Puppies & Dogs

Any information about Basset Hounds?

I absolutely adore these dogs and I would love to get one (hopefully from an animal shelter) when I move to live with my Auntie. It is a medium sized flat, third floor with its own garden. Do you think it is suitable for a Basset Hound? I would love a male. Any ideas what I should call it if I do end up getting one?

http://www.basset-bhca.org/Finding/Discover%20the%20Basset%20Hound.pdf

Basset Hound

Basset Hound information!!!!! 10PTS TO MOST INFORMATIVE ANSWER!!!!!!!!?

ok i need as much basset hound information as possible.
I know about health problems etc but can you answer me questions like this
is it bad to pick up basset hounds when their adults?
the easiest way to potty train them
ho many treats perday
jus stuff like that cos were gettin 1 so
thanx

Having had a basset hound and knowing many others that have them as well, I have to say that basset hounds, in general, have a very stubborn, pig-headed personality. On the flip side, they are generally a very sweet, loving breed of dog.

I’m not sure I can really comment on picking up an adult basset hound, how exactly do you mean picking it up? Ours is rather large, so we don’t exactly carry him around, but when visiting the vet he needs lifting on to the table and we do that thing. Also, since he’s getting up there in age, we have to sometimes pick him up to get him to certain destinations. Beyond situations like this, I’m not sure why you would need to pick up a basset hound.

Basset hounds ears generally get pretty dirty. Their ears will usually drag in their water and then in their food. Keeping their ears clean in that respect is generally a good idea. Their ears also have a tendency to get pretty dirty inside, so finding some sort of ear cleaner and using cotton balls every 2-3 weeks would probably not be a bad idea.

Keep their nails trimmed. If you’re not sure of how to trim their nails, take them to a vet to have them show you how you can do it or take them in and have the vet do it for you regularly. Bassets have very thick nails and we have learned from experience that even a slightly too long toenail can get caught on something and ripped off really easily. It will likely grow back, but it a very unpleasant experience for all involved.

For potty training a dog, there are several things you can do:
- If you catch your puppy making a mess on the floor, don’t punish it. Likely, the only thing it will get from you punishing it is that going to the bathroom in general is bad, not that going on the floor is. If you catch them doing this, take them outside immediately.

- Reward them when they go outside. Tell them they’ve done good, perhaps give them a treat. For treats, I highly recommend that you find something other than traditional dog treats for it. Dog treats can pack on the pounds. For our dogs we use carrots and bananas mostly. Find something they enjoy. (Avoid grapes and raisins!)

If you insist on giving traditional dog treats, my personal opinion would be no more than 1 a day.

- All dogs have some sort of “I have to go to the bathroom” thing they do. Watch your puppy and learn what theirs is. A dog that knows it needs to go outside to go will tell you when it needs to go. It’s all a matter of understanding what your dog is trying to tell you and actually paying attention to it.

- If they do have accidents inside, it would be wise to clean the floor with some deodorizer as animals have a tendency to go where they’ve gone before.

- Crate training is also a good tool to use not only for potty training, but for any problems like chewing when unsupervised. In my experience with crate training dogs, they do not like to go to the bathroom in the same space that they are resting in. If they can hold it, more often than not, they will. If you go this route, make sure that the crate is not too big. Leave it enough room to stand up in, turn around, and lay down in.

Basset hounds make great dogs, but as someone already said, remember that they are hunters. Their noses are spectacular, and usually given a chance, they will pay heed to their nose before their training, making it very easy for an unsupervised basset to make its way across town before you even know they’re missing.

Basset Hound Party