For many dog owners, a furry friend is more than just a pet – it’s a life long companion. They seek a loyal, loving, and dependable companion who will stick by their side through thick and thin. One breed of dog that stands out for their loyalty and companionship is the Treeing Walker Coonhound. This breed has an unwavering devotion to their owners and has become known as the ultimate companion. In this blog post, we will take a deep dive into the Treeing Walker Coonhound’s journey to unconditional devotion and what makes them such exceptional companions.
History and Background:
The Treeing Walker Coonhound originated in the United States and was originally bred for hunting raccoons. They are medium-sized dogs, standing at around 20-27 inches tall and weighing between 45-80 pounds. The breed’s history dates back to the 18th century when they were developed by crossing the English Foxhound, the Virginia Hounds, and the Walker Hounds.
Throughout history, the Treeing Walker Coonhound has been a popular hunting dog. However, they are also excellent family pets due to their loyal and friendly nature. They are highly adaptable and can thrive in both rural and urban environments. They are known for their intelligence and trainability, making them an excellent choice for families who want a loyal and obedient companion.
Traits of the Treeing Walker Coonhound:
The Treeing Walker Coonhound has several characteristics that make them the ultimate companion. They are known for their loyalty and devotion to their owners, which is why they are such great family pets. They thrive on human interaction and crave attention and affection from their owners. They are highly intelligent and can be easily trained, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners.
The breed is also highly energetic and requires regular exercise and playtime. They are happiest when they are given plenty of opportunities to run, play and explore. This energy can make them great playmates for children, but it also means that they need plenty of space to stretch their legs.
One of the most defining traits of the Treeing Walker Coonhound is their vocalization. They are known for their distinctive bark, which can be heard from quite a distance. This trait has been bred into them due to their history as hunting dogs, where their bark would alert their owners to the location of prey. While this can be a bit noisy for some owners, it’s a defining characteristic of the breed that many find endearing.
Training and Socialization:
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is an intelligent and highly trainable breed. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques and thrive on praise and treats. It’s important to start training them early to ensure they develop good habits and behaviors. They can be prone to separation anxiety, so crate training is recommended.
Socialization is also important for this breed. They can be somewhat reserved around strangers and other dogs, so early socialization can help them become more confident and comfortable in different environments. Regular trips to the dog park and playdates with other dogs can help them become more socialized.
Health and Wellness:
Like all dogs, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is prone to certain health conditions. These can include hip dysplasia, ear infections, and allergies. Regular vet checkups and proper nutrition can help keep them healthy and happy. They have a lifespan of around 10-13 years, which is relatively long for a medium-sized breed.
Tips for Owning a Treeing Walker Coonhound:
If you’re considering adding a Treeing Walker Coonhound to your family, here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Provide plenty of exercises: This breed is highly energetic and requires plenty of opportunities to run and play. Regular walks running, and playtime in the backyard can help them burn off excess energy and stay healthy and happy.
2. Start training early: Training is important for any dog, but especially for the Treeing Walker Coonhound. They are highly intelligent and trainable, but they can also be prone to stubbornness. Starting training early can help establish good habits and behaviors.
3. Socialize them regularly: Socialization is important for any dog, but especially for the Treeing Walker Coonhound. They can be reserved around strangers and other dogs, so regular socialization can help them become more confident and comfortable in different environments.
4. Be prepared for their vocalization: This breed is known for their loud bark, which can be heard from quite a distance. While it’s a defining characteristic of the breed, it can be a bit much for some owners. Be prepared for the noise and work on training them to bark only when necessary.
5. Keep them on a leash or in a secure area: Their strong prey drive means that they can be prone to chasing small animals. Keeping them on a leash or in a secure area can prevent them from running off after squirrels or other prey.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a breed that has a lot to offer as a companion. Their unwavering devotion and loyalty make them an excellent choice for families who want a furry friend that will stick by their side through thick and thin. While they do require regular exercise and training, the effort is well worth it for the love and companionship they provide.
Their history as hunting dogs means that they have a strong prey drive, which can make them prone to chasing small animals. It’s important to keep them on a leash or in a secure area when outside to prevent them from running off after squirrels or other prey.
Overall, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is a breed that has a lot to offer as a companion. Their unwavering devotion and loyalty make them an excellent choice for families who want a furry friend that will stick by their side through thick and thin. While they do require regular exercise and training, the effort is well worth it for the love and companionship they provide.
