How to Train a Hound: Scent Hounds and Sighthounds

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Hounds were bred to hunt with their noses or eyes, often at a distance from the hunter. That independence defines their training needs.

Two types of hound

Scent hounds, such as beagles, bassets, bloodhounds and coonhounds, follow smell trails and may ignore everything else.

Sighthounds, such as greyhounds, whippets and salukis, chase moving things, using sight and speed.

Both can be wonderful pets with the right approach. See how to train a stubborn dog.

Scent hounds

• Use their nose: scent games are the best reward. See how to teach a dog to find it and nose work for dogs.
• Use long lines: safety near roads.
• Teach a strong recall, but accept limits.
• Reward every check-in.
• Teach quiet: many hounds vocalize. See how to teach a dog to speak and be quiet.

Sighthounds

• Fenced exercise: let them run in safe spaces. See lure coursing for sighthounds.
• Gentle methods: many are sensitive. Avoid harsh corrections.
• Teach calm: they can be couch potatoes indoors.
• Never trust recall near prey: sprinting dogs can cover distance fast.
• Use a well-fitted harness or martingale for security.

Motivation

Use high-value food, such as cooked meat or cheese. Keep sessions short. Hounds can be food driven, which helps. See how to use treats in dog training.

Recall realities

Many hounds will follow a scent or prey regardless of recall. Train recall on a long line, and keep your dog leashed in unfenced areas. See recall training guide.

Loose-leash walking

Scent hounds pull toward smells. Let them sniff on walks, and teach a cue to move on. See how to teach a dog to walk on a loose leash.

Fencing and security

Hounds are escape artists. Use strong, high fences, and check for gaps. See how to stop a dog escaping the yard.

House training and crates

Hounds can be slow to house train. Be consistent, and use a crate if suitable. See how to potty train an adult dog.

Common mistakes

• Expecting off-leash reliability. Use lines.
• Using harsh methods on sighthounds. They can shut down.
• Ignoring noses. Provide scent games.
• Underestimating fences. Secure them.

Scent games to try

Start with simple search games: scatter treats in grass, hide them behind furniture or use a snuffle mat. Move on to more advanced scent work, such as nose work or tracking. See tracking training for dogs. Allow sniffing time on walks, since mental satisfaction reduces frustration.

For sighthounds, provide safe sprints in fenced areas, flirt pole games and soft beds for rest. Sighthounds often sleep a lot, and many are gentle and quiet indoors. They may be sensitive to cold and benefit from coats in winter.

Living with hounds

Plan for baying, which can disturb neighbors, and teach quiet cues early. Keep food out of reach, since hounds are often clever thieves. Use secure bins and gates. With patience and humor, hounds can be devoted, charming companions.

Keeping hounds safe on walks

Always use a secure harness and a well-fitted collar with tags. Hounds can slip out of loose equipment when they lock onto a scent. Use a long line for sniffing time, and keep your phone handy in case of emergencies. Microchip your dog, and keep records current.

The takeaway

Hounds follow their noses or eyes. Work with their drives, use management, and keep training fun.