Picture this: a canine with the aristocratic heritage of the English foxhunting tradition, a dog that has spent centuries fine-tuning its hunting abilities, a breed known for its stamina, strength, and, yes, let’s say it – a flair for melodious barking. This is the English Foxhound, a breed that boasts an impressive lineage dating back to the late 16th century, when English noblemen meticulously bred them to track foxes with unrelenting stamina and fervor.
But what about the English Foxhound of today? Does this intelligent and active breed still require the sprawling countryside to be at its happiest, or can modern training techniques allow the venerable English Foxhound to be a well-behaved, well-trained companion even in less historical settings?
Let’s delve into what makes these hounds tic and talk, or rather, “howl” and “bark.”
First off, English Foxhounds are pack animals by legacy, which means they enjoy the company of other dogs and humans alike. Their pack mentality can work in your favor during training, as they naturally look for guidance from the leader – and in a family setting, that leader can be you. Their intrinsic desire to please their pack leader can make them responsive to training when properly motivated. This trait can be a double-edged sword, though, because while they can be attentive to their human companions, they might also be influenced by their canine comrades, which means if you own other, less disciplined dogs, an English Foxhound might follow suit.
When it comes to trainability, it’s important to note that English Foxhounds are used to being outdoors and active. They thrive on physical stimulation, and if they don’t get it, they can become bored and mischievous. Early training should include ample exercise. Think of creative activities that tap into their hunting instincts; it can be as simple as playing hide and seek with their favorite toy or participating in tracking activities.
English Foxhounds carry a streak of independence, which can be attributed to their ancestral role of following scent trails without constant direction. This independence might require you to be creative in training, using positive reinforcement methods such as treats and praise when your Foxhound follows commands.
Let’s not ignore the elephant in the room, or should we say the hound in the house – this breed can be vocal. Their bay is distinctive and powerful, something that was needed when they were out in the fields, but maybe not so much when they are in your backyard and you’re trying to enjoy a peaceful evening. Training your Foxhound to curb their enthusiasm for vocalization at every squirrel or passerby is essential. This can be done with the quiet command method, rewarding them when they stop barking on command.
Socialization is another critical component in the training regimen of an English Foxhound. Introduce them early on to different people, dogs, environments, sounds, and experiences. Socializing helps reduce anxiety and fearfulness and promotes a well-rounded temperament.
Food tends to be a great motivator for most dogs, but especially for the Foxhound, who can be a bit of a glutton. Use treats effectively in your training, but also be mindful not to overfeed. Obesity can be a problem for English Foxhounds, given their propensity for overeating and potential lack of proper exercise if they aren’t provided a suitable outlet for their energy.
Starting training young is advisable, as with most breeds. Puppy classes, obedience training, and even agility or scent work can be incredibly beneficial. Such activities not only reinforce good behaviors but also satisfy the Foxhound’s need for physical and mental stimulation.
Let’s not skirt around the less glamorous side of things, either. English Foxhounds can be stubborn. They may choose to ignore commands if they find something more interesting, such as a fascinating scent or a squirrel scurrying up a tree. Consistency and patience are the names of the training game. Establish yourself as a calm, assertive, and gentle leader.
You might be wondering about house training. Foxhounds are relatively clean dogs, and with consistency in taking them out at regular intervals, praise, and treating when they do their business outside, most Foxhounds will house-train with relative ease.
In essence, an English Foxhound can be easy to train, if you remember their traits: their stamina, their sociability, their food motivation, independence, and vocal tendencies. Equip yourself with understanding, consistency, patience, and a good dose of physical activity, and your English Foxhound should be on the way to becoming a well-behaved member of your family.
There’s something noble in the effort of transforming a breed born for the wild open hunts to a well-adjusted family pet. So, if you’re considering bringing an English Foxhound into your life, you’re not only embracing a pet but an exciting, challenging, and rewarding training adventure as well.
