Basset Hound Puppy Training

According to the Basset Hound Club of America, the basset hound is a calm, good-natured dog with short legs, a long body and long, droopy ears. The basset is a large dog whose average adult weight is between 45 and 60 lbs. Despite its weight, the basset thinks of itself as a lap dog and loves to snuggle. Good with children, the basset hound is a sensitive dog that takes punishments personally.

  1. Time Frame

    • Because of its large adult size, it is best to start training your basset hound puppy as soon as you get him home. It's easier to train a 20-lb. puppy than a 60-lb. dog. Bassets are notoriously stubborn, so training them is an ongoing process. Often, the best way to deal with a stubborn basset that is not learning is to take him to a training class or change your approach to training.

    Considerations

    • Basset hounds have keen noses and love food. According to BuckBasset, using food treats as a lure when training the basset hound puppy might make her more open to doing as you ask. When training outdoors, the basset puppy should be kept on leash, as its sense of smell often takes over and causes the basset to wander off.

    Misconceptions

    • According to the Dog Breed Info Center, the basset's stubborn nature brings about the misconception that basset hounds are untrainable and unintelligent. While housebreaking is often difficult with a basset and may take longer than other breeds, most bassets enjoy learning new commands when they realize food and excitement is involved. Basset hounds are intelligent but do not have a strong desire to please their owners.

    Benefits

    • The Basset Hound Club of America states that the main benefit of training your basset as a puppy is that he will be easier to manage when he is a full-grown and determined adult dog. Leash training in particular as a puppy makes walks easier when your small pup is fully grown. Training is always a good bonding experience for a basset and its owner.

    Potential

    • According to the Basset Hound Club of America, a basset trained from an early age using positive reinforcement methods has the potential and versatility to enter fun competitions such as field trials, tracking tests, conformation shows, competitive obedience, rally obedience or agility trials.