Coonhounds are intelligent, and they have a boundless amount of energy not only when they are puppies, but throughout their lives. Being highly skilled scent hounds, their training must start as early as possible to curb a dog’s strong tracking instinct. However, their training must be fair and consistent throughout their lives which in short, means these active hounds need to be handled and trained by someone who understands their needs. They are never happier than when they know who they can look to for direction and guidance which is why it’s essential for owners to be the alpha dog in the household when sharing a home with a Black and Tan Coonhound.