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CONTINENTAL KENNEL CLUB (CKC) AMERICAN BLUE GASCON HOUND INFORMATION PAGE

HOUSING

Before considering housing accommodations, determine the environment which is best suited for you. If your American Blue Gascon Hound will be kept indoors, provide it a permanent place, away from the flow of traffic. A garage or basement could make a suitable home for your pet, or you may arrange for your dog to have a room of it own.

A dog crate can be utilized as a bed or an indoor doghouse. It should be large enough for your dog, providing sufficient room for standing and moving about. A crate can also be a very effective method in house training. Your American Blue Gascon Hound will become familiar with the crate by keeping the door open, allowing it to come and go. If your dog will be outdoors, provide it with a well-built house that will ensure protection from the weather. It should be made of water-proof materials and be well insulated. In order to maximize warmth and provide protection from drafts and cold temperatures, your dog’s sleeping area should be away from the entrance of the doghouse. The house should be cleaned on a regular basis; floor must be swept and bedding changed as needed.

If you have a fenced-in yard, your American Blue Gascon Hound should have plenty of exercise space if given access to roam about freely. Of course, the yard must be maintained and excrement removed daily. If cleanup is a problem, you can fence off a smaller portion of the yard surrounding the doghouse. This will provide exercise space while minimizing yard maintenance. If the doghouse is not within the confines of a fence, you should provide your dog with additional room for mobility by attaching a run to the doghouse. This would enable your dog to get the additional space needed for play and exercise.

When purchasing a bed, look for one that will provide enough room for your American Blue Gascon Hound. The bed should be replaced as the dog grows. It is important to clean and disinfect the sleeping area to prevent parasites such as fleas, lice, and mites; so choose bedding that facilitates cleanup. When a bed has been purchased, place it in a warm and dry, draft-free location, away from the feeding and toilet area. Keeping it near family activity will allow your dog to become accustomed to the everyday routine of your household.

Some dogs, especially puppies, like to chew apart bedding. Chew toys can be purchased to alleviate this problem. A blanket or towel can also be placed over the bedding to further protect the bedding and provide a soft surface for your dog to snuggle.

REFERENCES

De Prisco, Andrew and James B. Johnson. Canine Lexicon. TFH Publications, Inc.: 1993.

Hart, Ernest H. Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds. TFH Publications, Inc.: 1975.

Walkowicz, Chris and Bonnie Wilcox, DVM. Atlas of Dog Breeds of the World. TFH Publications, Inc.: 1991