Common Questions…

The PBGV is an active, curious, busy, happy, alert, super friendly, independent and highly intelligent hound. He’s affectionate and willing to please. He’s a dog that needs ‘people attention’ and if his owner neglects him, he will be sure you know it! This is because the PBGV is basically a pack animal and likes being social and having others around.

You may have heard that PBGV’s are hard to train. This is not true! The PBGV is intelligent and can be trained for many purposes. He also has a great desire to please. The problem for the owner is the dog is so smart that he often has his own agenda, which may not be the same as the owners!

The first training for any dog should be basic obedience to learn good manners. Today, PBGVs are not only show dogs, but also compete successfully in obedience, rally, tracking, scent work and agility trials. Every dog can participate in the AKC Star Puppy and Canine Good Citizen (CGC) programs offered in almost all communities. A few are used in search and rescue and as therapy dogs. Kennel clubs, local dog training clubs and some animal supply stores can provide you with information about obedience, rally and agility classes, and about participating in therapy work and visitation programs.

Our breed standard states that “he has a good voice which is freely used.” Rarely do PBGV’s bark for no reason. Usually it is someone ringing the doorbell or maybe a loud noise in the street.

A bored or lonely PBGV (like most dogs) will make his own ‘entertainment’. Giving your dog a variety of toys and dog chews, a safe environment and eliminating the opportunity to be destructive will control this potential problem. The use of a crate not only provides this safety, but it also becomes his own special place.

PBGV’s generally love all people – size doesn’t matter. Most dogs, including the PBGV, seem to have a natural affinity with children. As with any dog, you should never leave a young child and your pet together unattended. Particularly when a child has cookies, goodies, or is playing with their toys at the same level as the dog.

Sorry! This is one breed that should not be allowed to be off lead. The hunting instinct is too strong. All that is needed is one small scent and your hunter will be off on the chase.

If you want to allow your dog to play freely in your yard, you will need a secure fence. Some PBGV’s are good escape artists so the fence should ideally be 4 to 6 ft. high. This is one place that digging may be a problem. Watch for small holes and/or signs of interest along the fence line. He would as soon go under as he would to go over. Some owners may wish to use a variety of ‘invisible fencing’. This is not recommended. A PBGV who sees a rabbit or squirrel on the other side of the yard will often ignore the electrical shock to chase this prey. An invisible fence also will not prevent other intruders from coming on your property. A permanent fence is the safest approach!

Yes, if the owner is consistent with exercising the dog. A PBGV needs lots of exercise and just taking the dog out to relieve itself is not sufficient. Several half mile or longer walks each day should provide the necessary exercise.

One PBGV is a marvelous experience. Two PBGV’s are a greater joy. They provide company and entertainment for each other and for you! Any new animal being brought into your home and properly introduced will usually make friends with the current dog. PBGV’s ordinarily get along well with the rest of the family pets and with other dogs that come into their home.