How to Teach a Bloodhound Tricks
Teaching tricks to a Bloodhound is a rewarding challenge that requires patience, persistence, and high-value rewards. While Bloodhounds are affectionate and eager to please, their stubborn nature and powerful scent-tracking drive can make training feel slow—but don't be discouraged. Unlike easily trainable breeds, Bloodhounds need extra motivation and consistent positive reinforcement to stay engaged. The good news is that trick training channels their natural intelligence and determination in fun ways, strengthening your bond while providing mental stimulation beyond their required 75 minutes of daily exercise. This guide breaks trick training into manageable steps, from foundation behaviors like shake to advanced sequences, all tailored to your Bloodhound's unique temperament and common training obstacles.
Step-by-step
- 1
Build a Rock-Solid Food & Scent-Based Reward System
Before teaching any trick, establish what genuinely excites your Bloodhound beyond their nose-driven instincts. Use high-value treats (small pieces of chicken, cheese, or liver) paired with enthusiastic verbal praise and quick, light touches rather than lengthy petting—Bloodhounds can lose focus during long interactions. Since scent obsession often derails training, try using treats with strong aromas or briefly waving them under your dog's nose to recapture attention when they drift.
- 2
Master the Foundation: Sit, Stay, and Reliable Focus
Start with 5-minute sessions in a quiet, distraction-free room away from interesting smells. Teach sit using a lure-and-reward method, marking success with "Yes!" the moment their bottom touches the floor. Once sit is solid (2-3 weeks), layer in stay for just 2-3 seconds at a time, rewarding heavily for maintaining eye contact—this combats their scent-obsession challenge and builds the attention span needed for trick chains.
- 3
Introduce Shake (Paw) Using Hand Targeting
Present your closed fist at nose height; when your Bloodhound naturally paws at your hand to investigate, immediately say "Shake," open your fist to reward with a treat, and praise warmly. Repeat 10–15 times per session over 3–4 weeks; Bloodhounds may take longer to grasp this than other breeds due to lower trainability. Once paw-touching is consistent, switch to an open palm and gradually introduce the "Shake" verbal cue, then the hand signal.
- 4
Build Impulse Control with Roll Over—The Stubborn Dog's Gateway Trick
Ask your Bloodhound to lie down, then use a treat lure to guide their nose toward their shoulder, encouraging them to roll onto their hip. Reward the smallest roll (even 25%) with treats and enthusiastic praise. Bloodhounds' determined nature means they may resist if frustrated; keep sessions ultra-short (3–5 minutes) and only attempt this after a solid week of down-position mastery to prevent injury or loss of interest.
- 5
Chain Simple Tricks into Two-Behavior Sequences
Once sit, shake, and roll over are independently solid, practice them in quick succession: sit → shake → treat, then sit → roll over → treat. Use a distinct verbal marker ("Chain!") before beginning, and keep the chain to just 2 behaviors initially to avoid overwhelming your Bloodhound's focus. Gradually extend chains as confidence builds, but never chain more than 3–4 behaviors—their moderate energy and scent-driven nature mean patience runs short.
- 6
Troubleshoot Recall Failure and Scent Drift with Proofing Games
Bloodhounds' notorious recall issues often manifest mid-trick when an interesting smell calls them away. Practice trick training in increasingly stimulating environments while maintaining extremely high-value rewards; never punish scent-seeking as it's instinctive. Build a "comeback" cue (a special whistle or unique word) paired with their absolute favorite reward, and practice calling them back from mild distractions (rustling paper, another room) during play sessions before expecting off-leash trick work.
Pro tips
- Train in 5-minute bursts after your Bloodhound's morning or evening walk, when their exercise quota is partially met and scent-seeking drive is temporarily lower—a fully energized or nose-obsessed Bloodhound won't focus on tricks.
- Use a marker word like 'Yes!' the instant they perform the behavior (before the reward), since Bloodhounds' stubborn, independent nature means they need ultra-clear communication about what earned the treat.
- Never train when your dog smells another animal nearby or during high-scent times (rain, damp grass)—you'll lose the competition for their attention every time. Save trick sessions for quieter, controlled indoor environments until foundation behaviors are rock-solid.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Bloodhound learn tricks so much slower than other dogs?+
Bloodhounds have a trainability rating of only 2/5—they're intelligent but highly independent and scent-motivated, which competes for their attention. Slower learning is normal; expect 4–6 weeks to solidify a single trick. Patience and ultra-high-value rewards are essential, not a sign of poor training.
My Bloodhound keeps stopping mid-trick to smell the floor. How do I refocus them?+
Scent obsession is their dominant drive and nearly impossible to suppress—instead, work with it. Train in short bursts (5 minutes max), use powerfully aromatic treats, and practice in less scent-stimulating environments initially. If they drift, pause without frustration, get their attention with a novel sound, and try again after a short break.
Is it safe to teach roll over to a large dog like a Bloodhound?+
Yes, but with caution. Bloodhounds are large and their weight puts stress on joints during rolling. Teach on a soft surface (carpet, grass, or mat), never force the motion, and reward small partial rolls rather than full 360s. Stop immediately if they show stiffness or reluctance.
How do I stop my Bloodhound from getting bored with trick training?+
Bloodhounds have moderate energy (3/5) and need variety. Rotate tricks frequently, train in different locations, and pair trick sessions with their required 75 minutes of daily exercise—a tired dog is a more focused learner. Keep rewards novel too; alternate between different high-value treats to maintain excitement.