One question I am asked more than any other by new coonhound owners is "How can I teach my dog to come when I call?" To be sure, coonhounds can be a little difficult in this area. If you've ever watched one around the yard you've probably already noticed how they move about furiously with their nose to the ground. They are busy hunting and they are oblivious to your commands. They aren't being bad dogs, it is just natural for them to trail game with a single minded determination.  

With just a little work you will be able to get your hound to pay attention to you. I have used the following technique on my dogs over the years. After 3 to 5 days of short sessions, most of my dogs are trained to come when called. 

I use a long rope and a shock collar in my training program. If you don't own a shock collar, most pet stores carry them and some even offer rentals. Get one with a warning tone if at all possible.

 This document assumes that you are already familiar with the proper use of shock collars. If this is not true in your case, I encourage you to obtain instruction BEFORE attempting to train your pet(s) with a shock collar. 

On the first day I spend 15 to 30 minutes with my hound on a long rope out in the front yard. I won't use the shock collar today but I put it on the dog so it gets used to having it on. I walk around and let my student wander away from me. When we are separated by a reasonable distance, I will stop, call out "here" and then I gently reel him/her in to me. I repeat this several times. 

After calling my pet in like this a couple of times I expect that it should no longer need to be "reeled in". If my hound is unresponsive when I call, I will change my technique. Instead of just gently reeling in, I give a good jerk on the rope first to get my pets attention. 

Next day I would still use a rope but give a slight shock if the dog does not respond to my voice command. The rope is necessary because some dogs will bolt the first time they are shocked. Make sure you real them in and praise them.

Next day, take them to a park or some place with a lot of distractions. Make sure to have the rope and collar on. Let them wander out and start investigating the people and then call them back. Give a tug on the rope if they don't respond, then a warning tone and even a slight shock and finally reel them in if necessary. Do this a few times.

Final test. Put the collar on and let the dog loose without the rope. Call them in. If they don't respond, give the warning tone. If still no response, use a shock. Some dogs will try to run away at this point, DO NOT let the dog get away at any cost. It may seem cruel but shock that dog until it finally comes.

When hunting and going for off leash walks, always put on the collar. Most hounds will still need the warning tone occasionally and even a shock once in a great while.

I have successfully trained dogs for myself and other people using this method.