If you're a dog lover like me, then you understand the joy and happiness that comes with having furry friends in your life. Today, I want to introduce you to the newest member of our pack – Gustavia, our sweet Bluetick Coonhound puppy. He has brought so much love and laughter into our family, and we couldn't be happier.
A Love for Dogs
Growing up, I always had a special bond with dogs. They were more than just pets to me; they were my best friends and constant companions. As a child, I dreamed of one day having a whole family of dogs to call my own. I wanted to be the pack leader and provide them with all the love and care they deserved.
Rescue Mama
Six years ago, I started rescuing hounds, and our canine family has grown ever since. Our first rescue was Moose, a hound mix, followed by Bo, an American English Coonhound. Then came Indy, a German Shorthair Pointer who came into our lives with my boyfriend Sean. After that, we welcomed Pippin, another American English Coonhound. And now, we have Gustavia, our adorable Bluetick Coonhound.
The Charm of Coonhounds
Coonhounds are incredible dogs with a lot of love to give. Most of them are born and bred by hunters in the southern states. Unfortunately, many of these dogs end up being abandoned or left to fend for themselves. While they are primarily bred for hunting purposes, they make amazing family pets. They are cuddly and affectionate, always wanting to curl up next to you.
These dogs are quite active and require plenty of exercise. Having space for them to run around is essential. Coonhounds are intelligent but can be stubborn at times. They respond well to training when there's food involved, but they might give you those hound dog eyes if they're not in the mood to listen.
Second Chance & Carolina Coonhound Rescue
I have had the pleasure of working with Second Chance, a local mountain rescue organization, to adopt Moose and Bo. They introduced me to the world of hounds, and I quickly fell in love. In my search for more rescue hounds, I came across Carolina Coonhound Rescue, located in Charleston, SC. Their dedication to finding loving forever homes for these dogs is truly inspiring.
Two years ago, I adopted Pippin from them, and recently, I made the long journey from Telluride to Charleston to bring home Gustavia. It was a 60-hour road trip, but seeing his sweet face made it all worth it. Gustavia is my first puppy, and it has been such a joy to watch him grow and learn. The others I rescued when they were older, so experiencing puppyhood is a new and exciting adventure for me.
The Love of a Dog
Having a pack of dogs brings so much joy and love into our lives. They offer companionship like no other and fill our days with laughter and cuddles. Our home is filled with energy and excitement, and we wouldn't have it any other way.
If you're considering adding a dog to your family, I encourage you to explore adoption options. There are so many wonderful dogs out there in need of loving homes. And if you're interested in learning more about pet care and tips for raising a happy and healthy dog, be sure to visit HowPetCare. They have a wealth of information that can help you on your journey.
FAQs
Q: How do you train a Coonhound?
A: Coonhounds are intelligent dogs but can be stubborn. Positive reinforcement training works best with them. Use treats and rewards to motivate them and make training sessions fun and engaging.
Q: Are Coonhounds good with children?
A: Yes, Coonhounds are generally good with children. They are affectionate and love to be part of the family. However, as with any dog, it's important to supervise interactions between dogs and young children to ensure everyone's safety.
Q: Do Coonhounds require a lot of exercise?
A: Yes, Coonhounds are active dogs and require plenty of exercise. They have a lot of energy to burn, so daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation are essential for their well-being.
Q: Are Coonhounds easy to groom?
A: Coonhounds have short coats that are relatively easy to maintain. Regular brushing and occasional baths should be sufficient to keep their coat healthy and clean.
Q: Can Coonhounds live in apartments?
A: While Coonhounds can adapt to apartment living, they are better suited for homes with yards where they have space to run and play. They are active dogs and need room to exercise.
Q: Are Coonhounds good watchdogs?
A: Coonhounds are not known for being aggressive watchdogs. They are friendly and social dogs, often more interested in making friends than guarding the house. However, their loud barks can alert you to any potential intruders.
Q: How do Coonhounds get along with other pets?
A: Coonhounds can get along well with other pets if properly socialized from a young age. However, it's important to supervise interactions and introduce them gradually to ensure they get along.
Q: What health issues are common in Coonhounds?
A: Some common health issues in Coonhounds include hip dysplasia, ear infections, and obesity. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet can help prevent and manage these conditions.
Q: Do Coonhounds like water?
A: Many Coonhounds enjoy being in the water. They have a natural instinct for hunting and tracking, which often leads them to bodies of water. However, not all Coonhounds are water lovers, so it's important to introduce them to water gradually and ensure their safety.
Q: How long do Coonhounds live?
A: On average, Coonhounds have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. However, with proper care, some can live even longer.
Keys to take away
- Coonhounds make wonderful family pets.
- They are active dogs that require plenty of exercise.
- Positive reinforcement training works best with Coonhounds.
- Coonhounds are friendly and social dogs.
- Consider adopting a rescue dog to give them a loving forever home.
For more information on pet care and tips for raising a happy and healthy dog, visit HowPetCare.