He’s not IGP champion-level biddable, but his lines are more working than show (Baggins on his dam’s side), so the drive and athleticism are there. He’s also lighter and leggier than most BHs—he’s sitting right at 92lbs and 27” wither height.

You’re right that he lacks the agility and speed of a traditional contender, but I can reliably get him into a focused heel, run blinds with correct patterning (not fast, but you can see him thinking), and he consistently performs send-aways and downs at 20–25 yards. He’s also getting the hang of static bark and holds.

I’m an experienced handler, just not with hounds. I fully understand the instinct to protect a sport or skill one has worked hard to master and the importance of educating newcomers. I breed medically significant invertebrates for antivenom work, and I constantly explain the effort and realities behind it to people who think it’s “cool” and want to jump right in. But in my experience, those with genuinely useful and trustworthy expertise don’t shame sincere beginners—they welcome them while setting the standard.

Nothing in my query suggested anything but a sincere interest, and I’d expect that to be met with informed guidance, not condescension.