Grooming
Grooming a Bluetick Coonhound is manageable because they’re moderate shedders. Brushing daily with a medium-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt, or a hound glove will keep them looking their best. And unless your canine compatriot gets into something particularly muddy or messy, your Bluetick dog will only need a bath about every other month. Regularly check those adorable ears for redness after your outside romps—be sure to keep them free of debris and dry to help prevent bacterial or yeast infections.
As with all dogs, you should trim the Bluetick breed’s nails regularly to avoid pain while walking or running. You’ll know they’re getting on the long side when you hear that “clack, clack, clack” on the floor, usually every few weeks.
Your Bluetick dog may have more problems with their teeth than other breeds because they drool quite a bit. The drool holds bacteria, which attaches to the teeth and gums, causing more dental disease over time. This breed should receive annual dental cleanings by your vet under anesthesia and non-anesthetic dental cleanings every three months to avoid periodontal disease or tooth loss over time. At home, brushing your Bluetick Coonhound’s teeth daily with a dog toothpaste and toothbrush.
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Training
Be consistent and conduct training sessions in controlled situations (i.e., a fenced yard) where your buddy can’t go off on a solo adventure. If you do this, you’ll find that your pup does well and quickly learns basic obedience. A long training lead can be helpful when training your pup, even in an enclosed area. These long leads give your dog ample room to move around (especially when learning to come when called), but you can still gently guide and direct them when needed.
Now, training your Bluetick Coonhound not to bark is another story. While it may be possible to train them to bark only at certain times, no matter how much you teach them and how much exercise these dogs get, they may still bawl or howl. It’s just who they are.
Socialization is also important to help bring out this pup’s natural friendly disposition. Take your puppy on walks and let them safely meet new people and other dogs. Consider taking your dog to puppy school to learn how to play nicely with other puppies and meet new adults in one place.
This pup needs a calm and confident pet parent who understands the need for patience and consistency. These pups are best for people with previous experience with dogs. And, because who doesn’t want another Pro tip, here you go: Blueticks (like all breeds) respond to positive training methods that reward them for the things they’ve done right (treats, praise and fun play breaks) and redirect them when they’ve done something you don’t want them to do.
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Diet
Bluetick Coonhounds typically do well on high-quality commercial dog food. Be sure to look for a statement on the food’s packaging that says it meets the nutritional standards the Association of American Feed Control Officials set. It’s also important to factor in your dog’s age and choose a formula that fits their stage in life (puppy, adult, senior).
The Bluetick breed is prone to obesity, so offer treats sparingly and avoid people food entirely. Even an extra pound or two can create health problems for your pup, like heart disease. So, mix up rewards with massages or play breaks with a special toy. Chat with your vet if your pup has some extra pounds. They can help you create a mealtime + snack + exercise plan to help shed the excess weight and maintain your pup’s nutritional needs.
Remember: Your veterinarian is always the best source for developing appropriate nutrition and feeding guidelines for your buddy.
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Exercise
Blueticks are born athletes and need copious amounts of activity—they excel at dog sports like agility and tracking and love to swim. Long walks, hiking and jogging, at least twice a day, are a must to burn their energy—about 60 to 90 minutes daily will probably do it. Be aware that exercising your Bluetick off-leash can be a dangerous proposition. If they catch an exciting smell, they will NOT come back when called—no matter how well-trained you thought they were. And because the Bluetick Coonhound’s speed is a force to be reckoned with, don’t expect to go catching them if they run off, either. For their safety (and your sanity), always have them on a leash when out for those walks, hikes and jogs. Pro tip: A GPS tracker attached to their collar may be your best friend (don’t tell your Bluetick… don’t want them to get jealous).
They can also become distracted easily while on walks, so make sure they know what you expect of them and teach them to refocus their attention. However, since they’re scent hounds, taking them on walks that let them follow their nose (on leash) is an excellent mental exercise for them, too. In addition, training, nose work games and problem-solving through work-to-eat and dog puzzles are great ways to engage your Bluetick’s body and brain.
Bluetick Coonhounds like having a purpose, and they aim to please. Teach your pup to fetch slippers or the morning paper—it’s a win-win for everyone!
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Environment
Bluetick Coonhounds are the ideal companions for experienced pet parents who embrace these dogs for their wiggles, high-energy hunting and searching skills and talkative nature.
Bred for the hunt, Blueticks thrive most in a home with a large fenced yard or acreage. Their barking and howling don’t pair well with apartment or condo living. Blueticks tend to “follow their nose,” given their hunting instinct, so keep your buddy leashed in unconfined areas.
Good with other dogs and older children, Blueticks are natural-born playmates and flourish with affectionate companionship. Yes, they LOVE a good romp outside and a marathon (or two). But they equally crave cuddle time inside on your soft furniture, if you’ll indulge them, or blanketing your feet. They’ll welcome routine visits from familiar friends and family but will alert you to unknown and unexpected visitors with their barking and baying. And, believe it or not, Bluetick Coonhounds can socialize with a trusted family cat despite their prey drive. Why? Well, with the proper training, they’ll follow suit and love them right back once they realize who you love.
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