BigGameHoundsmen.com

How many of you consider your hounds as family pets? Seems like most hunters keep there dogs separate from there daily life. I have raised my only one previous hound as a separate hound and never involved in my daily activities, family, etc. Only to use as hunting partner. I've since had bird dogs and they respond much better, hunt better, and more enjoyable to be around since they were raised as part of the family. Sure is tough when they die.

Mine are pets. I think they handle better and respond better to me and other people.

All mine are raised inside and out. Everyone of my dogs know lie down, sit, that'll do, and a few other commands. They have a spot beside the fireplace that is their safe spot from anything.

The better you treat them, the better the dog they will be in the end. All of mine are part of the "family".

Glad to hear how you guys treat your hounds. My great uncle is the one who introduced me and brothers to coon hounds in eastern OK. He was old school and believed that dogs shouldn't be around the family, but in a pen out back. He had multiple good hunters, but I think would even been better if they were socialized. I want a couple hounds in year or two, but need family pets also. Thanks

I treat my hound's as pet's and socialize with them every day. When season is closed we are still hiking, fishing, shed hunting, camping, etc. I know they enjoy it and It give's me more time to polish on them. When a dog is sitting on a chain he is learning nothing and is not getting exercised. I have hunted with some guy's who keep their dog's in lock down all year long except for lion season and it is miserable to hunt with their rude disrespectful hound's

Scott Summers

Absolutely.

Mine hike and run along with me when I mtn bike, they live indoors, and keep my home and yard secure from theiving bastards, as well as hunt.
Of course, my home is never without a little slobber and muddy foot prints either.......but that is the trade-off.

my hounds are hunters first and pets second . they earn their spot as a pet by getting it done in the woods. the way they handle is up to the guy hunting them wether they live on the couch ,kennel,or chain in my opinion.

Craigs - Good looking gascon and/or bluetick.

Pagosa wrote:Craigs - Good looking gascon and/or bluetick.

Thanks, There just Bluetick right now, Sassy will meet the Gascon standard but Sampson (dark all blue) probably will not, ears to short. But at 10 months he is close to 100 pounds!

my thought is hounds are a tool you use to get a task done. doesnt mean you have to treat them pourly, but they were never bred to be a pet, always hunting first, i think that is a big problem with alot of todays hounds,theres nothing wrong with having a good handle on your dogs. but i cant see having 8 dogs on my couch in the winter!

plott/walker wrote:my thought is hounds are a tool you use to get a task done. doesnt mean you have to treat them pourly, but they were never bred to be a pet, always hunting first,

I agree, if they end up not making the 'cut' how do you cull your pet?

not color blind wrote:

plott/walker wrote:my thought is hounds are a tool you use to get a task done. doesnt mean you have to treat them pourly, but they were never bred to be a pet, always hunting first,

I agree, if they end up not making the 'cut' how do you cull your pet?

You just cull them. Heartless I know but there is more than one way to cull. I don't think twice about it myself unless i think it'll make a great pet.