Holmchappell
 

GBGVs were originally bred to live in packs in a kennel situation and to work hard through the hunting season finding and chasing game. In the UK, they simply cannot and do not do this any more; it is illegal.  However, nobody told the hounds this and if you let an adult GBGV off (however well trained)  in an oak woodland full of deer and rabbit scent, it will most likely go off hunting. This instinct is hard wired into the dog by generations of selective breeding and whilst some modern breeders in the UK, including myself,  have worked hard to ameliorate this behaviour (much to the disgust of our Continental counterparts!), as a responsible owner you must be aware of it and work with it.

  Apart from their desire to hunt, GBGVs are generally sociable and friendly dogs, happy in nature, outgoing and very quick to learn. They do need firm pack leadership and a set of consistent boundaries for good behaviour so, ask yourself... Am I a 'please will you' person, or a 'we're going to' person? Only the latter will really succeed with this breed.

  GBGVs are easily house trained with the correct approach and they respond well to happy, reward based training. For all their hooligan teenaged attitude, they are sensitive hounds and you will not succeed with a dominant or bullying approach. Instead, look for the assertive side of yourself, decide on your rules and be consistent, kind and firm.

   GBGVs are very people orientated too. This is not a breed you can bring in to your home and then abandon whilst you work all hours, giving you no time for his adequate exercise, companionship and mental stimulation. If you do this, your Grand puppy will quickly make his own entertainment and become destructive, noisey and badly behaved. Grands need your time, they need plenty of exercise and human companionship to be fulfilled and reach their full potential as the most wonderful pets.