The Spotlight shines on a dog representing Coonhounds – breeds not often seen in the agility ring. Barley is a handsome Treeing Walker Coonhound who not only holds his Novice Agility titles and runs agility on his League team in Ohio – he is the top TWC in AKC Fast CAT in the nation! His owner, Heather, tells us more about working with this drivey, but challenging, breed in the sport of agility!
Call Name: Barley
Breed: Treeing Walker Coonhound
Age: 3 1/2 years
AKC Registered name: Rambling in Tall Grass NA NAJ NF CA FCAT2 CGC
Owner name: Heather Chambers
City/State: Stow, OH
Team name & Division: Rubber City Renegades – Limited Sophomore
How did you come to own a Treeing Walker and why did you choose that breed – or did they choose you?
I came to own a Treeing Walker Coonhound (TWC) for a few reasons. A friend of mine owns a TWC, and I thought she was beautiful. I have always been a hound person (Beagle is my other breed), and I asked her if she was ever going to breed her. Since she was young, it wasn’t going to be for a while. Hence, she hooked me up to some breeders, and one five-hour drive to Virginia, and Barley came home with me!! He was 4 months. I was going down a very rough road with some significant losses in my life at the time, and Barley filled those holes.
When and how did you start training Barley in agility?
Barley’s training started in a puppy foundation class, where he earned his Canine Good Citizen title. We did some rally and obedience work, starting about 4 months after I got him, because I was finally emotionally ready. But my sport is agility, so we started training at All About Dogs as well as training on my own.
Anything different about working a scent hound in a sport like agility? What advice do you have for others training scent hounds in agility?
I have always trained dogs from the hound group, so they always have challenges with their hunting instincts. However, Barley came from a very good hunting line, so his prey drive was much stronger than any of my Beagles. Barley is very smart, and if he sets his mind to it, he is a success. Sometimes Barley goes hot and cold during training …he does not like to repeat things over and over. My advice to anyone training scent hounds is patience and consistency, go in with an open mind, think out of the box and have fun!!
How has League helped with training, and what are your favorite things about the league program?
Agility League has really helped with distractions and creating a more “realistic trial setting.” Barley can do everything in agility and is quite good, however, he does stress in the ring.
Does Barley do any other sports?
Barley does do other sports. Fast CAT is his favorite, and he has been the fastest TWC in the country two years in a row!!! He has also earned a title in Coursing Ability. Barley has STRONG prey drive!
What is his favorite reward?
Barley’s favorite reward, of course, is food. When he was a puppy. I incorporated toys, but they no longer hold his interest.
Future goals?
My future goals for Barley include continuing to run Fast CAT as long as that is his thing. My thing is agility so, we will keep on that trail as well.
Anything else you want to add?
Barley is the most challenging dog I have yet to own, in sports and at home,…BUT he is the most loving dog I have ever owned as well. So, although I am sometimes frustrated with his agility performances, I really love my TWC!