Melody, my very first coonhound, came into my life in the middle of June 2001. Since I am writing this page in September of 2001, Melody has only been a part of our family for about two and a half months. It seems like she has always been here.

I never in my wildest dreams thought I would have a coonhound. I didn't even know what a coonhound was until I moved to Kentucky and started Ayla in agility. The whole story of how Melody came to live with us can be read on Melody's Page but for the sake of this page I am going to skip that and talk about my experience of living with a hound for the first time.

When Melody came to live with us neither myself, my mom or sister knew quite what to expect. No one we knew had ever owned a hound of any type before...nor had we owned a dog that was as big as Melody.

The facial characteristics of a hound are unlike any other breed. The droopy skin droops further than you ever thought it could when they want you to share your food with them. When they have done something wrong those eyes couldn't look more pitiful, which works to Melody's advantage frequently, as she is often in trouble.

Along with the droopy skin and great big ears comes a rather large nose that just has to smell EVERYTHING. Hounds, especially the larger hounds are notorious for "counter surfing" and "garbage excavation". Melody is constantly up on the counter trying to snatch tidbits...or sometimes and entire meal left unattended for only a moment.

You are bound to throw away everything you put in the trash can two or three times before it gets covered by something else...and then that too makes the rounds around the house. And heck when she really wants whatever it is she smells on the bottom, why not tip the whole thing over, or maybe it was tipped because she had her head stuck in the top that's supposed to "keep the dogs out".

But despite all those things Melody is a constant companion, a great pillow, wonderful blanket, playmate, and a constant source of laughs. The situations they get themselves into while trying to get what ever it is they are after is hilarious and I think any hound owner will tell the exact same thing.

Coonhounds usually have excellent health. However, due to their long floppy ears ear infections can occur. Breed related health problems are uncommon (ie. hip displaysia and ectropion).

Here are some coonhound links. Links open in a new window.

Types of Coonhounds

Home|Tour
Ayla Explains Life|Ayla's Story|Epilepsy|Incontinence
Cindy Explains Life|Cindy's Story|The Bunny
Zoie Explains Life|Zoie's Story|Border Collies
Melody Explains Life|Melody's Story|Allergy in Dogs|Coonhounds
Agility|Tracking|Obedience|Herding
Awards we have won

Richling K-9 Training, Inc.

All graphics and content are Copyright 2002 Renee Grittner and 2 Collies and a Hound unles otherwise stated.
All rights reserved
This site is best viewed with Internet Explorer

Top of page