What are some of the problems that Billy has to deal with throughout the novel? What are some of the problems that other characters, including Old Dan and Little Ann, face as well?

In Where the Red Fern Grows, Billy faces many problems that contribute to the plot of the story. A lot of the beginning of the story deals with Billy obtaining the dogs. The character of Billy is developed through his determination to earn enough money for the dogs. Understanding his grit helps the reader begin to understand Billy as the protagonist of the story. Billy is also faced with the problem of having to train the dogs to hunt coons, the death of Rubin, winning the hunting contest, and the grief that he ultimately feels with losing his dogs. If you have ever lost a pet, you know that this grief is something that can truly eat you alive.
Old Dan and Little Ann also face problems in the story. Both dogs have to catch a lot of coons as part of their job. Also, the dogs are entered in the big "racoon contest" for $300. During the contest, both dogs go through a blizzard but stay with their quarry. They ultimately win the contest, but a mountain lion attacks them the next day. Old Dan is killed in the attack, and Little Ann dies of a broken heart.
The characters in Where the Red Fern Grows face a multitude of problems that help to develop the characters and allow readers to truly understand the motivations and desires of the characters.