What's the best way to reward a Plott Hound after a successful hunt?

Question

Accepted Answer

Immediate Reward When the hunt is over, immediately provide a reward to your Plott Hound. This can be a combination of physical praise, such as pats on the head and chest, and verbal rewards like ‘good boy’ or ‘well done.’ You can also use a treat-filled reward container, like a Kong toy filled with peanut butter or a similar substance, to satisfy their instinctual drive.
Training for Reward To train your Plott Hound for reward, use a reward-based system that combines immediate reward with delayed reward. For example, after a successful track, give your Plott Hound a treat-filled reward container immediately, then wait 30 minutes to give another treat, and finally, after 1 hour, provide a long-lasting treat like a bully stick. This system helps your dog understand that the reward is not just for the immediate action but for the process of tracking and hunting.
Post-Hunt Care After a successful hunt, especially in mountain terrain, your Plott Hound may have developed lactic acid buildup due to their high-energy tracking and hunting. To prevent muscle soreness, provide your dog with plenty of water and a 30-minute rest period. You can also use a cooling pad or a cooling vest to help reduce their body temperature, especially if they hunted in extreme heat. Additionally, consider using a supplement like joint support or omega-3 fatty acids to help with their joint health and overall well-being.