Posted on 07/02/2013 4:45:34 AM PDT by CSM
As many of my FRiends know, I was considering adopting a rescue dog named Buford. The foster brought him by yesterday and at the time he was generally just checking everything out. He is a coon hound and all nose! He is a very beautiful dog, so I'll try to post his pic in the following post. The Vet estimates his age to be between 3 and 4. He is about 75 lbs, but seems much stronger than that!
He seems to be a very smart dog and he does like to be around people. He makes it very evident when he wants attention, which is quite frequently. He has already figured out how to open the screen door and go outside and he knows how to let me know that he wants to be let in. Overall, I would rate his personality as very sweet, but very independent (almost to a point of stubbornness.) I suspect that with patience, this aspect of his personality will adjust as he gets more confidence that we are a pack.
However, there are some behavior issues and I need some advice/help. I had previously raised a dog from puppyhood, so it was much easier. I figured that an older dog could still learn, but I also figured that some instincts would have kicked in. I had no idea that Buford had absolutely NO training whatsoever.
The first issue that has been difficult is his "house training." He continually wants to "mark" his territory indoors. It is easy enough to stop that immediately and take him outdoors. Then he will mark territory outdoors, which is good, however almost immediately upon returning indoors he will find a spot and fully urinate and I am unable to stop him to get him back outside. I need some advice as to how to turn this situation around. The biggest challenge for me is his size and strength, it is much easier to stop a puppy mid action and get the puppy outside. This stronger dog, with stubbornness, simply won't move!
Secondly, he actually wants to climb onto tables, not just "surfing," but to actually climb onto and stand on. He hasn't been successful yet as I have been able to keep him off the tables, but he actually wants to climb on the coffee table to get over to me. I will continue to work on this one, but I am wondering if anyone has any hints for a faster resolution than just patiently teaching.
Thirdly, I don't think he has ever had a name. He doesn't seem to respond to his name and he seems to have no interest in learning a name. However, he does respond to whistles, finger snaps and he has already learned my firm "no." What is the best way for him to learn a name?
Finally, he has absolutely no patience. For example, if he wants attention and you don't immediately pet him then he paws and then will jump up on me. Of course, my pushing his chest down has become easier and easier and he will soon be over that "jumping up" problem. Another example is when I was having my dinner. He was very persistent in trying to get to the food on my plate, so I pinned him down with his leash so that he was forced to lay down and he fought that hard for about 5 minutes, finally he gave up and laid down at my feet nicely. However, I need to figure out if it is possible to teach a dog patience.
So, to summarize, where I need help is: 1. House training an adult dog that has never had any training. 2. Eliminating table climbing! 3. Teaching him a name. 4. Teaching patience (might be eliminating his desire to dominate his new pack)
Thank you Friends for any help you can provide. I will also be consulting some good training books that I used for my previous dog. If anyone wants a great source, check out "Great Owners, Good Dogs."
First, let’s talk about what a Bluetick is genetically programmed to do.
They must work independently of humans and they climb trees after their quarry. So, this is one reason you see the climbing on tables. Hunters don’t care if the dog is uncivilized in the house, because they’re outside dogs.
As for marking, Buford is most likely an outdoor dog, so he’s had no experience with housetraining. Put him on a leash and keep him tied to you when he’s in the house. Watch him like a hawk and don’t walk near your furniture (LOL).
Folks need to research a breed before taking one on as a family member, in particular when adopting a dog bred for work.
Hound Dawg ping (c;
” Second, if you send the dog back after two weeks that’s the end for the dog. He’ll not be adopted again and he will be put down.”
Thank you for enlightening me to this. It is good to know when working through these issues. I had no idea and simply figured that they would find a more suitable place, one that would keep him as an outside dog.
Your post certainly adds motivation for me to train Buford right....
Good for you on taking care of those dogs. A couple weeks back, I was leaving the facility late out here in the woods and there was this little hound of some kind wandering around the grounds. It had been neglected.
To make a long story short I got it to a no kill shelter and got it some needed care. If someone wanted a sweet older little indoor dog, this one would I could recommend. I visited not to long ago and she looked so much better.
I would have taken her home but the territorial German Shepherd wouldn’t be too tolerant.
I hope it works out. Thank you for giving an older dog a chance.
“They must work independently of humans and they climb trees after their quarry.”
I had no idea about that one. Thank you, I definitely need to do more research on a coon hound’s intended job. I assumed it was tracking or flushing.
I will admit that this situation was not as well thought out as usual for me. I am regretting that, but I also don’t want to give up on it.
Thank you for your help.
If you do return him quickly to the pound, he may not get any chance again
What I see is that hs is friendly and good around people -- that is ONE major advantage. And just for that, i would recommend keeping him -- the other aspects can be changed or adjusted to
In your case, I only see the need for spending a lot of time and being patient (I'm sure you are, just hang in there!)
Crate training is great...our 4-year old Rottie will still climb in her crate for nap...we are currently training a 12-week old Rottie puppy and after howling a bit when first introduced to her crate she now voluntarily goes in during the day.
bfl
We have a black & tan female and a redbone male. You will find they are easier to handle after a mile or two run. They need massive exercise in order to calm down.
We live in the country and ours are outside dogs. On the occasion they are inside, crates and being very firm with them helps.
They do like to ride, especially our black & tan will “load up” in a heart beat.
Get ready for the digging, they are real excavators...
So very true!
We adopt Weims and a lot of folks are turned off by the breed's characteristics. We like the breed's behavior, it fits us and our lifestyle, and what we've found is when we adopt one, they pretty much all act the same.
The dog is probably a little confused with new surroundings, and his new owner. I have had a wonderful vet, through three dachshunds, and that is no easy task, lol. Dr. Youngs first and foremost principle with dogs is that they need to understand, for their sake, who is the dominant. That would be the owner. When you feel comfortable with Buford that he does not bite and you need his attention to learn........get on the floor, gently roll him on his back, get on top of him, disable his movement, gain eye contact and his attention and don’t look away. When he stops resisting and looks away, pet him and give him a good boy and let him up. Training will start to be much easier at that point and after a few of these moments he will forever be yours.
CSM, you have definitely got a good heart. I’m getting ready to put my German Shepherd in the van and go do an informational program for the local girl scout camp. I want these young ladies to make their future pet dogs lifetime companions, so I will give them information on how to train and socialize a dog to be a joy, rather than a poor critter they take to the pound in desperation.
You can make Buford a more civilized dog. You can do this. BUT, you will put many hours into the process. Here are a couple of links to info on the breed:
Now, UKC has more experience with this treeing hound. They’ve got a forum where you can communicate with people who know and love the breed.
Feel free to private mail me if I can dig up more resources for you.
No offense Toespi, but this dog could very well panic if alfa rolled and CSM could be hurt.
Do NOT roll an adult dog you’re bonding with!!!!
Was Buford his original name or a name the shelter gave him? If it was his original name, you might want to change it in case he associates the name “Buford” with abuse from his previous owner. If the shelter gave him the name, he just may not have been called it enough. Calling him and giving him treats when he responds should work wonders in getting the desired response.
I may get flamed for this, but with his size and strength, you may want to consider a pinch collar for walking him. After my 42-pound rescue pup managed to pull me off my feet hard enough that I ended up breaking my left hip, and on the advice of my vet, I got one for Aubrey. She took to it immediately, and I think it makes her feel more secure and connected to me. Leerburg calls it “power steering for dogs” and it really is. It’s not fun being dragged down the street by your dog, and the lack of control is dangerous for you and your dog.
Also, do not use a retractable leash! Dogs can get up an incredible head of steam if the brake fails, and the resultant jerk can do real damage to you, e.g., broken hip. Six foot leads are fine.
Do not lose heart. You have only had Buford a couple of days and he is probably as baffled as you are about what is expected. Older dogs really are the best, although they do come with their own set of quirks. We only rescue adult dogs, and it just heartwarming to help them become the good dogs they are meant to be.
He needs to be kennel trained. kennels are a great tool for breaking bad habits.
CSM, this could overrule my suggestion because he is right, it can be a touchy situation, but is still a terrific method of gaining control, maybe something to consider when you know your dog better.
He's gorgeous.
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