When any breed of dog whines, barks, or growls, it is communicating, just like a person communicates. Basset hounds are no different. When a basset barks, it is trying to communicate a feeling, want or desire. Dogs bark for different reasons. Sometimes, they are trying to communicate frustration or fear. They may be trying to get you to pay attention to them or warn you of something. Unfortunately, barking, when it becomes excessive or loud can cause stress for both you and your neighbors. It is important to teach your basset hound when to talk and when to be quiet.
Things You'll Need
- Favorite toy
- Treats
- Soda can filled with pennies
- Squirt bottle of water
- Radio or television
- Bark collar
Instructions
Say "speak." Hold a favorite toy that makes your basset bark in front of him until he barks. Praise him for speaking with either a treat or affection. Repeat until he speaks on command.
Get your basset to bark by saying "speak." Say "quiet" when she barks and give it a favorite toy or treat. Repeat until it learns to be quiet on command.
Distract your basset from what is making it bark. Shake a soda can filled with pennies or clap your hands together. Use a squirt bottle of water to distract it. Do not praise it for barking by giving it a treat or toy to distract it. Do praise it for stopping.
Provide plenty of activity, playtime and exercise.
Leave a radio or television on when leaving the house to provide background noise.
Remove the barking stimulus. Close curtains when you leave. Put away vacuum cleaners. Remove treat jars from view.
Leave the dog for short periods. Return without making a big deal of it. Extend the periods you are gone, teaching the dog you will return.
Use a bark collar if other methods do not work.
Talk to your vet or a dog trainer for more suggestions.