Teresa and Perry Kuntz (Koontz)
Brief history: Both of us were raised as part of a military family and we have both served in the military Perry retired from the
U.S Air Force 1997. Teresa after 8 years in the U.S. Air Force, got an honorable discharged in 1989. We were both stationed
at Ramstien Air Base in Germany and Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii, before being stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base,
Jacksonville, Arkansas in 1988. In 1988 we made Austin, Arkansas our home with one more tour of duty back to Ramstien Air
Base, Germany in 1990. Returning to Austin, Arkansas in 1995. Currently Perry works for the State of Arkansas and Teresa for a
top producing Real Estate Company.
Koa of Austin - We had just moved to Arkansas after our tour in Hawaii. Perry insisted on giving our first Irish
Wolfhound a Hawaiian name. Koa... it just so happens to be the initials of a popular camping franchise, KOA
Kampgrounds Of America. We spared Koa the embarrassment and assured him he was our warrior to the
end. Koa became part of our family in October of 1988 at the age of 14 weeks. We quickly learned that finding
any reliable information on wolfhounds was almost impossible to come by. Most books where generic only
touching the surface of what we now know. Most of our first problems with Koa was the lack of interest in food. At
times it was so bad I (Teresa) would find my self on my knees forcing food down his mouth and crying. Eventually
we found a veterinarian that put our worries aside. Having had a lot of experience in large breeds, he told us that
this was not uncommon for this breed and was able to work with us, and got Koa on a good diet. Koa never got
heavier than 135lbs. He was always a very picky eater but around 3 years of age Koa put on that weight and kept
it on. In September of 1988, Koa was humanely put to sleep when he torssioned and bloated at just over 10
years of age. Koa was our teacher in all things that is Irish Wolfhounds....A gentle, kind and wise Irish-man Koa
was our Pot of Gold at the end of the rainbow.
Katherine Pele of Austin - Our second wolfhound was Katie, she joined our family when she was 6 months of
age in March 1990. She was a very timid puppy.... scared of everything. The first few months was hard on all.
She had only known her previous family and at 6 months she was going through a very shy period in her life.
Unlike Koa, Katie had not been socialized, a ride in the car was terrifying to her. Good behaviour was reinforced
with positive rewards and with gentle but firm training Katie blossomed. Katie was never again afraid of
strangers around the time she was 1 years old. She was such a positive out going personality that it was hard
for anyone that knew her to believe she was anything else. Katie was very special to us...beyond words. In
March of 2000, Katie was humanely relieved of her pain, when the battle to defeat cancer was no longer possible.
She was just over 11 years of age when we had to say good-bye on one of the most tear full days of our lives. It
had been raining all day and stop raining when Katie join our beloved Koa at Rainbow bridge. Katie was our first
heart hound.
Cove Creek's Clancy Allen - Clancy joined us in April 1996 at 11 weeks of age. After having been informally
interviewed by his breeder. Which required a visited with his breeder 2 times; driving 130 + miles one way before
we were approved and before Clancy was even born. This was a great opportunity to get to know Clancy's
breeder and learn more about her and her hounds (Patricia Falvey-Looper). Today if you are thinking about
getting a puppy be prepared. Most reputable breeders will insist on doing an interview and contracts with
prospective buyers. They're first concern is for the well fare of that puppy and where it will be living the rest of it's
life. For the first time when we had questions or just wanted to share something special with his breeder we felt
comfortable about picking up the phone to call Pat. Clancy has a typical Irish wolfhound temperament. Clancy
however was our first chow hound. Devouring anything you put in his bowl. Soon we had an overweight hound
with the help of his breeder and an appropriate diet we have been successful at maintaining his correct weight.
We still enjoy Clancy's company. He is our ruling king, demanding of his subjects, always the first to start
singing the blues and the first to teach the new pups who is King. We lovingly call him our grouchy old man
soon to be 10 years of age we know time is very precious. Long live the king!
wolfhounds. Ask them what they would have done differently the first time. Don't be worried if your questions sound stupid.
There are no stupid questions? Look for a veterinarian knowledgeable of large breed dogs preferably some working knowledge
of Irish Wolfhounds. Your veterinarian will become the most valuable asset in your hounds health, choose wisely.
2. Breeders. Finding a reputable breeder. Check with your local kennel club, check with the Irish Wolfhound Club of America
ask those who have wolfhounds about their dogs breeder. Breeders should be available 7-24 to people have acquired a hound
from them. They should do interviews and take references. They should be showing or have shown in conformation some of
their hounds. You need to visit their home or kennels and see both parents if possible. Ask about health problems and longevity.
Be prepared to wait over a year for a puppy.
3. Training. Training like most dogs, training needs to be consistent. With wolfhounds training should refrain from hitting or
scolding. We have found over the years that a lot of very positive, but firm training is more motivating to this breed. They are not
quick to respond like a german shepard or golden retriever. They will give you many chuckles as they slowly maneuver their
body into a sit. They will give you the saddest hound eyes when put into a down stay. They will do all basic commands but not
with the polished, energetic enthusiasm of a boxer. Just remember to be consistent and patient. Give lots of kisses and hugs
their main goal is to please you. Training is a must with these huge animals, with out basic training you could find yourself with a
HUGE dog out of control.
4. Socializing. Very important. This is a very necessary part of your hounds mental development. You must have the means
and be willing to carry your hound to pet stores, doggy day care, obedience classes, to the dog park, or to the flea market. Where
ever there may be people, noises and smells. Once your puppy is old enough they will benefit from socializing. A well socialized
dog is just like having a trained dog. You will get plenty of compliments on not only on how well they behave but how calm your
hound is. Warning: Just as in training it is done in a positive manner. Don't use excessive force or make them go somewhere
they are not ready to go.
5. Diet. Another important factor in a well balanced hound. Some of these great hounds get very picky about their food. Once
you have ruled out any physical reasons or illness. You will be looking for advice. First off always ask your puppy's breeder for
their advise. Some lines as with our Koa tend to be lean hounds throughout their puppy years into adult hood. About the time
you have gotten use to seeing a bony hound around 3 years of age their metabolism slows down and they will actually put on
weight. Most cases do not result in a great deal of weight gain just enough. Again always referrer to your puppy's breeder about
their diet.
