I break mine w/ a shock collar now (easier). Use just enough juice, along w/ voice command to get it's attention, like get on that tree girl/boy whatever name. Before shocking collars where around (when I was young and had more patience I'd break me off a bush top and circle behind the dog and slap the ground behind it and demand it to get on the tree. Course tie it and reward w/ gestors. Eventually they will get the idea u ain't gonna let them mill the tree. Make sure the coon is in the tree, as u mite make a tree happy dog, which u don't want. Depending on how much hunting it's had also should b kept in consideration. All dogs have diff temperments. Judge accordingly. Bear in mine u can't make a dog tree. U just have to help it bring his breeding genes out. Vic-verse some dogs will just wantta tree, use reverse physcology on that situation. Tritronics trashbreakers are a life saver if u can afford a unit get one, like calling ur dog in off a tree that u can't possible get to, of course u want to pre train him to a come here command 1st. Same thing when leaving the woods. train him to follow. no leash req'd makes hunting a pleasure when u can control ur dog. I do, I'am 67yrs young and if I'am gonna feed & hunt my dog, he's gonna mind me. Then uneeda a tracking system to keep the guess work out and spending gas, time and money looking wishing & wondering where ur dog is. NOTE; U can ruin a dog w/ a shocking system, if in dought, just use the warning signal or leave it be!!! ~~~Dr Wildbill md backwoods vet. Hardhill