Puppy · Bloodhound
The Ideal Training Schedule for a Bloodhound Puppy
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Short answer
The ideal training schedule for a Bloodhound puppy balances short training sessions with consistent potty breaks, play, and enforced rest. Using positive reinforcement and engaging their powerful scent drive will build focus, manage their stubborn nature, and establish a predictable daily routine.
Bloodhound puppies are affectionate, gentle companions with a determined nature and notorious stubbornness that requires patience and consistency. With a trainability score of just 2/5, these large scent-driven dogs need a structured daily routine that respects their independent streak while channeling their moderate energy (75 minutes recommended daily exercise). Unlike other breeds, Bloodhounds are driven by their nose first and commands second—recall failure is common as their scent obsession overrides typical obedience instincts. This guide provides a practical schedule balancing focused training sessions with adequate play, rest, and frequent potty breaks, all using positive-reinforcement methods. By working with your puppy's natural instincts rather than against them, you'll build a foundation of trust and habit that makes training this stubborn breed manageable and rewarding.
How to do it
Step-by-step
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Step 1: Establish a consistent morning routine with early potty breaks
Bloodhound puppies need frequent bathroom breaks due to their size and developing bladder control. Start each day with an immediate outdoor potty trip, followed by a short 5-10 minute walk to settle their moderate energy before breakfast. This routine prevents accidents indoors and establishes a predictable schedule your puppy will come to expect.
Step 2: Schedule short, scent-focused training sessions before play
Work with your Bloodhound's natural instincts rather than against them. Conduct two 5-10 minute training sessions daily (morning and early evening) using high-value treats and positive reinforcement—avoid frustration since their trainability is low. Begin with basic sit and stay, but incorporate scent games (hiding treats) to engage their driven nature and build focus before mental fatigue sets in.
Step 3: Incorporate structured play and exercise throughout the day
Divide the 75 minutes of daily exercise into 3-4 sessions: a morning walk, midday play session, afternoon training-plus-play, and an evening walk. Bloodhounds have moderate energy but benefit from routine; this prevents boredom-related stubbornness and destructive behavior. Supervised outdoor time allows safe scent exploration while you maintain loose control.
Step 4: Practice recall in controlled, scent-free environments
Recall failure is a signature Bloodhound challenge due to scent obsession. Train recall separately in quiet indoor spaces or enclosed yards before attempting it outdoors. Use exceptionally high-value rewards (special treats or toys) and never call your puppy to something unpleasant (like nail trimming). Always end training sessions positively.
Step 5: Introduce bite inhibition and manage drooling early
Bloodhound puppies are gentle but can nip during play; teach soft mouth by redirecting to toys and rewarding calm behavior. Keep towels handy for drool management, and teach family members this is a breed trait, not a training failure. Establish boundaries around furniture and your own clothing to prevent excessive gnawing.
Step 6: Plan rest periods and enforce napping to prevent overtiredness
A tired Bloodhound puppy becomes a stubborn, unresponsive Bloodhound puppy. Build in 2-3 enforced rest periods (30-45 minutes each) in a quiet crate or pen throughout the day. This prevents overstimulation, promotes impulse control, and sets a healthy foundation for a well-adjusted adult dog who respects boundaries.
For the Bloodhound
Pro tips
- Use scent games as your primary training tool: hide treats in boxes, puzzle toys, or grass to engage their natural drive and build focus—this works far better than forced obedience with a stubborn breed.
- Never let your Bloodhound develop a habit of pulling on-leash or ignoring you during scent-focused moments; manage these situations with long lines and designated sniff areas rather than battling their instincts.
- Establish a rock-solid potty schedule (immediately after waking, eating, playing, and before bed) to prevent accidents and reduce stubbornness—a well-exercised, regularly relieved puppy is far more trainable.
Owners ask
Frequently asked questions
Why won't my Bloodhound puppy come when called, even with treats?
Bloodhounds are scent-driven to the point of obsession—their nose overrides their desire to obey once they catch an interesting smell. This is breed-typical, not disobedience. Train recall in scent-free environments indoors first, use extraordinarily high-value rewards (chicken, cheese), and accept that off-leash outdoor recall will always be unreliable. Management (fenced areas, long lines) is safer than expecting reliable recall.
How do I handle my Bloodhound's stubbornness during training?
Stubbornness reflects low trainability (2/5)—your Bloodhound isn't being defiant, just less motivated by commands than other breeds. Keep sessions short (5-10 minutes), use only positive reinforcement (never punishment), and work with their scent drive rather than against it. If resistance builds, end on a positive note and try again later; forcing compliance breeds resentment in gentle dogs.
Is it normal for my Bloodhound puppy to drool so much?
Yes, excessive drooling is a normal Bloodhound trait due to their loose jowls and relaxed mouth structure—it's not a sign of illness or teething problems. Keep towels accessible, use a drool bib during intense play, and accept it as part of the breed. Teach family members this is expected, not something to train out.
How much exercise does a Bloodhound puppy actually need?
Aim for 75 minutes daily, split into 3-4 shorter sessions to match their moderate energy level and developing joints. Avoid one long, intense session; instead, alternate walks, play, scent games, and rest. Puppies under 6 months should avoid jumping and extreme exertion to protect growing bones—focus on low-impact activities like nose work and short walks.
Spotted a mistake or something out of date? Email us — we review every report, fix the guide and update its date. Our guides are general education, not a substitute for a certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist.
