These dogs are very athletic and active, so Black and Tan Coonhound exercise requirements are pretty extensive--though not as high as some other hunting breeds. Breed members will need a variety of daily activities that will both condition them physically (walking, jogging, fetch) and stimulate them mentally (canine sports, hunting). They make good bicycling companions as well.
The typical adult B&T, depending on its age and overall activity level, will need about an hour of proper exercise per day--and it's best if owners divide the exercise into several short sessions throughout the day, such as walks, jogs, or bike rides in the morning and evening along with one or two short periods of play. You can start exercising your B&T puppy when it's three months old by taking it on short (5- to 7-minute) leashed walks, then you can increase the walks' length and frequency as the puppy grows.
A few precautions to consider when exercising your Black and Tan Coonhound: first, puppies younger than nine months old shouldn't participate in activities that include a lot of jumping, running on hard surfaces, or navigating of stairs, as doing so can injure their still-developing joints and bones. And regardless of age, all dogs of this breed must be leashed when in public. B&Ts have both strong prey drives and high wandering tendencies, so they'll chase after interesting-looking (or -smelling) critters, or just run off simply because they can! A leash will help you control your B&T in these situations. Even when exercising in your own yard, the area will need to be securely fenced, or else the dog will surely escape. And finally: larger, deep-chested breeds like the B&T are prone to bloat, an often-fatal digestive condition that is most prevalent if the dog eats just before or after exercising. It's best, therefore, not to feed your B&T for an hour before (or two hours after) any hard exercise.
Precautions aside, it's important to exercise your B&T every single day. These dogs are accustomed to spending hours at the time chasing prey, so without consistent activity they'll become frustrated, disobedient, and destructive--and they'll bark loudly and often. Regular exercise will be great for both the dog's and your own peace of mind! A few exercise ideas:
- Walking/Jogging/Bicycling: Two 20-minute walks (or 15-minute jogs or bike rides) per day is a good target
- Fetch/Frisbee: B&Ts will chase a ball, stick, or Frisbee for hours
- Tug-of-War: Good indoor activity; use a rope or old towel
- Hunting: Puts these dogs in their natural element
- Canine Sports: B&Ts can excel in obedience, agility, and field trials
- Dog Park: If properly socialized, B&Ts enjoy the company of other dogs
- Hiking: Excellent bonding activity; the dog can even carry the backpack
If your B&T spends a lot of time indoors, it's good to give the dog access to balls or chew-toys that will allow it to burn excess energy. It's also recommended that you establish a regular exercise schedule for the dog, such as walks, jogs, or bike rides in the morning and evening and a play period in the afternoon.
