Welcome CoopsMom! Very cute pets there! I love the markings on the calico kitty.

Somebody I work with has a black and tan coonhound. I've met her, Pookie, several times. She's such a sweet big 'ol hound-dog. I don't believe she's ever been a hunter, she's a housedog. There is NO WAY you are going to "ruin" him by spoiling him and making him a pet. If that were true, then if you had a husky and didn't use him for sled racing...collie that you didn't use to herd sheep...etc...then they would all be "ruined" too, if that makes any sense. He may get bored easily, but give him some exercise and something to do, and he'll be fine. My friend has a german shorthair, and she will never hunt with her. Her dad has "hunting dogs" (german shorthair and a lab) which just stay outside 24/7 with no attention.

Anyway, if you have any puppy questions don't hesitate to ask! I'm still working on raising my puppy, lol. I have a 7 month old siberian husky, 9 year old schnauzer, and 16 year old poodle.