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How to Train a Basset Hound: 5 Tips and Tricks

Written by: Patricia Dickson

Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Patricia Dickson

How to Train a Basset Hound: 5 Tips and Tricks

Basset Hounds are among the cutest breeds out there, and many people keep them as pets. They have the cutest droopy ears and the sweetest puppy dog eyes, but it’s important to remember that you also have to train a Basset Hound to prevent undesirable behavior.

Behind those puppy dog eyes and that sweet demeanor is a dog born to hunt, which means it has a strong prey drive and an enhanced sense of smell that’s completely natural but can also make the dog difficult to train. Whether it’s potty training or obedience training, you need to start young with the Basset Hound.

If you’ve been trying to train your Basset Hound Puppy, and are left scratching your head, follow the tips below to succeed.

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The 5 Tips to Train a Basset Hound

1. Establish a Routine

The first thing you’ll want to do when bringing home a new Basset Hound puppy is establish a firm routine. It’s best to show the puppy where it’s supposed to go to the potty immediately.

You’ll also need to show the dog where the food and water bowls are and be consistent about when you feed your new little friend. It’s crucial for the dog’s health and potty training, so make sure this is one schedule you stick to firmly.

Puppies need to be fed three or four times a day, but an adult Basset Hound should have one meal in the morning and one in the evening. If you feed your dog at the same time every day, the schedule will help you regulate when to take your dog outside.

Basset hound puppies eating from the bowl
Image By: Anna Tronova, Shutterstock

2. Don’t Rely on Treats

While you certainly want to use positive reinforcement when training your Basset Hound Puppy, you don’t want to rely heavily on treats to get the dog to do what you want it to do. We aren’t saying not to use food as motivation, as it works extremely well with Basset Hound Puppies. We are saying that it’s not the only source of positive reinforcement you should use.

One reason not to rely entirely on treats is that it gives your Basset Hound the option of not complying because it doesn’t want a treat or isn’t hungry. It’s best to use the treats in combination with praise and pets on the head. A pet parent’s praise goes a long way toward getting the Hound to do what you want. Also, if you rely too heavily on treats, your pup can quickly gain weight.


3. Teach No and Good

The first words you want to teach your Basset Hound are the words “No” and “Good.” These words will be the foundation of training for your dog. You’ll eventually teach the dog words such as “sit,” “roll over,” “stay,” and more, but no and good should be the first things you teach.

You’ll have a much better chance of training your Hound if you first teach them the meaning of these words. Make sure you use a firm tone so the dog knows you mean it, but don’t forget to be kind. A well-trained dog will respond much better to kindness than to threats, and so will an untrained puppy.

basset hound sitting in grass
Image By: Sebastian Molina Bullrich, Pixabay

4. Respect Your Pet

While you’ll need to be firm with your little friend, you must also respect the dog. Never yell at or hit your pet when it doesn’t listen or has an accident. You’ll want to teach your dog to respect you and your property, so you’ll need to respect the puppy in return.

As for teaching your pet respect, there is no wrong or right way to do this, as long as you’re patient and loving with your pet. A firm “No” when the dog does something wrong or a “Good boy” when it does the right thing is a start, but you and every family member have to be consistent with it for the training to work.


5. Use Different Types of Training

Potty training your Basset Hound is a priority, but you can use several techniques, such as crate training, to teach your pup how to behave in your home. Here are some of the training types you can engage in to help your dog get used to their environment and new family.

  • Crate training
  • Socialization training
  • Training for being handled
  • Leash training
basset-hound_siberian-spring_shutterstock
Image By: siberian spring, Shutterstock

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FAQs on Training Your Basset Hound

Now that you know what you need to know about training your Basset Hound puppy, we’ll answer a couple of the most common questions we hear below.

How Do I Discipline My Basset Hound?

Basset Hounds are more responsive to rewards than they are to punishment. It’s best to give your pet a firm no, instead of yelling at it for the best results. Positive reinforcement works wonders with this breed.

How Much Time Should I Spend with My Basset Hound?

You should be prepared to spend a lot of time with your Basset Hound, not just training it but bonding with it. Make sure that your pet gets a daily workout and that you take it on walks every day. Spending time with other people and pets will also help train and socialize your pet.

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Conclusion

Basset Hounds are adorable and some of the gentlest dogs you can find. However, they can be quite willful and vocal, and training one can be difficult. However, it’s also a rewarding experience once the puppy is trained and well on its way to being an obedient pet.

The tips above will help you train your pet with respect, patience, love, and positive reinforcement. The result will be a well-trained, loving pet who will be by your side for many years.


Featured Image Credit: Aneta Jungerova, Shutterstock

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