The overlooked hound

People are aware that most rescues and shelters, if not full, are certainly overcrowded. A variety of dog breeds, mixes and sizes is always available. The largest number of dogs are usually pit bull-type dogs and mixes. In certain areas of the U.S., Chihuahuas and Labrador retriever mixes abound. In the South, a large percentage of dogs in rescue are hounds and hound mixes.

Hounds are used for hunting in the South and are kept in fairly large packs. They follow the pack leader when out on a hunt. They live in outdoor kennel packs and have limited contact with people. These dogs are not trained by people and do not grow up in a house or learn skills that people might want. Their entire existence is based on how well they hunt.

Some kennels take good care of their animals in terms of veterinary care, but sadly many kennel operators do not take care of them at all. They do not receive required vaccines or heartworm, flea and tick preventives, and most are unspayed and unneutered.

These hunting hounds are valued for only one thing: hunting and procreating. The best hunting hounds receive the best treatment. The others are viewed mostly as numbers and are considered disposable if they do not do their job well.

The reason there are so many in shelters is that hounds do what hounds do: They follow a scent. When they are on a hunt and following the leader, all is good. But they often get sidetracked by other scents and choose to follow those instead. They are unaware that they are now lost. Many have identification numbers tattooed on their sides to identify them as belonging to a specific kennel in case they are found.

The ones that are found and not claimed end up in shelters by the dozens. Kennel owners often do not bother to look for them since they have dozens more that do their job and stay with the pack. Only the special ones are looked for.

So now they are put up for adoption. What are you getting in a hound? Inside the house, they become some of the most loving couch potato dogs you have ever owned. Outside, they do not even know your name. They do not learn easily because pleasing you is not important to them. Forget “come” when called. “Sit” is going to take a lot of work. They love other dogs. They are generally food-motivated if the reward is worthwhile.

When looking for a new dog, do not overlook these sweethearts. They love to be right next to you indoors. Be patient, keep your expectations realistic, and you will have one of the most affectionate dogs you have ever owned.

Abby Bird is the owner of Alphadog Training Academy. AlphadogTrainingAcademy@gmail.com