Can Hounds Be Trained to Use an Electronic Dog Fence?
Hounds are famous for two things: their noses and their speed. Anyone who has ever lived with a beagle, bloodhound, greyhound, dachshund, or other hound dog knows just how fast and determined they can be when chasing prey (or the neighbor’s cat).
DogWatch® Hidden Fence Dealers are often asked: “Can an electronic dog fence REALLY work for a hound?” The answer is yes! For over 30 years, DogWatch® Dealers have been training hounds and hound mixes to stay in their yards with our hidden fences. We reached out to our Dealers and customers to learn more about the process of training hounds, their unique personalities, and how adding an underground electronic fence to their property helped their pups stay safe and do what hounds love to do – sniff, run, and play!
Lisa White’s Experience with Beagles and DogWatch
Lisa White, co-owner of DogWatch of St. Louis, has had beagles as part of her family for most of her life. She invested in a DogWatch® Hidden Fence for her family’s beagle, Bogey, back in 1995 because her family lived in an area where physical fences were not allowed. “Growing up in the same area with two beagles as a child, I knew the wandering, hunting instinct and strength of the beagle nose to follow a scent and roam – sometimes very far from home. One of my childhood beagles wandered often and was hit by a car (and fortunately survived). I worried about her, so I was pleased to learn about hidden fences.”
The previous DogWatch® Dealer in the St. Louis area trained Bogey to the DogWatch® Hidden Fence system when he was 4 months old, and Bogey picked it up right away. “He loved the freedom to explore his (relatively small) yard, roam and sniff and still run after bunnies and squirrels, but now he magically stopped at his property boundary,” says Lisa. The Whites adopted Sampras a few years later, and he also took to the fence like a charm. Lisa trusted the DogWatch® Hidden Fence so much for the freedom and safety of her beagles that she and her family decided to become DogWatch® Dealers themselves!
Training Insights from Billy White
Lisa’s son Billy White, the head trainer at DogWatch® of St. Louis, has worked with numerous beagles, dachshunds, basset hounds, Afghan hounds, plot hounds, greyhounds, and more over the years. “Scent hounds generally take to the fence very well: they love the freedom of exploring their yard off-leash and tend to enjoy running and sniffing outdoors. When they can do this, they tend to be calmer inside.” Billy, like all DogWatch Dealers, uses both the visual flags and the audible signal of the collar to reinforce training. “We have found that, in general, hounds pay more attention to the audible training than the visual,” he says.
Real-Life Examples of Hounds with DogWatch
Lisa currently has two Beagles, Winnie and Peppy, and a grand-dog Gus. (Breaking from tradition, Gus is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.) Her dogs have a pet door and a SmartFence, allowing them the freedom to use their beagle noses to explore and exercise while staying in the yard. Here’s a picture of Gus and Peppy hanging out and having fun in their yard!
But what about the bigger hounds? We spoke with DogWatch of Tampa customer Richard Jackson, whose Bluetick Coonhound Maggie uses a DogWatch® Hidden Fence. “Bluetick hounds have noses stronger than most other breeds and it is exceeded only by their desire to hunt and that means roaming,” says Richard. “With her DogWatch® receiver and my hidden fence, I know she is safe to traverse my Florida farm property without fear of wandering. I know she is safe, even when I am not there. I rely on DogWatch products for all 4 of my canine herd!”
“People always tell me you can’t train hound dogs on an underground fence,” says Michael B. Shaffer, a DogWatch of Northeast Indiana customer. “I have trained four rescued hounds, and apart from an isolated incident that is very unusual, they have full access to our yard, much to the amazement of the neighborhood!” Michael, who shared the photo at the bottom left of his two rescue hounds, adds, “Thank you, DogWatch for a great product and great company.”
Conclusion
Training hounds to use an electronic dog fence is not only possible but has been successfully done by DogWatch® Dealers for over 30 years. With the right training and tools, hounds can enjoy the freedom to explore, sniff, and play safely within their boundaries. Whether you have a small beagle or a large Bluetick Coonhound, the DogWatch® Hidden Fence can help keep your furry friend safe and happy.
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