As a Treeing Walker Coonhound owner, you know your dog is more than a hunting breed with its strong tracking instincts, unmistakable voice, and boundless energy. It also makes for a wonderful companion, which is why it's one of the most beloved dog breeds in North America.
Here we’ll talk about all aspects of Treeing Walker Coonhound training so you’ve a reliable hunting partner by your side when out in the wild.
The Origins of the Treeing Walker Coonhound
The Treeing Walker Coonhound’s roots go back to the 1700s when Thomas Walker, a Virginia man, imported English Foxhounds to the U.S. Known for their stamina and tracking skills, they evolved into what we now know as the Treeing Walker Coonhound over time.
A Quick Look into Their History
- 1800s: Development of the breed begins to a greater extent
- 1945: The breed is officially recognized as different from other coonhound varieties
- 1946: The United Kennel Club (UKC) recognizes the Treeing Walker Coonhound
- 2012: The American Kennel Club (AKC) grants full recognition
What’s interesting is that the name “Treeing Walker” comes from their hunting style (they track prey and chase it up trees) and from John W. Walker who played a key role in developing this breed.
Physical Characteristics
Everything about the Treeing Walker Coonhound is designed for hunting.
Size and Build
- Height: 20-27 inches at the shoulder
- Weight: 50-70 pounds
- Body: Muscular and well-proportioned
Coat and Coloration
- Short, smooth coat
- Tricolor pattern: White with black and tan markings
- Some have a “blanket back” of predominantly black
Distinctive Features
- Long, pendulous ears
- Expressive brown eyes
- Strong, slightly domed skull
What Makes the Treeing Walker Coonhound Great Hunters
Unlike any other dog breed, this one has a unique combination of skills and instincts.
They have an amazing sense of smell, which allows them to track everything – from fresh scents to older trails. Once they’ve cornered the prey, they switch gears with their unique bark to alert the hunter and keep the animal up in the tree until help arrives.
John Thompson, a seasoned coonhunter with over 30 years of experience, says, “The Treeing Walker's ability to switch between silent trailing and loud, persistent barking once the prey is treed makes it an invaluable asset in the field.”
Treeing Walker Coonhound Training
Although these dogs have natural hunting instincts, you need to train them well to use their full potential.
Basic Obedience
- Start with basic commands – sit, stay, come, heel
- Then try recall training to have control during hunts
Scent Training
- Introduce scent articles early
- Gradually increase trail difficulty
- Use positive reinforcement to encourage tracking behavior
Treeing Practice
- Use scented toys or lures to simulate prey
- Reward barking and staying at the tree
- Practice in different environments to help build confidence
Socialization
- Expose your dog to different people, animals, and environments from its puppyhood
Pro Tip: “Consistency is key when training a Treeing Walker,” advises Sarah Miller, a professional dog trainer specializing in hunting breeds. “Regular, short training sessions coupled with plenty of praise and rewards will yield the best results.”
The Treeing Walker as a Family Companion
As said before, these dogs can also be loving family pets, especially for families with active lifestyles.
Temperament Traits
- Friendly and sociable
- Loyal to their family
- Good with children
- Cautious around strangers
Exercise Needs
- High energy levels require regular exercise
- Daily walks or runs (at least 60 minutes)
- Opportunities for scent work and mental stimulation
Living Conditions
- Adaptable to different living situations
- Thrive with access to a securely fenced yard
- Not ideal for apartment living due to their vocal nature
Grooming and Care
- Low-maintenance coat means they need minimal grooming
- Regular ear cleaning to prevent infections
- Nail trimming and dental care as needed
Health
Like all breeds, Treeing Walker Coonhound dogs are prone to certain health issues. The most common ones are hip dysplasia, ear infections, bloat, and eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy.
You should ensure regular vet visits, a healthy diet, and grooming (especially ear cleaning) to help keep your coonhound in its best shape.
Veterinary Insight: Dr. Emily Chen, DVM, emphasizes, “Regular health screenings and a balanced diet are key to maintaining your Treeing Walker's health and longevity. Don't overlook the importance of dental care and parasite prevention, especially for dogs that spend a lot of time in the outdoors.”
Treeing Walkers in Competition
Treeing Walker Coonhounds aren’t just hunting dogs, they also do well in competitive events. You can consider Participating in these events and see how your dog show off its skills.
Popular Competitions
- Coonhound Field Trials
Here your dog's ability to track and tree raccoons is tested and judged on speed, accuracy, and treeing behavior.
- Bench Shows
They evaluate if your dog conforms to its breed’s standards with the opportunity to showcase its physical attributes.
- Water Races
They test the swimming ability and retrieve skills of the participant dogs.
- Drag Races
Often part of larger coonhound events, short sprint races are involved here to test speed and agility.
- Obedience and Rally
It gives you the opportunity to see how versatile your dog can be.
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The Bottom Line
To sum it up, the Treeing Walker Coonhound isn’t just a great hunter but a great companion too. If you are thinking of having this breed, get one without any further thought since it'll bring endless joy, loyalty, and charm into your life.
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