Training OHs takes some patience,
as they are stubborn - but generally
good humored about it - "Aw, Mom,
let's do it this way!". Their
considerable size and strength make
training something you DO NOT want
to ignore. Don't let that wistful,
sad looking puppy con you in to
postponing training; you'll regret
it when the pup is your size and
twice as strong. Many Otterhounds
seem to be rather "soft" dogs, and
just don't understand harsh
corrections. Training may take a bit
longer than with some breeds, but
don't give up and don't lose your
temper! Once your OH discovers that
you can "out stubborn" him and doing
what you want him to do is not
optional, you're most of the way
there. Periodic practice sessions
for any commands that you want your
hound to be reliable at are highly
recommended - but keep them short,
positive, and fun, for your sake as
well as your hound's.
Socialization is as important as
basic obedience training for an
Otterhound, so once your pup has had
his shots and knows how to walk on a
leash and sit, get him out and
introduce him to the world! Bring
him along to pick up the kids after
school or to their soccer games,
take him to a building supply store
(many allow leashed dogs) or to pick
out his own toys at the pet supply
store. Take him for a walk in the
busiest park in town, or on a nearby
college campus. Take him anywhere
that he can safely see new things
and meet friendly people, as long as
you are not going to be in too much
of a hurry and end up getting
impatient! Do a little low key
obedience practice - "sit" for a
cookie, or a 10 second stay at the
end of his leash. Teach him to
"shake hands" or "speak" - people
seem to love big shaggy dogs that do
tricks.
Like many of the hounds, OHs are
not natural retrievers - so if you
really want a great "Frisbee" dog,
look elsewhere! And if your ideal
dog will walk with you off leash and
come to you when called, please do
not consider an Otterhound.
Otterhounds can be very bright dogs
- at least when it comes to getting
something they want. If it's food,
they WILL smell it, and where
there's a will... There are reliable
reports of Otterhounds who've
learned to open their crate doors,
yard gates, screen doors, house
doors, kitchen cabinets and drawers
and the refrigerator.
Some Otterhounds compete
successfully in obedience, some take
on agility, and they excel as tracking
dogs, earning more AKC tracking
titles almost every year than any
other breed (as a percentage of the
number of dogs registered). If you
want to do something really
worthwhile with your dog, these
silly looking hounds can also be
great therapy dogs
and can bring a lot of joy to
someone in a hospital or nursing
home!