Redbone Coonhound — Housing & Enclosures

Redbone Coonhounds are medium-to-large dogs with an athletic build and a deep need for physical movement. While they can adapt to various living situations, they are not well-suited to apartment life unless the owner is committed to providing extensive daily exercise. A home with a securely fenced yard is the ideal baseline, giving the dog room to move, explore, and decompress between structured outings.

Indoor space should accommodate the dog's full stretch. Redbones like to sprawl when they sleep, and a cramped corner or undersized bed will be abandoned in favor of the couch or the middle of the floor. Plan for a dedicated resting area that gives the dog enough room to lie flat on their side with legs extended — this typically means a sleeping space of at least 36 by 48 inches for an average adult.

Yard size matters less than yard security. Redbones are scent hounds with a powerful nose and the determination to follow interesting trails. A standard four-foot fence is insufficient for a motivated Redbone — six feet is the recommended minimum, and the fence line should be checked regularly for gaps, weak points, or areas where the dog might dig underneath. Invisible or electric fences are generally unreliable for this breed, as the drive to follow a scent can override the deterrent.

For owners in urban settings, creative space management becomes essential. A well-organized indoor environment with clear zones for sleeping, eating, and play helps the dog feel settled. Daily outings to parks, trails, or open spaces supplement the smaller home footprint and prevent the restlessness and destructive behavior that arise when a Redbone doesn't get enough physical and mental stimulation.

A properly sized crate serves as a valuable management tool for Redbone Coonhounds, particularly during puppyhood and adolescence. The crate should be large enough for the dog to stand at full height without ducking, turn around comfortably, and lie down with legs extended. For most adult Redbones, this means a 42-inch or 48-inch crate, depending on the individual dog's build.

Wire crates offer excellent ventilation and visibility, which suits the Redbone's social nature — they prefer to see what's happening around them rather than being enclosed in a dark space. The fold-flat design also makes wire crates practical for travel and storage. Heavy-gauge wire is recommended, as Redbones can be persistent escape artists when they hear or smell something interesting outside the crate.

For dogs that experience anxiety or tend to vocalize excessively in wire crates, a partially covered setup can create a more den-like atmosphere. Draping a breathable blanket over three sides while leaving the front open gives the dog a sense of enclosure without complete isolation. Avoid covering all four sides, as this can restrict airflow and increase temperature inside the crate.

Crate training should be a gradual, positive process. Forcing a Redbone into a crate or using it as punishment will create lasting negative associations that make future crating stressful for both dog and owner. Start with short periods, pair crate time with high-value treats or a stuffed food toy, and build duration slowly. A well-crate-trained Redbone will often seek out the crate voluntarily as a resting spot even when the door is left open.

Redbone Coonhounds are champion sleepers when they've had adequate exercise, and investing in a quality bed pays dividends in the dog's comfort and joint health over the long term. Orthopedic beds with memory foam or high-density support foam are the best choice for this breed, distributing weight evenly across the dog's frame and cushioning the hips, shoulders, and elbows that bear the most pressure during sleep.

Bolster beds — those with raised edges around the perimeter — are popular with Redbones that like to rest their head on a pillow-like surface while sleeping. The bolster also provides a sense of boundary that some dogs find comforting. For Redbones that prefer to stretch out fully, a flat-style orthopedic mattress without bolsters allows unrestricted sprawling.

Durability is a practical concern. Redbones, especially younger ones, may dig, circle, and rearrange their bedding before settling down. Look for beds with chew-resistant covers, reinforced stitching, and removable machine-washable covers. Hound breeds are not known for being the tidiest sleepers, and a bed that can be stripped and washed regularly will stay fresher and last longer.

Placement matters almost as much as the bed itself. Redbones are pack-oriented dogs that want to sleep near their family. Positioning the bed in a common living area — the bedroom at night, the living room during the day — satisfies the dog's social needs while giving them a defined spot to settle. Avoid placing beds in drafty areas, near heating vents that create temperature extremes, or in high-traffic zones where the dog will be constantly stepped over or disturbed.

Outdoor kennels and runs can supplement a Redbone Coonhound's living space, but they should never serve as the dog's primary housing. Redbones are deeply social animals that bond strongly with their families, and prolonged isolation in an outdoor kennel leads to excessive baying, destructive digging, and behavioral deterioration. Outdoor enclosures work best as supervised daytime spaces where the dog can enjoy fresh air and movement while the owner is home.

Chain-link kennel panels in a minimum configuration of six feet wide by twelve feet long by six feet tall provide adequate space for short-term outdoor containment. A roof or top covering is essential — Redbones are agile climbers and will scale a six-foot panel if sufficiently motivated by a squirrel, rabbit, or interesting scent on the other side. Welded wire or chain-link roofing prevents escapes while maintaining airflow.

The kennel floor deserves careful consideration. Bare dirt becomes a mud pit in wet weather and invites digging. Concrete is easy to clean but hard on joints and hot in summer sun. A compromise solution is pea gravel over a weed barrier fabric, which drains well, discourages digging, and stays cooler than solid surfaces. Raised kennel decking made from recycled plastic or composite materials offers another option that is easy on joints and simple to hose clean.

Shade is non-negotiable in any outdoor setup. Redbones have a dark coat that absorbs heat rapidly, making them vulnerable to overheating in direct sun. A solid roof section, shade cloth, or positioning the kennel under mature trees ensures the dog always has access to cool, shaded resting areas. Fresh water should be available at all times in a tip-resistant bowl or mounted bucket.

The Redbone Coonhound's short, dense coat provides moderate insulation but is not built for extreme temperatures at either end of the spectrum. In cold climates, outdoor time should be monitored carefully once temperatures drop below freezing. While Redbones can tolerate cool weather during active exercise, prolonged exposure to cold — especially wet cold — can lead to discomfort and hypothermia risk. A fleece-lined dog coat is a practical investment for winter walks and outdoor activities in northern regions.

Indoor heating during winter months can create dry air conditions that affect skin and coat health. Redbones are not heavy shedders, but dry skin can lead to increased scratching and flaking. Running a humidifier in the dog's primary living area during heating season helps maintain coat condition and reduces static-related discomfort.

Heat is the more serious concern for this breed. The dark red coat absorbs solar radiation efficiently, and the Redbone's enthusiasm for activity can override their natural thermoregulation signals. During summer months, schedule exercise for early morning and evening hours, provide constant access to fresh water and shade, and watch for signs of heat stress including excessive panting, drooling, glazed eyes, and uncoordinated movement. Cooling mats and elevated mesh beds improve airflow around the dog's body during hot weather.

For owners in humid climates, ear health becomes a housing consideration. The Redbone's long, pendulous ears trap moisture and create a warm environment where yeast and bacteria thrive. Ensure sleeping areas are well-ventilated and consider using a dehumidifier in the dog's primary resting space during humid months. Checking and gently drying the ears after outdoor time in wet conditions helps prevent chronic ear infections.

Redbone Coonhounds are generally sociable dogs that coexist well with other canine companions, especially when raised together or properly introduced. Their pack-oriented nature means they often thrive with another dog in the household, reducing separation anxiety and providing a social outlet during the owner's absence. However, the introduction process should be gradual, conducted on neutral territory, and supervised closely during the initial adjustment period.

Housing arrangements in multi-dog homes should ensure each dog has access to their own resting space. Even dogs that get along beautifully during waking hours benefit from separate beds or crates where they can retreat and decompress independently. Resource guarding — particularly around food, toys, and sleeping spots — can emerge even in otherwise peaceful multi-dog households, and giving each dog their own defined space reduces the triggers for these conflicts.

Redbones living with cats or other small animals require careful management, particularly during the early stages of cohabitation. The breed's strong prey drive means that a fleeing cat can trigger a chase response even in a dog that is otherwise gentle and well-mannered. Baby gates, separate zones, and supervised interactions allow the animals to acclimate to each other's presence without putting the smaller pet at risk. Many Redbones learn to coexist peacefully with household cats over time, but the transition requires patience and consistent oversight.

For households with very small dogs, size differential is a practical safety consideration. Redbones play with physical enthusiasm and may inadvertently injure a toy-breed companion during roughhousing. Structured play sessions with appropriate supervision, combined with separate rest areas, help maintain harmony between dogs of significantly different sizes. Feeding stations should always be separated to prevent food competition and ensure each dog eats their own designated meal.