Grooming
When it comes to grooming, Plott Hounds are very low-maintenance dogs. They require extensive brushing when they shed their coats twice a year, in the spring and fall, but day-to-day shedding is minimal. You won’t need to do more than a light brushing with a curry comb or slicker brush once a week for the rest of the year. While you’re brushing them, check out their ears for debris, redness or swelling. Their ears can be prone to infection, so be sure to contact your vet if you notice anything amiss. They may recommend cleaning the ears to get rid of wax buildup.
Plott Hound dogs don’t require regular bathing, either. If they romp through a swamp, pop them in the tub, but the rest of the time, their dense coats tend to stay clean. Otherwise, plan on giving them a bath about once every other month. Clip their nails every three to four weeks, so they can walk comfortably. You’ll know it’s time for a trim when you hear them clacking on hard surfaces.
Even though larger breeds like the Plott Hound tend to have harder tooth enamel and aren’t predisposed to dental problems, veterinarians recommend brushing your dog’s teeth every day. Familiarize puppies with toothbrushing early, so they learn to tolerate it. And be sure to schedule a professional cleaning by your vet once a year.
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Training
The Plott Hound’s intelligence and attentiveness will work in your favor when it’s time for training. Bred to hunt big game, these pups are independent, so they can seem strong-willed. It’s important to start their training early and be consistent to help them be a well-behaved member of the family. As with all dogs, Plott Hounds respond well to positive reinforcement, which uses treats, praise and toys as rewards for doing a good job.
Plott Hounds are vocal and noisy dogs. They may be trying to alert you to a threat, even if it’s just the mailman or a neighbor walking past your house. It’s important to understand that you’ll never train the bark completely out of this breed, but you can teach them when it’s appropriate to bark. Some pup parents find working with a certified trainer who uses positive reinforcement can help bring the best out in their dog.
Because of their deep instincts to roam and sniff, one of the breed’s most common traits is wandering off your property, which is a real concern, particularly if your Plott Hound catches the scent of something intriguing, like a rabbit. A securely fenced yard can help contain your hound and keep them safe. And be sure you only let your dog off-leash in a fenced area.
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Diet
Plott Hounds typically do well on a high-quality, large-breed commercial dog food that’s designed for their stage in life (puppy, adult, senior).
Coonhound breeds like the Plott Hound are extremely active, but even energetic dogs can gain weight as they age. If you find your dog’s looking a little heavy, you may need to switch to a low-calorie food. But check with your vet; they’re in the best position to help you choose the right food for your pup to help them shed the extra weight and still maintain their nutritional needs.
Because of this breed’s predisposition to gastric bloat, be sure to spread out mealtimes throughout the day, rather than giving them one large meal, and wait an hour before any heavy activity. (See more on bloat below in the Health section.)
And, of course, always make sure there’s always plenty of water around, so your dog can stay hydrated.
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Exercise
The Plott Hound’s exercise needs are significant, so you should aim to walk yours two to three times a day—plan for about 45 to 60 minutes in total. If you can fit in a longer walk or hike on the weekend, all the better! In between walks, Plott Hounds enjoy having a fenced yard to explore since this breed is independent by nature.
For a Plott Hound, the world is a smorgasbord of smells. The hunting dog in them loves to track a scent, so another fun way to ensure they get enough exercise is to let them sniff someone’s sock and hide it somewhere in your neighborhood—put your pup on a leash, and let the games begin! Because these dogs love the thrill of the chase, yours will likely enjoy playing fetch or catching a Frisbee, too. You can also play to their hunting instincts and get them involved in dog sports, like tracking.
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Environment
The Plott Hound isn’t the most ideal city dog, both due to their size and tendency to be vocal. Large houses in the suburbs, country homes and farms are the best places for these pups. If you do live in an apartment, make sure you have regular access to a large, fenced area where your pup can get their zoomies out.
They’ll be thrilled if you live near the woods or a dog-friendly nature trail and even happier if they can make regular visits. They aren’t particularly sensitive to hot or cold climates; whatever the weather and season, they’re raring to go.
These pups need an active pup parent who understands the need for consistent training (there are no “off days” with a Plott Hound). And they do well with children as long as the dog has been properly socialized, starting when they’re a puppy. The children in your hound’s life should be taught how to respectfully interact with dogs, too.
Social and group-oriented, Plott Hounds are generally good with other pets and will make fast friends with fellow dogs. Cats could be more of a challenge, though, due to this breed’s instinct to chase.
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