Redbone Hound Puppies: The Complete Week-by-Week Care & Training Guide
Everything you need to raise Redbone Hound puppies: week-by-week milestones, feeding schedules, vaccination timelines, potty training, and first-year costs.
Redbone Hound puppies are a handful in the best possible way. These rust-coated, floppy-eared scent hounds grow into loyal, vocal, and endlessly curious companions — but the journey from an 8-week-old wriggling bundle to a well-mannered adult requires a plan. Redbones mature slowly (often not settling until 2–3 years of age), and their strong prey drive, independent streak, and signature "Redbone wail" mean that generic puppy advice won't cut it.
This guide walks you through every developmental stage with breed-specific expectations, exact feeding portions, a vaccination timeline, and realistic potty training benchmarks so you know exactly what to expect — and when to call your vet.
When Should You Bring a Redbone Hound Puppy Home?
The ideal window for bringing a Redbone Hound puppy home is 8 to 10 weeks of age. While some breeders of working-line coonhounds may hold puppies until 10–12 weeks to begin basic field exposure, most companion-line Redbone puppies are ready at 8 weeks.
Why not earlier? Between weeks 5 and 8, puppies learn critical bite inhibition and social signaling from their littermates. A Redbone removed before 8 weeks is more likely to develop mouthy, hard-biting habits that are tougher to correct later. The AVMA recommends that puppies remain with their mother and littermates until at least 8 weeks for optimal behavioral development.
When selecting your puppy, look for a breeder who:
- Performs OFA hip evaluations on parent dogs (Redbones carry a moderate risk of hip dysplasia)
- Provides a documented deworming schedule starting at 2 weeks
- Has begun early neurological stimulation (ENS) protocols between days 3–16
- Exposes puppies to varied surfaces, sounds, and handling before go-home day
- Offers a written health guarantee and take-back clause
Adoption from a coonhound rescue is equally valid — organizations like American Coonhound Rescue and regional hound-specific groups frequently have puppies and young adults available.
Redbone Hound Puppy Milestones: Week by Week
| Age Range | Weight (approx.) | Key Milestones | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 4–8 | 4–10 lb / 1.8–4.5 kg | Eyes/ears fully functional, weaning to solid food, littermate play intensifies, first deworming rounds | Puppy learns bite inhibition from siblings; still with breeder during this phase |
| Weeks 8–12 | 10–20 lb / 4.5–9 kg | First DHPP vaccine, crate training begins, name recognition, short leash walks (5–10 min) | Fear imprint period (8–11 weeks) — avoid traumatic experiences; puppy will mouth and nip constantly |
| Weeks 12–16 | 20–35 lb / 9–16 kg | Second and third DHPP boosters, rabies vaccine (12–16 wk), basic cue training (sit, come), potty routines solidify | Energy surges; scent-tracking behavior emerges on walks — puppy will pull toward smells and may "forget" recall |
| Weeks 16–24 | 35–55 lb / 16–25 kg | Teething begins (~16 wk), spay/neuter window, second fear period (~6–8 months), advanced socialization | Destructive chewing peaks; howling and vocalization increase as puppy tests boundaries |
| 6–12 Months | 50–75 lb / 23–34 kg (adult range approached) | Adult teeth fully in, sexual maturity, growth plates still open (avoid forced running), adolescent regression in training | Puppy may seem to "unlearn" commands; prey drive fully online — do not trust off-leash in unfenced areas |
Redbone Hounds are a slow-maturing breed. While they reach close to their adult height by 12–14 months, they continue filling out in chest and muscle until 24–30 months. According to the AKC breed standard, mature males stand 22–27 inches at the shoulder and weigh 55–70 lb (25–32 kg), while females stand 21–26 inches and weigh 45–60 lb (20–27 kg).
Feeding Schedule: Exact Portions by Age
Redbone puppies are active, fast-growing hounds that need a diet formulated for large-breed puppies. Look for kibble that meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for growth (or all life stages) and carries the statement: "This food has been formulated to support the slow, steady growth of large-breed puppies." Large-breed puppy formulas restrict calcium and phosphorus ratios to protect developing joints.
| Age | Meals Per Day | Estimated Cups/Day (Large-Breed Puppy Kibble) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8–12 weeks | 3–4 meals | 1.5–2.5 cups total daily | Soften kibble with warm water for first 1–2 weeks if puppy struggles with hard pieces |
| 3–6 months | 3 meals | 2.5–4 cups total daily | Increase portions as puppy gains weight; adjust based on body condition score (ribs palpable but not visible) |
| 6–12 months | 2 meals | 3.5–5 cups total daily | Transition to 2 meals/day at 6 months; begin evaluating switch to adult formula at 12–14 months |
| 12–24 months | 2 meals | 3–4.5 cups (adult formula) | Redbones are prone to bloat — use a slow-feeder bowl and avoid exercise 1 hour before/after meals |
Brand recommendations for large-breed Redbone puppies: Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy, Royal Canin Large Puppy, or Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Puppy. Budget roughly $45–$75/month on food during the first year.
A critical note on bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus, or GDV): While Redbones are not the highest-risk breed, deep-chested hounds carry elevated susceptibility. Never feed one large daily meal. Always split portions into at least two feedings, and wait at least 60 minutes after eating before vigorous exercise.
Vaccination Schedule for Redbone Hound Puppies
Your veterinarian will tailor a vaccination protocol based on your region and your puppy's risk factors, but the core puppy series follows a standard timeline. The AVMA core vaccine guidelines for dogs recommend the following:
| Age | Vaccines | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis/Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) — Dose 1 | Usually administered by breeder; verify documentation at pickup |
| 10–12 weeks | DHPP — Dose 2; Bordetella (optional, recommended if attending group puppy classes) | Puppy still NOT fully protected — avoid dog parks and high-traffic areas |
| 14–16 weeks | DHPP — Dose 3 (final puppy booster); Rabies (required by law in most US states) | Full protection achieved approximately 2 weeks after final DHPP; Leptospirosis and Lyme may be added based on regional risk |
| 12–16 months | DHPP booster; Rabies booster | After this, DHPP and Rabies typically move to a 3-year cycle |
Non-core vaccines to discuss with your vet: Leptospirosis (especially relevant for Redbones that will hunt or hike in wet environments), Lyme disease (tick-endemic regions), and Canine Influenza (H3N2/H3N8) if your dog will board frequently.
Estimated vaccination costs: The full puppy series typically runs $150–$300 at a general practice clinic, or $75–$150 at low-cost vaccine clinics. The rabies vaccine alone costs $15–$35.
When Can Your Puppy Go Outside and Meet Other Dogs?
This is one of the most common questions new Redbone puppy owners ask — and the answer requires balancing disease risk against the critical socialization window.
Safe outdoor exposure (8–16 weeks, pre-full-vaccination):
- Carry your puppy on walks through neighborhoods, parking lots, and shopping centers (puppy in a sling or your arms)
- Visit friends' homes where you know resident dogs are fully vaccinated and healthy
- Attend structured puppy socialization classes that require proof of at least one DHPP dose (many trainers follow the AVSAB position statement recommending socialization begin before full vaccination)
- Let puppy explore your own fenced yard freely
Avoid until 2 weeks after final DHPP (typically ~18 weeks):
- Dog parks (high parvovirus risk from unknown vaccination status)
- Shared water bowls at pet stores
- Unvaccinated or unknown-status dogs
- Areas with visible feces from unknown dogs
For a scent hound like the Redbone, early outdoor exposure is especially important. Puppies that don't experience varied terrain, wildlife scents, traffic sounds, and novel environments before 14–16 weeks may develop heightened reactivity or fearfulness later.
The Socialization Window: Your Redbone Puppy's Exposure Checklist
The primary socialization window for puppies runs from approximately 3 to 14 weeks of age, with the most sensitive period between weeks 6 and 8. After 14 weeks, puppies become increasingly cautious about novel stimuli. Here is a breed-specific checklist for your Redbone:
Redbone Puppy Socialization Checklist (Weeks 8–14)
Surfaces & Terrain:
- ☐ Wet grass, gravel, sand, mulch, metal grates, carpet, tile, hardwood
- ☐ Wading through shallow water (Redbones often enjoy water — build positive association early)
- ☐ Walking on a tarp or crinkly surface (hunting dogs encounter varied ground cover)
Sounds:
- ☐ Thunderstorm recordings (played at low volume with treats — hounds can be sound-sensitive)
- ☐ Gunshot recordings at very low volume, gradually increased (critical for hunting-line Redbones)
- ☐ Vacuum cleaner, doorbell, car horns, children shouting
People:
- ☐ People wearing hats, sunglasses, hoodies, backpacks, uniforms
- ☐ Children of various ages (supervised, with treats)
- ☐ People of different skin tones, heights, and mobility (wheelchairs, canes)
Animals:
- ☐ Fully vaccinated, calm adult dogs (multiple sizes and breeds)
- ☐ Cats (if household has cats — controlled, leashed introductions)
- ☐ Exposure to livestock at a distance if you plan to live on acreage
Handling:
- ☐ Paw handling (prepares for nail trims — Redbone nails are thick and need regular maintenance)
- ☐ Ear inspection and gentle cleaning (floppy ears are prone to infection)
- ☐ Mouth opening and tooth inspection
- ☐ Being lifted, held on side, and gently restrained (vet visit prep)
Aim for 3–5 new positive experiences per day during weeks 8–14. Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes) and always pair novel stimuli with high-value treats (boiled chicken, cheese, commercial training treats).
Potty Training: Realistic Timeline and Troubleshooting
Let's set realistic expectations right away: most Redbone Hound puppies are reliably potty trained between 5 and 7 months of age. Some individuals, particularly smaller females, may grasp it by 4 months. Larger males and easily distracted puppies may take 8 months or more. Hound breeds tend to be slightly slower to house-train than sporting breeds because their scent-drive overrides their awareness of bodily signals during the early months.
Potty Training Schedule by Age
| Puppy Age | Max Bladder Hold Time | Outdoor Trips Per Day | Key Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8–10 weeks | 1–2 hours | 8–12 trips | Take out immediately after every meal, nap, and play session; use a consistent verbal cue like "go potty" |
| 10–14 weeks | 2–3 hours | 6–8 trips | Begin extending intervals by 15 minutes per week; reward heavily for outdoor elimination |
| 3–5 months | 3–4 hours | 5–6 trips | Puppy should begin signaling (whining, going to door); if accidents spike, you've extended too fast — pull back |
| 5–7 months | 5–6 hours | 4–5 trips | Reliable hold through the night (7–8 hours) typically achieved; still supervise closely indoors |
- Puppy sniffs and circles but doesn't go: Redbones get distracted by scents outdoors. Use a 6-foot leash and walk to the SAME spot each time. Stand still for up to 5 minutes. Reward immediately when they eliminate.
- Submissive/excitement urination: Common in young hounds. Avoid leaning over or making direct eye contact when greeting. Crouch sideways, speak softly, and greet outdoors until puppy outgrows this (usually by 6–8 months).
- Marking behavior (males): Leg-lifting can begin as early as 5–6 months. Interrupt with a neutral "oops" and redirect outside. Neutering before sexual maturity (around 6 months) can reduce but not eliminate marking instinct.
Crate Training Progression and Time Limits
Crate training serves triple duty for Redbone puppies: it accelerates potty training (dogs avoid soiling their sleep space), prevents destructive chewing when unsupervised, and provides a safe retreat. Redbones are social dogs and may protest the crate vocally at first — expect some howling. This is normal breed behavior, not a sign the crate is wrong for your dog.
Crate size: Purchase a 42-inch wire crate (MidWest iCrate or Frisco double-door models are reliable choices, typically $55–$90) and use the included divider panel to reduce interior space as your puppy grows. The crate should be large enough for your adult Redbone to stand, turn around, and lie stretched out — but not so large that puppy can eliminate in one corner and sleep in another.
| Age | Max Daytime Crate Duration | Overnight Duration | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8–10 weeks | 1–2 hours | 3–4 hours (expect 1–2 overnight potty breaks) | Place crate next to your bed; cover with a light blanket to reduce visual stimulation |
| 10–14 weeks | 2–3 hours | 4–5 hours (1 overnight break may still be needed) | Begin feeding meals inside the crate with door open; introduce stuffed Kong toys |
| 3–5 months | 3–4 hours | 6–7 hours | Move crate to a family area during the day so puppy doesn't feel isolated |
| 5–8 months | 4–5 hours | 7–8 hours (full night) | Begin leaving crate door open when home; puppy should voluntarily use crate as a bed |
Never crate a Redbone puppy for more than 5 hours during the day at any age during the first year. Extended crating leads to frustration, anxiety, and paradoxically more accidents. If you work full-time, arrange a midday dog walker or come home during lunch.
Teething Timeline and Safe Chew Strategies
Redbone puppies begin losing their 28 deciduous (baby) teeth at approximately 12–16 weeks of age, with the full set of 42 adult teeth typically in place by 6–7 months. During this window, your puppy will chew relentlessly — and Redbones, being powerful-jawed hounds, can destroy inappropriate items quickly.
Teething Relief Strategies
- Frozen washcloths: Soak a clean washcloth in water (or low-sodium chicken broth), twist into a rope, and freeze. Supervise use and discard if puppy tears off pieces.
- Benebone Wishbone or Nylabone DuraChew (Puppy formula): These are durable enough for hound jaws but softer than adult Nylabones. Budget $12–$18 per chew; replace when worn down to the knuckle.
- Kong Classic (Puppy rubber — pink/blue): Stuff with a mixture of plain yogurt and mashed banana, then freeze. Provides 20–40 minutes of focused chewing.
- Carrot sticks (frozen): A low-calorie, edible option. Full-sized carrots work better than baby carrots for Redbone mouths.
Common Redbone Puppy Problems and How to Solve Them
1. Puppy Biting and Nipping
Redbone puppies are notoriously mouthy. This is normal hound behavior, not aggression. Between 8 and 16 weeks, puppy teeth are needle-sharp and bite inhibition is still developing.
Solution: Use the "yelp and withdraw" method. When teeth touch skin, let out a high-pitched "ow!" and immediately withdraw attention for 10–15 seconds (stand up, turn away, or step behind a baby gate). When puppy returns calmly, redirect to an appropriate chew toy and reward. Consistency from every family member is essential. Expect improvement by 16–20 weeks as adult teeth come in.
Never hold puppy's mouth shut, use alpha rolls, or physically punish — these methods increase fear and can escalate biting.
2. Howling and Vocalization
Redbones are among the most vocal dog breeds. Puppies may howl when crated, when left alone, or when they hear distant sounds (sirens, other dogs). This is a deeply ingrained breed trait — you cannot eliminate it, but you can manage it.
Solution: For crate howling, ensure puppy has been exercised and has eliminated before crating. Provide a frozen stuffed Kong. Ignore attention-seeking howling completely (no eye contact, no verbal response). For separation distress, practice graduated departures: leave for 30 seconds, return; leave for 2 minutes, return; gradually extend. A white noise machine can mask triggering outdoor sounds.
3. Counter-Surfing and Food Theft
Redbones are tall, food-motivated, and clever. By 5–6 months, a puppy can reach kitchen counters. This is both annoying and dangerous (toxic foods like grapes, xylitol, and chocolate are common counter items).
Solution: Management first — use baby gates to restrict kitchen access when unsupervised. Never leave food unattended on counters during training. Teach a solid "leave it" cue starting at 10 weeks using positive reinforcement: present a closed fist with a treat, wait for puppy to stop sniffing/pawing and look at you, then reward from your OTHER hand.
4. Leash Pulling
Scent hounds pull on leash — it's what they were bred to do. A Redbone puppy that catches an interesting scent will forge ahead with surprising force.
Solution: Start with a front-clip harness (Rabbitgoo No-Pull or Kurgo Tru-Fit, $20–$35) rather than a collar, which puts pressure on a puppy's trachea. Practice the "be a tree" method: when leash goes taut, stop walking. Resume only when leash is slack. Reward puppy at your side with treats every 3–5 steps during early training walks. Keep walks short (10–15 minutes) and training-focused until puppy masters loose-leash basics.
First-Year Cost Breakdown for a Redbone Hound Puppy
Budgeting realistically prevents surprises. Here is a detailed first-year cost estimate based on 2026 US pricing:
| Category | Low Estimate | High Estimate | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy Purchase / Adoption | $250 (rescue) | $1,200 (breeder) | Responsible breeders charge $600–$1,200; coonhound rescues charge $250–$450 |
| Veterinary Care (vaccines, exams, spay/neuter) | $500 | $1,100 | Puppy series ($150–$300), spay/neuter ($300–$600), microchip ($45), fecal tests ($40–$60) |
| Food (large-breed puppy formula) | $500 | $900 | $45–$75/month × 12 months |
| Preventive Medications | $200 | $450 | Heartworm (Heartgard/Interceptor, $8–$15/month), flea/tick (NexGard/Bravecto, $15–$25/month) |
| Supplies (crate, bed, leash, harness, bowls, gates) | $200 | $450 | 42" crate ($55–$90), orthopedic bed ($45–$80), harness ($20–$35), baby gates ($35–$60 each) |
| Training (group classes, private sessions) | $150 | $600 | Puppy kindergarten ($150–$250 for 6-week course); private sessions ($75–$125/hour) if behavioral issues arise |
| Chew Toys and Enrichment | $100 | $250 | Kongs, Benebones, puzzle toys — hounds destroy toys quickly; budget for replacements |
| TOTAL FIRST YEAR | $1,900 | $4,950 | Mid-range estimate: ~$2,800–$3,500 for most owners |
Emergency fund recommendation: Set aside an additional $1,000–$2,000 or invest in pet insurance ($35–$65/month for a Redbone puppy through providers like Trupanion, Healthy Paws, or Lemonade). Hound puppies are prone to ingesting foreign objects, and an emergency surgery for intestinal blockage can cost $3,000–$7,000.
Frequently Asked Questions About Redbone Hound Puppies
How often should I feed my 10-week-old Redbone puppy?
At 10 weeks, feed 3–4 small meals per day, totaling approximately 1.5–2.5 cups of large-breed puppy kibble. Divide the daily total evenly across meals. Feed at consistent times (e.g., 7 AM, 12 PM, 5 PM, and optionally 9 PM) to support potty training predictability.
When will my Redbone puppy be fully potty trained?
Most Redbone puppies are reliably house-trained between 5 and 7 months, with some taking up to 8 months. "Fully trained" means fewer than one accident per month. Overnight bladder control (7–8 hours) usually develops by 5–6 months. If accidents increase suddenly at any age, rule out a urinary tract infection with your vet.
How do I stop my Redbone puppy from biting my hands?
Redirect every bite to an appropriate chew toy. When teeth contact skin, say "ow!" in a high pitch, withdraw attention for 10–15 seconds, then re-engage with a toy. Ensure puppy gets adequate physical exercise (short sniffari walks) and mental enrichment (food puzzles, training sessions) — overtired, under-stimulated puppies bite more. Expect significant improvement by 16–20 weeks.
Can Redbone puppies be left alone during the day?
Young Redbone puppies (8–14 weeks) should not be left alone for more than 2 hours. By 5–6 months, a well-crate-trained puppy can handle 4–5 hours. Redbones are social dogs prone to separation distress — if you work long hours, arrange midday visits from a dog walker or pet sitter.
Are Redbone Hounds good with children?
Well-socialized Redbones are generally gentle and tolerant with children. However, Redbone puppies are clumsy, mouthy, and energetic — they can accidentally knock over toddlers. Always supervise interactions between puppies and children under 10, and teach children to respect the puppy's crate as a no-touch zone.
When should I start formal training classes?
Enroll in a positive-reinforcement puppy kindergarten class as soon as your puppy has received at least one DHPP vaccine (typically by 10 weeks). Early classes focus on socialization, basic cues, and owner education. Look for trainers certified by CCPDT (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers) or IAABC who use force-free methods exclusively.
Priya Sutaria
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
