Health & Training

for your

Red Bone Coonhound

The following information is provided only as a reference regarding the maintenance and preventative health care the dogs at Timber Chopper Kennels receive. We work closely with our veterinarians, and encourage you to seek the advice of a veterinarian in your area.

PUPPIES: 
All of our puppies are started on premium puppy food, which we soften with warm water.  Wayne recommends that after 8 weeks of age they be gradually taken off the wet feed, and given a limited access to fresh dry premium Large Breed Puppy Food.  The amount of feed to be given per feeding will be determined by following the chart on the product packaging.  Nutritionally, all the puppies needs can be met by feeding only the dry feed, however, if you choose to you may mix some of the corresponding Large Breed Puppy Formula canned food in with the dry and a little warm water for your puppy, as long as you are careful not to over feed him.  Iams, Science Diet, Eukanuba, Loyall and River Run all make a good Large Breed Puppy Food.  Large breed puppy feed is necessary as normal puppy foods contain higher protein, extra calcium, and unneeded calories which can cause the skeletal system in large breeds to grow too fast and can result in joint problems including hypertrophic osteodystrophy, osteochondrosis, and hip dysplasia.   Feeding a limited amount is necessary as allowing free choice feeding can result in the puppy overeating.  If the puppy consumes excessive calories, the extra energy can manifest in faster than optimal bone growth, and of course, if a puppy is overweight the joints will be under greater stress.  At all times the dogs should have access to clean fresh water.  

ADULTS:
All our dogs are fed premium dog food. At all times the dogs should have access to clean fresh water.

Patience….patience….patience.

Some folks will say that their pup “ran and treed the first night in the woods”…. As for me, I’ve always had to work a little harder with my puppies.  Timber Chopper pups usually start early, about 8 – 10 months of age, with the older dogs.

Several points to remember in starting a pup:

1. Buy or raise a well-bred pup.
2. Get to know your pup by spending time with him.
3. If your puppy can run free in a “safe area” it will be months ahead when you start his hunting with the older dogs.
4. Train him with a broke coon dog, if possible.
5. Never hunt a young pup with an “aggressive” (mean, fussy, face-barking) dog!  One night may set your pups training back months.
6. Do not ever hunt your pup with dogs which “run off game sometimes”.
7. If your kennel is set up so that you can put your pup in with, or even in the pen next to the well-broke dog do so. He will learn that this is his companion and will then stick with him the first night in the woods.
8. Always reward your puppy with generous praise for a job well done.
9. Keep up with the worming and shot program
10. Keep plenty of fresh water and feed available.
11. If your pup does not live up to your expectations let him know.  Be stern and consistent with corrections, but never so much as to cause your pup to fear you.  Good temperament and a nice disposition are essential to your pups overall well being.