Roading

[jcutler]

How far and how often do you guys road your dogs when you're just keeping them in good shape in the offseason?

[Brent Sinclair]

Anywhere from 2- 5 times a week and from 4 to 10 miles or more if it's not to hot and they are willing to go .
I have a lot of creeks and water where I run mine so its a big plus, I'll givum a break at a creek and then start out slow again after I let them have a little water, I never let them belly up just enough to get them back on the workout.
I road them even during the season when I am looking for a lion.
Hounds need to be kept in shape with conditioning like this, I have had some of mine live a great long life (16 years) and I attribute it to keeping them in shape all year long.

[duke7581]

4-6 times a week for 2-3 months before training season starts and anywhere from a fast 2-3 mile to a med paced 10-15 mile. I run mine in hay field on private prop off lead behind atv because we have a leash law in this stupid state!

[Redwood Coonhounds]

I agree, keeping them in shape all the time does wonders. I try to get mine out 2-5 days a week roading and/or hunting. I do a lot of road hunting in the winter, summer and spring for coon and fox. Bear season was usually the only time I really rig hunted quite a bit. Mine go anywhere from 5 - 15 miles each time I take them out. They average running in front of the truck at anywhere from 8-15 mph steady. Sometimes I'll push them a little harder. It's mountains, so its steep and has a mixture of gravel and hard packed red dirt.