Well, he's here!

[shaye]

Duncan, the coonhound, arrived 2 Saturdays ago.
He has fit in quite nicely with my other 4 dogs here.

Poor Duncan had been tied to a tree in his previous owners backyard and fed a few times/wk. This boy has absolutely no manners or social graces whatsoever. He has no concept of personal space and I doubt he's ever heard the words "off" before :D His bite inhibition is terrible. Seems he's forgotten everything that momma and siblings taught him his first 8 wks.

On the other hand he is so wonderfully sweet, I can hardly stand it!! :P
His eyes are so expressive and his demeanor so loveable.
He has already learned (in a little over a wk) sit, lie down, wait (at the door to go out), leave it, and off. Now all of this is a work in progress but it does lead me to believe that he wants to learn and is pretty smart for a hound dog :wink: He is definitely going to take alot of work!!

I had him at PetSmart for a social outing (since he has had VERY limited socialization). He was fabulous with everyone until dogs started walking in. It took all I had to try to control him. He was barking and lunging like a crazed lunatic (so embarassing when people think you have some out of control dog, isnt it?? LOL)

We are signed up for obedience classes that will start in a wk. and I can only hope that he accepts the dogs there without wrenching my arm out of it's socket!!

He is pretty quiet for a coonhound. Only baying at strange noises in the backyard. We are teaching him the quiet command, but since coons are vocal to begin with, I don't hold out much hope. Am going to try to cut down on the nuisance baying/barking but know that it is his nature to vocalize.

Tell me, do you think it's too early to practice NILIF? He has had such a poor life up to this point (he is 8 months old) that I almost feel bad by making him do things. :(

[sheltielover]

Ohhh, he is GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!

[Sanvean]

What a sweetie pie!

[Angelboddy]

He is such a sweet, handsome boy. :D

[Guest Anonymous]

He is so handsome!

I don't think it would hurt to try some of NILIF, maybe just follow some of the "rules" that you and he would both be comfortable? Since he hasn't had the greateast start, maybe just start out slow?

Good luck!

[ellieangel]

He is beautiful !
I would start NILIF now, most dogs are happier with consistency and firmness,they like to know where they stand with you.
Good luck he looks like a real honey !

[courtnek]

I have my first hound now. I have found already that if you bend the rules, they take advantage of it (there's another post about that) so early
training is not going to hurt - yours has the same sad eyes mine does, kinda tugs at your heartstrings, doesnt it?

He is just beautiful....

:D

[behle]

Aahh! Black and tan....he's handsome! It's great he has finally found a good home with you! Good luck with his training. :D

[abker17]

Aw! He's a cutie! :iloveyou: :angel:

Can someone please tell me what NILIF stands for? :oops: :oops:

[Malamum]

ABKER - NILF = Nothing In Life Is Free. I had ony just heard the accronym the other day - I normally just say No Free Rides. :D It means before the dog gets anything it has to do something.

Shaye - Duncan looks like such a sweetheart :D

[mommacat]

ooohhh he's beautiful!!!

I say train them all you can, at least they know that when they are in training, they are getting your full attention, and that is probably what he needs the most!

[DogPaddle]

Start now, you can be a bit gradual but both Kavik and Zaphod seem calmer and more content when they have a role - NILIF.