and let me tell you, this dog opened up like a book as soon as we began that. A hound craves two-way communication, not one-way ordering around. He's your partner, not your servant (and typically they do not let you forget that!). He's got skills and abilities that you could only dream of, and he knows it--so a little respect please for the Great Nose (or the Great Eyes).
I think the way that most people raise and treat their hunting hounds (whether they live with the family or outside in the kennel) contributes to their aloofness. When we got Marlowe he really was very aloof, he didn't play, heck he didn't even wag his tail. It's just that no one had ever expected him to do any of those things and instead fostered and groomed his independence above every other trait. It is necessary for a working hound, after all. After 9 months in our house, where he was treated just as a beloved pet, played with, engaged with, cuddled with, taken around to see the world, trained, it was a whole different story with him. He plays with me, we snuggle on the couch every evening, he loves to be rubbed and loved on, he expresses his emotions and communicates with us quite openly. Pretty much everyone who has ever met us together has remarked on how firmly lodged up my rear both my dogs are. Marlowe is way in to me, and I am way in to him. He's a very special dog.
But one thing I always must keep in mind with him is that he does not exist for me. He is not my slave or my servant or anything of the sort. He may be my #1 Fan (and I'm his) but he's an autonomous creature with his own agendas and his own thoughts and feelings that may or may not have anything to do with mine. And that experience has been humbling, and fascinating. I really value his autonomy, I don't feel it diminishes him or our relationship at all. It teaches me about myself and my silly ego and my preconceived notions about dogs. My training relationship with him is so much more about the journey than about the destination.
Besides, he does amazing party tricks with absolutely no training, like finding the one squeaky tennis ball that has not yet been desqueaked, purely by scent. I have no idea how he does it, but he roots around in the toy box (well, flower pot) and doesn't test any of them for squeakiness but every single time comes out with the one out of the half dozen or so in there that still squeaks (and that one that squeaks tends to change as older ones get desqueaked and newer ones are added).
I think the way that most people raise and treat their hunting hounds (whether they live with the family or outside in the kennel) contributes to their aloofness. When we got Marlowe he really was very aloof, he didn't play, heck he didn't even wag his tail. It's just that no one had ever expected him to do any of those things and instead fostered and groomed his independence above every other trait. It is necessary for a working hound, after all. After 9 months in our house, where he was treated just as a beloved pet, played with, engaged with, cuddled with, taken around to see the world, trained, it was a whole different story with him. He plays with me, we snuggle on the couch every evening, he loves to be rubbed and loved on, he expresses his emotions and communicates with us quite openly. Pretty much everyone who has ever met us together has remarked on how firmly lodged up my rear both my dogs are. Marlowe is way in to me, and I am way in to him. He's a very special dog.
But one thing I always must keep in mind with him is that he does not exist for me. He is not my slave or my servant or anything of the sort. He may be my #1 Fan (and I'm his) but he's an autonomous creature with his own agendas and his own thoughts and feelings that may or may not have anything to do with mine. And that experience has been humbling, and fascinating. I really value his autonomy, I don't feel it diminishes him or our relationship at all. It teaches me about myself and my silly ego and my preconceived notions about dogs. My training relationship with him is so much more about the journey than about the destination.
Besides, he does amazing party tricks with absolutely no training, like finding the one squeaky tennis ball that has not yet been desqueaked, purely by scent. I have no idea how he does it, but he roots around in the toy box (well, flower pot) and doesn't test any of them for squeakiness but every single time comes out with the one out of the half dozen or so in there that still squeaks (and that one that squeaks tends to change as older ones get desqueaked and newer ones are added).
The only hound breed I've lived with was the Dachshund, but I have friends with hounds and they're pretty similar to my Dachshunds. I like dogs with a more willing to please attitude. In my experience, hounds have been very difficult to train because they always want to know what's in it for them. Not that Dance isn't like that as well sometimes, but it isn't constant. I need a dog that is willing to do what is asked of them, is easily trained, and have a good recall. I like letting my dogs off leash without worrying about whether or not they'll come back when I call them. Seems that with hounds, you only have about a 50/50 chance of that ever happening.
I do love hounds though - they're just not a group that suits me very well. I'm a Toller and herding breed person.
I do love hounds though - they're just not a group that suits me very well. I'm a Toller and herding breed person.