How to Train Treeing Walkers
Treeing Walker Coonhounds descended from the British Walker hound and an unnamed Tennessee hound. First recognized as a breed in the 1940s, these hounds are famous for their tireless pursuit of raccoons when hunting. The "treeing" portion of the name comes from the dogs' ability to chase a raccoon up a tree and maintain position under the tree until the hunter arrives. Treeing Walkers have become popular pets but maintain their working dog nature. Training a Treeing Walker can be accomplished through positive reinforcement methods as used with any breed of dog.
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Instructions
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How to Train a Treeing Walker
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Recognize that the Treeing Walker is an active, working dog. Not only do these dogs require consistent training to keep them mentally stimulated but also a consistent exercise routine to burn the physical energy that is a part of their nature. Develop a training plan that includes walks, games and agility work to optimize their intelligence and energy.
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Introduce the dog to positive reinforcement training by pairing the clicker or whistle with treats. The clicker or whistle will become the communication tool for training, allowing the trainer to tell the dog exactly when it has completed a behavior that the trainer wants. For example, when a dog first sits and its rump makes connection with the ground, a click or whistle will communicate to the dog that it has done the behavior correctly.
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Once the trainer can click or whistle and immediately draw the animal's attention, the hound has associated the signal with food and is now ready to begin additional training. Using treats reinforces desired behavior, and signaling with the clicker or whistle communicates when the behavior is complete.
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Train a Treeing Walker to sit calmly by bringing a piece of food slowly across the dog's head, leading towards the tail. As the dog reaches for the treat, its head will pull back and it will sit. Click or whistle immediately and reward the dog. This method can be applied to lying down, spinning, offering a paw and heeling.
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Keep training sessions short and always end on a positive note to keep the animal from becoming bored or frustrated.
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Tips & Warnings
If training for hunting purposes, consult local kennels or hunting trainers for advice and assistance. Dogs should be trained with the aid of an experienced hunter or trainer to prevent inappropriate behavior and to maintain animal and hunter safety.
References
- Photo Credit Raccoon 12 image by Pat Lalli from Fotolia.com
