How to Train a Basset Hound Puppy to Fetch a Squeaky Toy

Contrary to popular belief, puppies do not instinctively know how to fetch. Basset hounds were bred to dig up and kill small animals, so a basset puppy will be more likely to grab a squeaky toy and rip it to shreds rather than bring it back to the thrower. Squeaky toys sound similar to the squeaks of small rodents, so hearing the squeak may trigger the puppy to start ripping the toy apart (or "killing" it.) But it is possible to use clicker training to teach a basset puppy to fetch a squeaky toy instead of "killing" it.

Things You'll Need

  • Handful of tasty dog treats cut into dog-kibble-size pieces
  • Plastic animal training clicker
  • Soft non-squeaking toy
  • Squeak toy
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Instructions

  1. Priming the Clicker

    • 1

      Get the training area ready. Bring the treats and the clicker. Bring the puppy indoors to a small, quiet room. You are now going to train the basset puppy to realize that whenever there is a click sound, it's soon followed by a treat.

    • 2

      Press on the clicker to make a "click" sound. Immediately give the puppy a treat.

    • 3

      Repeat until the puppy is looking expectantly for the treat as soon as he hears the click. If the puppy already knows how to sit or lie down, have the puppy sit or lie down. Some basset puppies have an easier time lying down than sitting. As soon as the puppy's rump hits the ground, click and treat. This ends the first session. Some basset puppies may take longer than others to catch on.

    Adding the Toy

    • 4

      Bring the non-squeaky toy to the next session. Click and treat to reinforce the "click = treat" message. The puppy will soon do whatever it takes to get you to click. Let the basset sniff the toy and take it in her mouth. Click and treat. When the puppy drops the toy in order to eat the treat, give more treats.

    • 5

      Give the toy to the basset puppy and then take one step back. The puppy may immediately follow you. The goal is to get the puppy to walk forward with the toy in its mouth for at least one step. This may take multiple attempts. Click and give many treats as a "jackpot reward."

    • 6

      Repeat Step 2, but take two steps back. Keep on repeating until the puppy can run back to you from at least 10 steps away. This may take multiple training sessions. Start tossing the toy. Click and treat when the puppy takes steps towards you with the toy in her mouth.

    • 7

      Bring the squeaky toy to the next session and use as the non-squeaky toy. The basset may be startled or fascinated by the "squeak." Call the puppy's name or clap your hands to get your puppy's attention back to you instead of ripping apart the toy. Proceed just like the squeaky toy was a non-squeaky toy.