A Comprehensive Guide to the Treeing Walker: A Loyal and Agile Companion

The Treeing Walker Coonhound, a versatile hunting breed, is known for its distinctive bark and ability to track and tree raccoons. Here's everything you need to know about this active and intelligent breed:

History of the Treeing Walker

The Treeing Walker originated in the United States during the 19th century. It was developed by crossing the American Foxhound with English Foxhounds, Bloodhounds, and other breeds. The result was a dog with a strong hunting instinct, stamina, and a distinctive tricolor coat.

Physical Appearance

Treeing Walkers are medium to large-sized dogs with a sturdy build. They typically weigh between 50 and 80 pounds and stand 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder. Their coats are short, dense, and come in a tricolor pattern of black, tan, and white. The breed has a long, narrow head with a large, black nose and expressive brown eyes.

Temperament and Personality

Treeing Walkers are known for their friendly and sociable nature. They make excellent family dogs and get along well with children. However, their strong hunting instinct can make them difficult to live with other animals unless they are properly socialized from a young age.

They are highly active dogs that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train.

Health and Care

Treeing Walkers are generally healthy dogs with an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and bloat.

Regular veterinary checkups, a healthy diet, and plenty of exercise are essential for maintaining their health.

Training and Exercise

Treeing Walkers are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easy to train. However, they can also be stubborn at times. Positive reinforcement and consistent training are key to success.

They require at least 60 minutes of exercise per day. This can include walks, runs, playtime in the park, or training sessions.

Hunting Abilities

Treeing Walkers are renowned for their hunting abilities. They have a strong sense of smell and are able to track and tree raccoons with ease. Their loud, distinctive bark alerts hunters to the location of the quarry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when owning a Treeing Walker:

• Not providing enough exercise: Treeing Walkers are very active dogs and need a lot of exercise to stay healthy and happy.
• Not socializing them properly: Their strong hunting instinct can make them difficult to live with other animals if they are not properly socialized from a young age.
• Using harsh training methods: Treeing Walkers are sensitive dogs that respond best to positive reinforcement. Harsh training methods can damage their trust and make them difficult to train.
• Not taking them to the vet regularly: Regular veterinary checkups are essential for detecting and treating any health issues early on.

How to Step-by-Step Approach

Here's a step-by-step approach to owning a Treeing Walker:

1. Choose a reputable breeder: Start by finding a breeder who is dedicated to breeding healthy and well-tempered Treeing Walkers.
2. Socialize your puppy: Begin socializing your puppy as early as possible. Introduce them to different people, animals, and environments.
3. Provide plenty of exercise: Treeing Walkers are very active dogs that need a lot of exercise. Provide them with at least 60 minutes of exercise per day.
4. Train them consistently: Train your Treeing Walker using positive reinforcement and consistent methods.
5. Take them to the vet regularly: Regular veterinary checkups are essential for detecting and treating any health issues early on.

FAQs

1. Do Treeing Walkers bark a lot?
Yes, Treeing Walkers are known for their loud and distinctive bark. They were bred to alert hunters to the location of raccoons, so they are very vocal dogs.

2. Are Treeing Walkers good with children?
Yes, Treeing Walkers are generally good with children. They are friendly and sociable dogs that enjoy being around people. However, it is important to supervise young children around any dog, regardless of breed.

3. How much exercise do Treeing Walkers need?
Treeing Walkers are very active dogs that need plenty of exercise. They should get at least 60 minutes of exercise per day, which can include walks, runs, playtime in the park, or training sessions.

4. Are Treeing Walkers easy to train?
Treeing Walkers are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easy to train. However, they can also be stubborn at times. Positive reinforcement and consistent training are key to success.

5. What are the health risks associated with Treeing Walkers?
Treeing Walkers are generally healthy dogs, but they are susceptible to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and bloat.

6. How long do Treeing Walkers live?
Treeing Walkers have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years.

Stories and What We Learn

Here are three stories about Treeing Walkers that illustrate their loyalty, agility, and hunting abilities:

Story 1: A Treeing Walker named Annie saved her family from a house fire by barking and alerting them to the danger. She was able to wake everyone up in time to escape the blaze.

What we learn: Treeing Walkers are loyal and protective dogs that will go to great lengths to protect their families.

Story 2: A Treeing Walker named Bo won a national agility competition. He was able to complete the obstacle course in record time, showcasing his agility and athleticism.

What we learn: Treeing Walkers are intelligent and athletic dogs that excel in agility and other canine sports.

Story 3: A Treeing Walker named Luke was able to tree a raccoon all by himself. He tracked the raccoon through dense woods and was able to keep it treed until his owner arrived.

What we learn: Treeing Walkers are skilled hunters with a strong sense of smell and tracking ability.

Conclusion

The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a versatile, active, and intelligent breed that makes an excellent companion for families and hunters alike. With proper training and socialization, they can be a loyal and loving member of your family for many years to come.