Bloodhound Puppies: The Complete Week-by-Week Care & Training Guide

If you've committed to bringing home a Bloodhound puppy, you've signed up for one of the most rewarding — and most slobber-intensive — journeys in dog ownership. Bloodhounds are scent hounds bred for endurance tracking, which means your puppy will arrive hardwired to follow their nose above all else. That single trait reshapes every aspect of early care: potty training takes longer, recall training demands more creativity, and socialization requires deliberate planning because a distracted Bloodhound is a deaf Bloodhound.

This guide walks you through every developmental stage from week 4 through month 12, with breed-specific adjustments for the Bloodhound's unique physiology — their deep chest (bloat risk), loose skin folds (infection risk), rapid growth rate (joint stress risk), and legendary nose (training challenge).

When to Bring Your Bloodhound Puppy Home

The ideal age to bring a Bloodhound puppy home is 8 to 10 weeks. While some breeders release puppies at 8 weeks, many experienced Bloodhound breeders prefer to hold puppies until 9 or 10 weeks. The reasoning is breed-specific: Bloodhound puppies are notably clumsy and slow to develop coordination compared to sporting or herding breeds. An extra week or two with littermates teaches bite inhibition and social cues that are harder to replicate in a single-puppy household.

Before pickup day, confirm your breeder has completed the following: first deworming (typically at 2 and 4 weeks), initial DHPP vaccine at 6–8 weeks, microchip registration, and a veterinary wellness exam. Reputable Bloodhound breeders affiliated with the American Kennel Club will also provide OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) health clearances for both parents, specifically screening for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cardiac conditions.

The first 48 hours at home: Expect whimpering the first two nights. Place a ticking clock or a heartbeat-simulating toy (like the SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy, approximately $40–$55) in the crate to mimic littermate sounds. Do not bring the puppy into your bed as a comfort measure — this creates a precedent that will be extremely difficult to reverse with a dog that will eventually weigh 90+ pounds.

Bloodhound Puppy Development: Week-by-Week Milestones

Bloodhound puppies develop on a slightly delayed timeline compared to more precocious breeds. Their large skeletal frame means growth plates remain open longer, and their characteristic loose skin and wrinkling doesn't fully settle until around 18 months. Here's what to expect at each stage.

Feeding Your Bloodhound Puppy: Schedule and Portions

Bloodhound puppies must be fed a large-breed puppy formula — this is non-negotiable. Standard puppy food promotes growth rates that are too rapid for a dog destined to weigh 80–110 lb (36–50 kg), increasing the risk of developmental orthopedic diseases like hip dysplasia and hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD). Look for the AAFCO statement on the bag confirming the food meets nutritional profiles for "growth" or "all life stages" and specifically references large-breed growth.

Recommended brands that meet WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) guidelines include Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy, Royal Canin Giant Puppy, and Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Puppy. Expect to pay $55–$85 per 30-lb bag.

Vaccination Schedule for Bloodhound Puppies

Your Bloodhound puppy's vaccination schedule follows standard canine protocols, but timing matters because maternal antibodies interfere with vaccine efficacy in young puppies. This is why boosters are given every 2–4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. Here is the core vaccine schedule as recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association:

Your veterinarian may adjust this schedule based on local disease prevalence and your puppy's individual risk factors. Leptospirosis vaccination is particularly worth discussing for Bloodhounds, as their ground-level nose work and tendency to investigate standing water increases exposure risk.

Socialization Window: Weeks 3–14

The primary socialization period for puppies closes around 12–14 weeks of age. For Bloodhound puppies, this window is especially important because the breed can develop shyness or wariness if underexposed during this period. A well-socialized Bloodhound is confident and steady; an under-socialized one may become fearful, which combined with 90+ pounds of dog creates a serious management problem.

However, you face a tension: your puppy is not fully vaccinated until 16 weeks, and parvovirus can survive in soil for months. The solution, endorsed by the AVMA and the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, is structured, controlled socialization — not isolation.

Bloodhound Puppy Socialization Checklist

Aim for positive exposure to at least 5 new items per category before 14 weeks:

• Surfaces: Grass, gravel, sand, metal grates, wet pavement, wooden decks, tile floors
• People: Children (supervised), people wearing hats/sunglasses, people in uniforms, tall people, people using mobility aids, people of different ethnicities
• Sounds: Vacuum cleaners, doorbells, thunderstorms (use recordings at low volume), traffic, construction noise, fireworks recordings
• Objects: Umbrellas opening, plastic bags rustling, bicycles, skateboards, strollers, trash cans
• Animals: Fully vaccinated adult dogs (known health status), cats (controlled introduction), livestock if rural setting
• Handling: Paw touching, ear examination, mouth opening, nail clipping practice, being lifted, wearing a harness, wearing a muzzle (positive association)
• Environments: Car rides, veterinary clinic (happy visits with treats only), pet-friendly stores, outdoor seating areas, parking lots

Rule: Every new experience must be paired with high-value treats (boiled chicken, cheese, commercial training treats). If your puppy shows fear, increase distance from the stimulus and let them approach at their own pace. Never force a frightened Bloodhound puppy toward something — this creates lasting negative associations.

Potty Training a Bloodhound Puppy: Realistic Timelines

Set your expectations now: most Bloodhound puppies are not reliably house-trained until 5 to 7 months of age. This is later than smaller breeds, and it's normal. Bloodhound puppies have proportionally large bladders but are also easily distracted — they may start heading toward the door, catch an interesting scent, and completely forget their original mission.

Potty Training Schedule by Age

• 8–10 weeks: Take outside every 30–45 minutes during waking hours, plus immediately after meals, naps, and play sessions. Expect 15–20 outings per day.
• 10–14 weeks: Every 45–60 minutes during the day. Puppy can begin to signal (sniffing, circling, heading to door). Overnight hold: 3–4 hours maximum.
• 14–20 weeks: Every 60–90 minutes. Overnight hold: 5–6 hours. Accidents should decrease in frequency if schedule is consistent.
• 5–7 months: Every 2–3 hours. Overnight hold: 7–8 hours. Puppy should be signaling reliably. Occasional accidents still normal during excitement or schedule disruptions.

Common Potty Training Problems in Bloodhounds

"Submissive urination" when greeting: Common in Bloodhound puppies. Solution: ignore the puppy for the first 60 seconds when arriving home. Greet calmly at their level, outside if possible. Do not punish — this worsens the behavior.

Forgetting to signal: Bloodhound puppies are often so focused on environmental scents that they don't develop clear "I need to go" signals early. Solution: maintain a rigid schedule rather than waiting for signals. The schedule creates the habit; signals develop as a byproduct.

Marking behavior (males, from ~6 months): Intact males may begin lifting their leg indoors. Solution: increase outdoor potty frequency, supervise closely indoors, and discuss neutering timing with your veterinarian.

Crate Training Progression and Time Limits

A crate is essential for a Bloodhound puppy. This breed is notoriously curious and will investigate everything within reach — including electrical cords, medications, and small objects that pose choking hazards. Crate training also accelerates potty training because puppies instinctively avoid soiling their sleeping area.

For Bloodhound puppies, select a 48-inch or 54-inch crate (MidWest iCrate or Frisco Heavy Duty, $60–$120) with a divider panel so you can adjust the interior space as the puppy grows. The crate should be large enough for the adult dog to stand, turn around, and lie down stretched out — but the puppy section should be just large enough for sleeping and turning, not large enough for a potty corner.

Crate Time Limits by Age

• 8–10 weeks: Maximum 30–60 minutes during the day (except overnight sleep stretches). Crate near your sleeping area at night.
• 10–14 weeks: Maximum 1–2 hours during the day. Overnight: 3–4 hours before a potty break.
• 3–4 months: Maximum 2–3 hours during the day. Overnight: 5–6 hours.
• 5–6 months: Maximum 3–4 hours during the day. Overnight: 7–8 hours.

Important: A Bloodhound puppy should never be crated for more than 4 hours during waking hours. Extended crating in this breed leads to frustration-based destruction and can contribute to anxiety. If you work full-time, arrange for a midday dog walker or come home during lunch.

Teething Timeline and Relief Strategies

Bloodhound puppies begin losing baby teeth around 12–16 weeks, with the full set of 42 adult teeth typically erupted by 6–7 months. The peak discomfort period is months 4–5, when the canine teeth and premolars push through. During this window, your puppy will chew relentlessly.

Safe Chew Recommendations for Bloodhound Puppies

• Kong Classic (Red or Black, size Large or XL): $12–$18. Stuff with peanut butter (xylitol-free) or plain yogurt and freeze for 2–4 hours. The cold numbs sore gums. Supervise use.
• Benebone Wishbone (Large): $14–$20. Nylon-based, bacon-flavored. Durable enough for Bloodhound jaw strength. Replace when worn down significantly.
• Frozen carrots or banana slices: Free, safe, and provide cold relief. Supervise to prevent choking on large pieces.
• Wet washcloth (frozen): Wet a clean washcloth, twist into a rope, freeze, and let puppy chew under supervision. Remove once thawed.
• Nylabone Power Chew (Souper size): $10–$16. Select the largest size appropriate — Bloodhound puppies can fracture teeth on chews that are too hard. The "press your thumbnail into it" test: if you can't leave an indent, it may be too hard for puppy teeth.

Common Bloodhound Puppy Problems and Solutions

Puppy Biting and Nipping

Bloodhound puppies explore the world with their mouths, and their loose, pendulous lips can make their nipping feel more intrusive than other breeds. Normal puppy mouthing peaks between 10–16 weeks.

Solution using positive reinforcement: When teeth contact skin, say "ouch" in a calm, slightly surprised tone and immediately withdraw attention for 10–15 seconds (stand up, turn away, or step behind a baby gate). When the puppy offers gentle play or licks instead, reward with praise and continued interaction. Redirect persistent biting to an appropriate chew toy. Consistency across all household members is critical — if one person allows mouthing and another doesn't, the puppy cannot learn the rule.

Leash Pulling

This problem emerges around 4–6 months when the puppy gains real strength and their scent drive kicks in fully. A 50-lb Bloodhound adolescent pulling on a flat collar can cause their own tracheal damage.

Solution: Use a front-clip harness (Ruffwear Front Range or Freedom No-Pull Harness, $30–$45) that redirects forward momentum sideways. Practice "stop when the leash goes tight" — the moment tension appears on the leash, stop walking. Resume only when the puppy looks back at you or the leash slackens. Pair with high-value treats for walking at your side. Begin this training at 10 weeks while the puppy is still light enough to manage easily.

Howling and Vocalization

Bloodhounds are vocal dogs. Puppies may howl when crated, when left alone, or when they detect interesting scents. This is breed-typical behavior, not a behavioral disorder.

Solution: For crate howling, ensure the puppy has been exercised and has eliminated before crating. Provide a food-stuffed Kong. Ignore attention-seeking howling entirely — even yelling "quiet" is perceived as you joining in. Reward silence. For scent-triggered howling (your puppy smells a rabbit outside), redirect with a trained cue like "look at me" and reward compliance.

Destructive Chewing

Bloodhound puppies can destroy baseboards, furniture legs, and shoes with alarming efficiency. This peaks during teething (4–6 months) but can persist through adolescence if the puppy is under-exercised or under-stimulated.

Solution: Puppy-proof your home by removing accessible items and using bitter apple spray (Grannick's Bitter Apple, $8–$12) on furniture legs. Provide a rotation of 5–7 approved chew toys to prevent boredom. Ensure daily mental stimulation — scent work games (hide treats around the house and let the puppy find them) are ideal for this breed and tire them out more effectively than physical exercise alone.

When Can Your Bloodhound Puppy Go Outside and Meet Other Dogs?

Your puppy can explore your own yard (if no unknown dogs have access) immediately upon coming home. For public spaces — parks, sidewalks, pet stores — follow this timeline:

• 8–12 weeks (pre-full vaccination): Carry your puppy in a sling or carrier for socialization outings. Let them observe people, traffic, and environments without paws touching public ground. Attend puppy socialization classes only if the facility requires proof of first DHPP vaccine and maintains strict sanitation protocols.
• 12–16 weeks (post-second DHPP): Brief, controlled walks in low-traffic residential areas. Avoid dog parks entirely. Arrange playdates with known, fully vaccinated dogs in private yards.
• 16+ weeks (post-third DHPP and rabies): Your puppy is considered fully vaccinated. Wait 5–7 days after the final DHPP for immunity to build. Then you can safely visit dog parks, hiking trails, and other public areas. Continue to monitor interactions — Bloodhound puppies play clumsily and may overwhelm smaller dogs.

First-Year Cost Breakdown for a Bloodhound Puppy

Frequently Asked Questions About Bloodhound Puppies

How often should I feed my Bloodhound puppy at 10 weeks old?

At 10 weeks, feed 3 to 4 meals per day of large-breed puppy formula. Each meal should be approximately 1 to 1.5 cups of dry kibble, adjusted based on your puppy's body condition score and your veterinarian's guidance. Total daily intake at this age is typically 3 to 5 cups. Always provide fresh water, and pick up uneaten food after 15–20 minutes to establish meal-time discipline.

When will my Bloodhound puppy be fully potty trained?

Most Bloodhound puppies achieve reliable house training between 5 and 7 months of age, though some take up to 9 months. "Fully trained" means fewer than one accident per month under normal conditions. Consistency in schedule, supervision, and positive reinforcement for outdoor elimination are the three factors that most influence this timeline. If your puppy is still having daily accidents past 6 months, consult your veterinarian to rule out urinary tract infections or anatomical issues.

How do I stop my Bloodhound puppy from biting my hands?

Use a consistent three-step approach: (1) When teeth touch skin, say "ouch" calmly and immediately stop all interaction for 10–15 seconds. (2) Redirect to an appropriate chew toy and praise enthusiastically when the puppy chews the toy instead. (3) Ensure the puppy is getting adequate physical exercise and mental stimulation — overtired and bored puppies bite more. Most Bloodhound puppies show significant improvement by 5–6 months as adult teeth come in and impulse control develops. If biting intensifies after 6 months or breaks skin consistently, consult a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA or IAABC credentialed).

What vaccines does my Bloodhound puppy need and when?

Core vaccines include DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) given at 6–8 weeks, 10–12 weeks, and 14–16 weeks, plus Rabies at 14–16 weeks. Non-core vaccines your veterinarian may recommend based on lifestyle include Bordetella (kennel cough), Leptospirosis (especially relevant for scent hounds that investigate standing water), and Lyme disease (if you live in a tick-endemic area). Always consult your veterinarian to customize the vaccine protocol for your puppy's specific risk profile.

When can my Bloodhound puppy safely meet other dogs?

Controlled meetings with known, fully vaccinated dogs in private settings can begin at 8–10 weeks. Avoid public dog parks and high-traffic dog areas until 7 days after the final DHPP booster at 14–16 weeks (typically around 17 weeks of age). Puppy socialization classes that verify vaccination status are generally safe from 10 weeks onward. Early positive dog-to-dog interaction is critical for Bloodhounds, as they can develop dog-selectiveness if under-socialized during the 3–14 week window.