How to House Train a Bassett Hound

Basset hound puppies are known for their long ears, droopy faces and adorable personalities. According to the American Kennel Club, basset hounds were originally bred in France for hunting and they have a nose that is second only to the Bloodhound in ability to track a scent. Unfortunately, all of these traits can quickly be forgotten when the new addition begins to go to the bathroom all over the home. It is possible to house train a basset hound to avoid any further clean up around the house.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Soft blanket
  • Chew toy
  • Puppy treats
  • Collar
  • Leash
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a dog crate in the bedroom. This will help the basset hound, which is generally a nervous breed, to feel safe at night when it is placed inside the crate. Line the floor of the crate with a soft blanket and place a favorite toy into the crate for added comfort.

    • 2

      Introduce the basset hound to the crate by placing a treat inside. Allow the puppy to retrieve the treat and exit. This will help the puppy associate the crate with a positive outcome.

    • 3

      Utter the word "crate" the first few days and weeks that the puppy walks into the crate. This will help the basset associate the command with walking into the crate.

    • 4

      Take the dog outside to go to the bathroom first thing in the morning, after each meal and after a vigorous session of play. Keep the basset hound on a leash during the first few months of potty training as the hound dog's nose may take it away to other places around the neighborhood.

    • 5

      Utter the word "potty" while the basset hound is outdoors. Eventually, the puppy will begin to associate the command "potty" with doing the deed, which will help it realize that going outdoors is for urinating, not playing.

    • 6

      Keep the dog in the crate or a room that has a hard floor that can be cleaned, such as a kitchen or bathroom when you cannot be closely watch the dog during the day. This will ensure that if any accidents happen, they can be cleaned more effectively.

    • 7

      Watch for signs that the basset puppy should be taken outside. The basset may begin to sniff around on the ground, whine or it may even scratch at the door. Take the puppy outside immediately when this occurs.

    • 8

      Praise the puppy when it successfully uses the bathroom outdoors. The basset hound will enjoy the positive attention and will continue to seek it in the future, which means more pottying outside.

    • 9

      Clean any accidents in the home immediately after they occur. The basset hound has a strong nose and will quickly smell any remaining urine on the floor and will associate this spot with urinating, and will continue to do so.