American English Coonhound – A Friendly and Energetic Hound

The American English Coonhound is an athletic and determined hunting breed developed in the United States for tracking raccoons and other game across difficult terrain. Known for their endurance, speed, and powerful scenting ability, American English Coonhounds are energetic dogs with a friendly and outgoing temperament that makes them both skilled hunters and loyal companions. This intelligent breed thrives with active owners who can provide plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and opportunities to explore, as their strong tracking instincts and high energy levels require regular outlets. American English Coonhounds are typically social with people and other dogs, but their independent nature and strong prey drive mean early training and consistent leadership are important. With their distinctive voice, athletic build, and hardworking personality, the American English Coonhound is best suited for active households that appreciate an energetic and driven sporting dog.

⭐ 3 Things You May Not Know About the American English Coonhound

The American English Coonhound descends from English Foxhounds brought to America during the colonial period.
The breed was developed specifically for tracking raccoons and other game across rough American terrain.
American English Coonhounds are famous for their loud musical baying voice used while following scent trails.

Overview

Breed Group: Hound Group
Height: 23–26 inches
Weight: 45–65 pounds
Lifespan: 11–12 years
Temperament: Energetic, friendly, loyal, independent
Coat: Short, hard, and dense
Exercise Needs: Very high

🐾 Quick Facts About the American English Coonhound

Energy Level: Very High — American English Coonhounds are athletic hunting dogs that need extensive exercise and outdoor activity.
Grooming Needs: Low — Their short smooth coat is easy to maintain with occasional brushing.
Good With Kids: Yes — American English Coonhounds are generally affectionate, friendly, and loyal with families and children.
Trainability: Moderate — Intelligent but independent scent hounds, they respond best to patient and consistent training.
Barking Level: Very High — American English Coonhounds are naturally vocal and may bay loudly while tracking or alerting.

History & Origin

The American English Coonhound developed in the United States from English Foxhound lines brought to North America by early settlers during the 17th and 18th centuries. Hunters in the American colonies needed dogs capable of tracking raccoons, foxes, and larger game across rough forests, swamps, and mountainous terrain, leading breeders to refine hounds with greater endurance, speed, and scenting ability suited for the demanding American landscape.

As hunting styles evolved, these early hounds were selectively bred for their ability to follow scent trails over long distances and “tree” game by forcing animals such as raccoons into trees where hunters could locate them. The breed became especially valued in the southern United States, where its stamina, loud baying voice, and determination made it highly effective for nighttime hunting. Over generations, American hunters continued refining the breed into a faster and more agile coonhound while preserving its strong tracking instincts and pack-oriented temperament.

The American English Coonhound shares ancestry with several other American coonhound breeds, including the Treeing Walker Coonhound, but maintained its own distinct identity through its speed, endurance, and hunting style. These dogs became respected for their ability to work independently while still cooperating closely with hunters over difficult terrain and long hunts.

Modern American English Coonhounds still display many characteristics shaped by centuries of hunting work. Their athletic build, powerful nose, endurance, and strong prey drive reflect their original purpose as hardworking scent hounds. While now also valued as affectionate family companions, the breed remains deeply connected to its heritage as one of America’s classic hunting hounds.

Breed Traits & Personality

The American English Coonhound is a lean, athletic hunting breed developed in the United States for tracking and treeing raccoons and other game across difficult terrain. Built for endurance, speed, and scenting ability, this breed combines the stamina of a working hound with a streamlined, muscular frame designed to cover long distances efficiently. The American English Coonhound is one of the most agile and athletic of the coonhound breeds, capable of working tirelessly for hours in rough outdoor conditions.

This breed has a balanced, medium-to-large body with a deep chest, long legs, strong shoulders, and a slightly arched neck that contributes to both endurance and flexibility. The chest provides room for strong lung capacity while the lean muscle tone supports speed and stamina during extended hunts. The body should appear athletic and functional rather than bulky or overly refined.

The head is moderately broad with a slightly domed skull, long muzzle, and low-set hanging ears typical of scent hounds. The breed’s dark expressive eyes give it an alert, intelligent, and often gentle expression. Long ears help trap scent particles close to the nose while tracking, supporting the breed’s exceptional scenting ability.

The coat is short, hard, and protective without requiring heavy maintenance. Coat patterns vary widely and often include redtick, bluetick, tricolor ticking, white and red, white and black, or combinations of these patterns. The ticking and mottled coat patterns contribute greatly to the breed’s classic coonhound appearance and help visually distinguish it from other hunting breeds.

The American English Coonhound moves with smooth, ground-covering efficiency and impressive stamina. Its movement should appear effortless and coordinated, reflecting a breed built to trail game over large areas for extended periods. Overall, the breed’s appearance conveys athleticism, endurance, scenting ability, and rugged outdoor functionality.

For a broader comparison of how this breed’s size compares to others, see our Dog Size & Weight Guide.

Temperament & Personality

The American English Coonhound is known for being friendly, energetic, intelligent, and highly driven by scent and instinct. This breed was developed to work independently while tracking game, which contributes to its confident and determined personality. American English Coonhounds are generally affectionate with their families and often develop strong bonds with the people they live with.

With family members, the breed is usually social, playful, and easygoing. Many American English Coonhounds are especially friendly with children and tend to enjoy active family environments where they receive regular attention and interaction. Unlike some more reserved working breeds, this breed is often outgoing and sociable with people when properly socialized.

Because of their scent-hound heritage, these dogs are highly curious and strongly motivated by smells in their environment. Once they pick up an interesting scent trail, they may become extremely focused and determined. This strong scent drive is deeply ingrained and affects many aspects of the breed’s behavior and training.

The breed is also known for its vocal nature. American English Coonhounds often communicate through baying, howling, and loud hound vocalizations, especially when excited or following scents. Their distinctive voice is highly valued in hunting environments but may be challenging in quiet suburban settings if not properly managed.

American English Coonhounds are generally intelligent but can display independent thinking and stubbornness. Because they were bred to work at a distance from hunters while making their own decisions, they do not always respond with immediate obedience. Patience and consistency are important when working with this breed.

The breed typically does well with other dogs, especially when raised socially, because of its history as a pack hunting dog. However, smaller pets may trigger prey drive instincts if introductions and supervision are not handled carefully.

American English Coonhounds are usually happiest in active homes where they receive companionship, exercise, and opportunities to use their natural instincts. In the right environment, they become affectionate, entertaining, and highly loyal companions with tremendous personality and enthusiasm for life.

For a broader overview of personality differences between breed groups, visit our Dog Breed Temperament Guide.

Exercise & Training Needs

The American English Coonhound is a high-energy working breed that requires substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation. This breed was developed for long hours of tracking and hunting across difficult terrain, so physical endurance and stamina are deeply ingrained in its genetics.

Daily activity should include long walks, hikes, active play sessions, scent games, and opportunities for exploration. Many American English Coonhounds thrive when allowed to engage in activities that use their powerful nose and hunting instincts. Scent work, tracking exercises, and field activities are especially beneficial for this breed both mentally and physically.

Without sufficient exercise and stimulation, American English Coonhounds can become bored, noisy, restless, or destructive. Because they are highly scent-driven dogs, mental enrichment involving scent tracking is often just as important as physical exercise alone.

Training requires patience, consistency, and realistic expectations. While intelligent, this breed is highly independent and often more interested in following scents than focusing on repetitive obedience drills. Positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods usually work best, especially when training sessions are varied and engaging.

Harsh correction tends to reduce trust and cooperation rather than improve behavior. American English Coonhounds generally respond better to calm guidance, praise, treats, and opportunities to work through activities that feel rewarding and purposeful.

Recall training can be especially challenging due to the breed’s intense scent focus and prey drive. Once engaged in tracking, many coonhounds become less responsive to commands. Because of this, secure fencing and leash control are very important for safety.

Early socialization is important to build confidence and stable behavior around people, environments, sounds, and animals. Although usually friendly, proper exposure during puppyhood helps develop a well-balanced adult dog.

The breed is generally not ideal for highly sedentary households or owners looking for a quiet, low-maintenance companion. American English Coonhounds thrive best with active owners who understand scent-hound behavior and can provide both physical activity and mental engagement on a regular basis.

For training information see our Dog Training page.

Grooming Requirements

The American English Coonhound has a short, smooth coat that is relatively easy to maintain compared to many long-coated breeds. The coat was developed for practical outdoor work, providing protection while remaining low-maintenance and functional in rough terrain and changing weather conditions.

Weekly brushing is usually sufficient to remove loose hair, distribute natural oils, and maintain coat condition. Rubber grooming mitts, soft bristle brushes, or hound gloves work well for maintaining the short coat while also stimulating healthy skin circulation.

Although the breed is generally considered a moderate shedder, seasonal shedding may increase during certain times of the year. Regular brushing helps reduce loose hair buildup throughout the home while also allowing owners to monitor for skin irritation, ticks, cuts, or parasites after outdoor activities.

The breed’s long hanging ears require especially important routine care. Because airflow inside the ears is reduced, moisture and debris can become trapped, increasing the risk of ear infections. Regular ear cleaning and inspection are essential, especially for dogs that spend time outdoors in damp or wooded environments.

Bathing is typically needed only occasionally unless the dog becomes especially dirty during outdoor activity. Overbathing can dry the skin and strip natural oils from the coat. Most American English Coonhounds naturally maintain a fairly easy-care coat with routine maintenance.

Regular grooming should also include nail trimming, dental care, and inspection of paw pads and skin. Active hunting dogs may experience cuts, abrasions, or irritation from rough terrain, making routine body checks especially important.

Although grooming requirements are relatively low overall, consistent coat and ear care are essential for maintaining the American English Coonhound’s health, comfort, and working condition. The breed’s simple, functional coat fits perfectly with its rugged outdoor hunting heritage.

For further information, see our Dog Grooming Page.

Health Overview & Testing

The American English Coonhound is an athletic, determined, and highly energetic hunting breed originally developed for endurance, tracking ability, and long hours of work in difficult terrain. Known for its stamina, strong scenting instincts, and loud distinctive voice, the American English Coonhound is generally considered a hardy working dog, but like many medium-to-large active breeds, it can still be prone to certain inherited and structural health concerns. Understanding common American English Coonhound health problems and recommended breeder health testing can help puppy buyers make more informed decisions when selecting a healthy puppy. Because this breed was developed for physically demanding work over long distances, maintaining healthy joints, cardiovascular fitness, ear health, and proper body condition is especially important throughout the dog’s life.

Health issues sometimes seen in American English Coonhounds may include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, ear infections, eye disorders, hypothyroidism, gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), and certain orthopedic injuries related to intense activity levels. Some individuals may also develop skin irritation, obesity-related joint stress, or chronic ear problems due to the breed’s long hanging ears and active outdoor lifestyle. Like many deep-chested athletic breeds, the American English Coonhound may be vulnerable to gastric torsion, a potentially life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary care. While not every dog will develop these conditions, understanding the breed’s health tendencies allows owners to make better long-term decisions regarding breeding, exercise, nutrition, and preventive care.

Health Testing & Responsible Breeding

Responsible American English Coonhound breeders should perform appropriate health screenings before breeding in order to reduce the likelihood of inherited conditions being passed to future generations. Many puppy buyers are encouraged to ask about health testing, but they are often unsure which evaluations are most important for this breed. In the American English Coonhound, careful attention to orthopedic, cardiac, eye, and overall structural health is especially valuable.

Buyers should ask whether the sire and dam have completed OFA hip evaluations and whether eye examinations or cardiac evaluations have been performed when appropriate. Some responsible breeders may also evaluate elbows and discuss thyroid disease, orthopedic soundness, or health history present within their bloodlines. Because this breed was developed for endurance and physically demanding work, maintaining strong movement, healthy joints, and overall durability should remain important priorities in responsible breeding programs.

At this time, American English Coonhound breeder health testing relies primarily on veterinary evaluations, orthopedic screening, and long-term pedigree knowledge rather than a large number of breed-specific DNA panels. However, responsible breeders should still be willing to openly discuss inherited health concerns within their lines and explain the purpose of the testing they perform. Ethical breeders understand that preserving the American English Coonhound involves much more than maintaining hunting ability alone — it also includes protecting sound temperament, healthy structure, long-term mobility, and overall breed longevity.

Before American English Coonhound puppies are placed into new homes, they should receive a complete veterinary wellness examination that evaluates the heart, eyes, ears, bite alignment, joints, parasite status, overall structure, and general physical development. Because active sporting and hunting breeds can place significant physical demands on growing joints and muscles, proper nutrition and controlled development during puppyhood are especially important. Puppies should also leave with age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming records, feeding guidance, and recommendations for safe exercise and early socialization.

A responsible American English Coonhound breeder should willingly provide documentation of completed health clearances and openly discuss inherited health concerns that may affect the breed. Puppy buyers should be cautious of breeders who avoid health discussions, refuse to provide testing information, or claim their dogs are completely free of health issues. Ethical breeding focuses on reducing inherited risk through careful selection, health testing, pedigree knowledge, and lifelong breeder support rather than making unrealistic promises.

Preventive Care & Long-Term Wellness

Maintaining proper body condition and regular exercise is especially important for the American English Coonhound because this breed was developed for stamina, endurance, and physically demanding outdoor work. Without sufficient exercise and mental stimulation, some individuals may become bored, vocal, restless, or difficult to manage. Regular physical activity helps support cardiovascular health, muscle tone, joint stability, and emotional well-being throughout life.

Routine ear care is also important due to the breed’s long hanging ears, which can trap moisture, debris, and bacteria more easily than erect ears. Regular ear cleaning and monitoring may help reduce the risk of chronic ear infections, irritation, or odor, particularly in dogs that spend significant time outdoors.

Because the American English Coonhound is a deep-chested breed, owners should learn the warning signs of bloat and gastric torsion, including abdominal swelling, pacing, drooling, unsuccessful vomiting attempts, and sudden distress. Immediate emergency veterinary treatment is critical if these symptoms occur. Some owners of deep-chested sporting breeds discuss preventive gastropexy surgery with their veterinarian, particularly when another abdominal procedure is already planned.

Maintaining healthy body weight is also important because excess weight places additional strain on the joints, hips, elbows, and cardiovascular system. Although naturally athletic, some dogs may become less active outside of hunting or working environments and may gain weight if exercise and nutrition are not carefully managed.

Routine veterinary examinations throughout adulthood and senior years remain important for monitoring joint health, ear condition, thyroid function, mobility, cardiovascular wellness, and overall health. Early detection of developing problems often allows for more successful long-term management and improved quality of life.

Lifespan & Senior American English Coonhound Care

The American English Coonhound often lives approximately 11 to 12 years when responsibly bred and properly cared for. Senior American English Coonhounds may gradually develop arthritis, reduced stamina, hearing decline, thyroid imbalance, muscle loss, or decreased mobility as they age. Some older dogs may also become more prone to weight gain or require adjustments in exercise intensity due to orthopedic changes.

As American English Coonhounds enter their senior years, many owners focus on maintaining moderate low-impact exercise, healthy weight management, joint support, supportive bedding, and regular wellness monitoring. Because the breed often remains mentally alert and eager to stay active, continued enrichment and interaction remain important even during the senior years.

With attentive care, preventive veterinary support, responsible breeding, and a healthy lifestyle, many American English Coonhounds continue to thrive as loyal, energetic, and highly capable companions well into old age.

You can find information about the diseases that may affect this breed in our Dog Health Dictionary.

Is This Breed Right for You?

The American English Coonhound is an energetic, intelligent, and determined hunting breed known for its endurance, athletic ability, and strong tracking instincts. Originally developed for hunting raccoons and other game, these dogs are hardworking, vocal, and highly driven outdoors while often being affectionate and friendly with their families.

While loyal and active companions, the American English Coonhound is not the ideal fit for every household. Here’s a quick overview to help you decide:

✔ Ideal for:

Active owners who enjoy outdoor activities and exercise
People experienced with scent hounds or sporting breeds
Homes with secure fenced yards or safe exercise areas
Families looking for an energetic and social companion
Owners willing to provide training and mental stimulation

❌ Not Ideal for:

People wanting a quiet or low-energy dog
Homes without adequate exercise opportunities
Owners unprepared for vocalization and baying
People expecting reliable off-leash behavior in open areas
Homes where the dog will frequently be left alone for long periods

Finding a Responsible Breeder or Rescue

If you’re interested in bringing a dog of this breed into your home, consider adopting from a rescue organization or finding a reputable breeder.

Find a Reliable Rescue:

Read our page about how to adopt from a reliable dog rescue.

Find reliable rescues through our Dog Rescue Directory.

Find a Responsible Breeder:

Read our information page about buying a healthy puppy from a responsible breeder.

Find responsible breeders through our Dog Breeders Directory.

Puppy Considerations

American English Coonhound puppies are energetic, curious, and highly driven by scent from an early age. Early socialization and training are important to help puppies develop confidence and good manners while learning how to focus their energy appropriately.

These puppies are intelligent and eager to explore, but their strong scent-tracking instincts can sometimes make training challenging. Positive reinforcement and consistency work best, especially when combined with patience and engaging activities.

Puppies benefit from:

Early socialization with people, dogs, and new environments
Secure fencing and leash training
Daily exercise and mentally stimulating activities
Consistent routines and positive reinforcement training
Safe opportunities to explore and use their nose

Because of the breed’s strong prey drive and scent instincts, young puppies should be supervised carefully outdoors and taught recall skills early, although many scent hounds may still become distracted by strong scents as adults.

Living With an American English Coonhound

Living with an American English Coonhound can be rewarding for owners who enjoy active, energetic dogs with strong personalities. These dogs are often affectionate with their families and generally enjoy companionship and interaction.

American English Coonhounds require regular exercise and mental stimulation to remain healthy and balanced. Many enjoy hiking, long walks, scent games, and activities that allow them to use their natural tracking abilities.

This breed is known for its distinctive baying voice, which may not be ideal for close neighbors or apartment living. Secure fencing is also important, as scent hounds may follow interesting smells without paying attention to boundaries.

Families with respectful children often enjoy the breed’s playful and social nature. However, supervision around small pets may be necessary due to the breed’s hunting instincts.

Feeding a balanced, high-quality diet and maintaining a healthy weight are important for supporting long-term joint health, stamina, and overall wellness. Regular exercise and veterinary care also play important roles in helping the breed thrive.

Final Thoughts…

The American English Coonhound is an athletic, determined, and affectionate breed that thrives with active owners who understand the needs of scent hounds and working dogs. Their endurance, intelligence, and outgoing personality make them rewarding companions for the right homes.

With proper training, exercise, socialization, and companionship, the American English Coonhound can become a loyal and energetic lifelong family companion.

Are you considering adding an American English Coonhound to your family?

🐶 American English Coonhounds FAQs

Are American English Coonhounds good family dogs?
Yes, they can be excellent family dogs for active households that can meet their exercise needs.

Do American English Coonhounds bark a lot?
They are known for being vocal and may bay loudly, especially when excited or following a scent.

Are American English Coonhounds easy to train?
They are intelligent but independent. Consistent, positive training works best.

Are American English Coonhounds good with children?
Yes, American English Coonhounds are generally good with children, especially when raised with them. Their friendly and playful nature makes them good companions, though supervision is recommended due to their size and energy level.

Can American English Coonhounds live in an apartment?
This breed is not well suited for apartment living. American English Coonhounds require plenty of daily exercise and space to roam, and their vocal nature can be challenging in close living environments.

Do American English Coonhounds get along with other pets?
They usually get along well with other dogs, but their strong prey drive means caution is needed around smaller pets unless they are properly socialized from a young age.

Are American English Coonhounds prone to separation anxiety?
They can become bored or vocal if left alone for long periods. This breed does best in homes where they receive regular mental stimulation, companionship, and physical activity.

Similar Breeds You Might Like

If you’re interested in the American English Coonhound, you may also enjoy learning about these similar large and sighthound breeds:

American Foxhound – Athletic and independent, this classic hunting hound is known for endurance, speed, and a friendly but determined nature.
Bloodhound – Famous for its extraordinary sense of smell, the Bloodhound is gentle, devoted, and highly skilled at tracking scents over long distances.
Black and Tan Coonhound – A powerful scent hound with a calm demeanor at home, this breed shares the American English Coonhound’s hunting background and strong prey drive.

Learn more about other dogs with similar traits and care needs in our Dog Owner’s Library, where you’ll find helpful guides on training, behavior, and choosing the right breed for your lifestyle.

🐾 Lisa’s Picks for American English Coonhounds

As someone who has worked with dogs for over 50 years—including more than 20 years helping with housebreaking and everyday care—I’m often asked for product recommendations. I’ve found that a few simple items can make a big difference in a dog’s comfort and daily routine.

If you have an American English Coonhound or are planning to bring one into your home, these products and tips can help support your journey together.

🛏️ 1. Dog Beds

👉 My Tip: Waterproof Bed Protection (My Personal Favorite Trick)

One thing I personally do is use twin-size waterproof mattress covers over larger dog beds. They’re easy to wash, protect the bed beneath, and save money long-term—especially helpful for puppies, seniors, or heavy shedders. You can find different colors and patterns that fit your decor.

For tiny dog beds, you can use waterproof pillow covers that fit over the beds to protect them and save money long-term.

I use the same idea around the house, too. Washable, waterproof couch covers are a simple way to protect furniture from dirt, shedding, and accidents—especially helpful with puppies, seniors, or dogs that love the couch.

* Orthopedic Foam Dog Beds:
A high-quality orthopedic bed is one of the best investments you can make for your dog. I recommend these for every breed, once they are out of the chewing stage, especially as they age. They provide joint support, improve comfort, and help dogs truly rest.

* Tough Dog Beds for Dogs That Chew:
If your dog tends to chew or destroy their bedding, a standard plush bed may not last long. In these cases, I recommend tough, chew-resistant dog beds made with reinforced materials.
These are designed to hold up better against digging, scratching, and chewing, and can save you from constantly replacing beds. While no bed is completely indestructible, choosing a more durable option can make a big difference.

* Puppies need Simple Washable Bedding:
For young puppies that are still learning house training, I often suggest starting with simple, washable blankets instead of an expensive dog bed.
Thick towels, fleece throws, or washable pads work very well during this stage. They’re easy to clean, quick to replace, and help protect your main dog beds until your puppy is more reliable. Once house training is more consistent, you can transition to a more permanent, supportive bed.

✂️ 2. Proper Grooming Tools for the American English Coonhound Coat

American English Coonhounds have a short, smooth coat rather than a dense double coat, so their grooming needs are fairly simple. Using the right tools still helps keep the coat healthy and looking its best.

A soft brush or rubber grooming brush works well to remove loose hair and keep the coat clean, while occasional use of a grooming mitt can help distribute natural oils and maintain a healthy shine. A metal comb can be used lightly for detail work if needed.

American English Coonhounds are moderate shedders, and regular brushing helps control loose hair and keep the skin and coat in good condition.

Regular brushing:

Helps prevent mats
Reduces shedding
Keeps the coat healthy

🦴 3. Treats (Great for All Dogs)

Jerky Treats for Dogs: Almost all dogs love soft, easy-to-break NATURAL jerky treats. They’re perfect for rewarding good behavior without overfeeding. Soft jerky treats provide protein and are easy to chew.
Tiny Treats for Small Dogs
For small dogs, I recommend using very tiny, NATURAL training treats that are soft and easy to chew. This lets you reward often without overfeeding.

Stronger Chew Treats for Larger Dogs
Dogs that enjoy a more robust chewing experience will benefit from stronger chew treats. Some larger dogs may still go through them quickly, while others will take more time—so it often depends on the individual dog.

👉 My Tip: Check Ingredient Labels

I always recommend checking the ingredient label when choosing treats at the store. Dogs don’t need added sugar or artificial ingredients, and some treats can upset their stomach or cause diarrhea. Look for all-natural ingredient labels, and single ingredient or few ingredient labels are preferred.

It’s important to note that even among the same breed, some dogs enjoy chewing more than others, and many have preferences for certain types of chews. If you notice bleeding gums during chewing, it’s a good idea to have your dog examined by a veterinarian to rule out any dental issues.

🧠 4. Enrichment Toys for Mental Stimulation

American English Coonhounds are active, so giving them something to do is important.

An enrichment toy can help:

Prevent boredom
Reduce unwanted behaviors
Keep their mind engaged

When choosing an enrichment toy, think about your dog’s personality and needs. Some dogs love puzzle toys and mental challenges, while others are happier with something they can chew or carry around.

🐕 5. Safe, Comfortable Harness, Collar & Leash

From my experience, choosing the right walking gear can make a big difference in both safety and control. Some harnesses and collars are designed to help prevent dogs from slipping out, which is especially important for strong or easily startled dogs, and those are the types I personally recommend for safety.

Harness: A quality, comfortable properly fitted harness can make walks more comfortable and easier to manage—especially for dogs that tend to pull or get excited outdoors. If you have a dog that tries to wiggle out of their harness, search for an “escape proof” harness that has an extra strap towards the back.

Collar: I use and prefer safety martingale collars, as they can help prevent dogs from backing out of their collar while still being more gentle than traditional collars when used correctly.

Leash: Choose a lightweight leash for small dogs and a sturdier, heavier leash for larger dogs to ensure good control. Nylon leashes are strong and long-lasting. Some leashes also include a comfortable padded handle.

👉 My Tip: Avoid Retractable Leashes

I don’t recommend retractable leashes, as they can break and tangle easily and create safety issues and tripping hazards.

💡 Lisa’s Tip:

You don’t need a lot of products to care for a dog well… just the right ones. Focus on comfort, consistency, and routine, and you’ll make life easier for both you and your dog.

🔎 Affiliate Note

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Learn more about responsible dog ownership, dog health and daily care:

Written by Lisa Puskas — Author and founder of Dog-Breeds.net with 50+ years of hands-on experience raising, showing, and training dogs. She is dedicated to preserving dog breeds, educating responsible ownership, and supporting rescue organizations by helping improve long-term adoption success.

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