Why Are Basset Hounds Hard To Train

The Basset Hound is also commonly known as the “Hush Puppy." The British breed is descended from the French Stag Hound and have a very dense coat that comes in various colors such as black, tan, yellow, and white. It is also common for Basset Hounds to have spots and markings. A happy, go-lucky and loving dog, the Basset Hound is a short and heavy-set dog that grows to 15 inches tall in adulthood. Their weight also ranges between 40 and 60 pounds. The Basset Hound responds well to other animals, but male Basset Hounds can be aggressive to other male dogs. They are favorite family dogs and they also make excellent watch dogs.

So many things have been said about Basset Hounds, but one of the most common complaints people have about the breed is that they are difficult to train. Well, it may be something common but it does not mean that you will be unable to raise a well-behaved Basset Hound. A Basset Hound that is properly trained is a joy to be around and is a pleasure to be with. You will enjoy his company in private and in public. He will respond to commands, do his business outside, and he will be one well-adjusted canine. You will be able to take him out in public without the worry of offending others because he won’t have any behavioral issues. The key to a well-behaved Basset Hound is proper training, as with any other breed. Let’s be straightforward and just say it out loud that training a Basset Hound can be a challenge because they are known to be harder to train than other breeds. This is not because the Basset Hound lacks intelligence, but because the Basset Hound is a very independent dog.

Hounds were bred to hunt without the company of their handlers and they were trained to follow a scent persistently without distractions. Because they are independent, they have a one-track mind, and this makes them more difficult to train so, as their owner, you need work more closely with them. There are dog breeds that are very eager to please, so they are easier to train because the only thing they want is to get their human’s approval. On the other hand, the Basset Hound can sometimes be aloof and stubborn, and they seem to only want to please themselves and not care what their humans think. But this does not mean that you should submit yourself to defeat. The Basset Hound can definitely be trained but it will take a lot of patience, time, and persistence in order to get them to behave the way you want them to. You will find out, in the end, that it is all worth it. 

The Basset Hound needs training in socialization, basic obedience training, house training, and leash training. Socialization equips your puppy with the proper canine social skills, so he learns to interact with unfamiliar dogs, as well as unfamiliar people. House training teaches your puppy the proper place and process of eliminating. Basic obedience training teaches your dog how to respond to voice commands reliably. Lastly, leash training teaches your puppy to walk by your side calmly while on a leash. In order to encourage your Basset Hound to become a well-adjusted pet and make a lot easier to train, it is important that you get to know him. 

Bassets rely heavily on their smell more than any other senses. They are the type that would rather chase a scent than listen for sounds. So, in order to keep his focus, do not train him in places where there are scents that can easily distract him. Basset Hound training requires a lot of patience so make sure that you have a lot to spare. You have to be prepared in case your pooch does not learn as fast as you would like him to, but this does not mean that they cannot be trained at all. Consistency is key and remember to work at a pace that fits their needs. Refrain from rushing and make sure he understands one command before you start moving on to the next.

Another tip that can be very helpful in training your dog is to make training fun! Learning should never be boring. Dogs are just like humans. They are more likely to pay attention is they are interested in what is being taught. Make your training sessions short but fun. When we say short, it means that it should not be longer than 10 minutes. Use treats to reward your dog, engage in play during breaks and keep things fresh. Ensure that your dog looks at training positively. Do not do anything that will make him think that training is boring and that it is a kind of punishment. The more enjoyable training is, the more your puppy will look forward to it and the more he will get out of it. 

The proper training of your Basset Hound leads to a dog that is well-adjustable, well-behaved, and more enjoyable. If you already have a Basset Hound or you are planning to get one, you should spend enough quality time with him so that he can master the basics. With time, patience, persistence, and effort, you will find your heart melting for this adorable breed.