Best Activities for Basset Hounds - Wag! (2023)

Any day

Moderate

Normal

1 hour

Neck

Leverage

In terms of scent tracking, many people say that if the dog has a nose, they can track it. This is true, as some breeds have many more scent glands than others. The Basset Hound is one of those breeds. Sporting tracking allows the Basset to do what he was bred to do and gives him the opportunity to spend time honing his instinctive talents. Following is a fun way for dog and owner to enjoy time together. You can spend time with your dog outside in a field in your backyard, allowing your Basset Hound to practice these tracking skills. It will be a lot of fun for you to watch and it will be a lot of fun for the dog!

The first thing you'll want to do is buy some really good treats. It's probably best to get something other than your typical bone-in dog treats; fresh food is better. You can cook a small piece of meat and chicken and cut it into very small pieces. You can even use pieces of hot dogs or cold cuts. Put the parts in a plastic bag until you need them.

Without taking your dog with you, collect the pieces and place them in your garden or field. Place each a few feet away from the other in a path for your dog to follow with his nose. Then at the end, have a squeaky toy or other item that is scented with the treat. Let your dog out and watch his nose get to work! As soon as the nose finds you, congratulate your dog!

Once your dog is successful in the above way of following, try something different. Go online or to a pet store and purchase a tracking scent. There are many varieties, and for the Basset Hound, a rabbit scent may be a good choice. If you use a scent like this, make sure that at the end of your run you have a delicious treat for your working dog.

Any day

Moderate

Normal

1 hour

Neck

dog harness

Obedience training for Basset Hounds should start early. Bassets can be stubborn, so it would be best to train them early in puppyhood. Training may include: how to walk on a leash, obey basic commands (such as sit and stay), and not jump on people when excited. Basset Hounds are usually pretty laid back dogs, so a little obedience training may be all that is needed. However, if you have company often, your Basset Hound may jump on them, so training can go a long way in this area. Also, if you take your dog for a walk (always recommended), it is important that he walk by your side.

There are many obedience training classes in many cities, so do your research and find the class that is most convenient for you. If you can't find a class, see if you know someone who can come over to the house and train your dog. Ask for dog park recommendations.

Once you find the perfect class, make sure you always go. Keeping your Basset Hound puppy in a routine will go a long way in helping him learn and understand what is expected of him. Remember, going to each session will help you feel more comfortable with your partner! Some classes are held once a week and others are held several days a week, depending on the course you are taking.

Obedience training doesn't end when each class ends. Take what you have learned and apply it at home several times a day. This will ensure that you and your baby get the most out of your training. If something doesn't work for both of you, you can ask the coach for advice at the next session.

Sunny day

Book

Easy

30 minutes

Leverage

Neck

Walking your Basset Hound is very important. Not only does it give them socialization (many people will want to check it out!), but it also gives your dog the exercise he needs. Walking is very good for your dog's health. Just like with people, a walk gets your heart pumping, stimulates circulation, and helps stretch your muscles. Basset Hounds are larger dogs, despite their short legs, and can gain weight if they aren't given thirty minutes of walking a day to get a few calories. Yes, it's true that some Bassets can be considered "lazy." and they may pull a "basset flat" from time to time, but don't let that stop you. A "flat basset hound" is a term for when they simply decide to stop walking and lie down no matter where you are. Be patient, as your Basset Hound will eventually decide to get up and walk some more.

Many Basset Hound owners find that a 20 to 30 minute walk is all their dogs can handle. So look for a route, either in your neighborhood or in the city, where you can make the round trip in that period of time. Some dogs are fine with not wanting to lie down, but maybe after 10 minutes or so you can stop to rest. Maybe you can find a route that has places where you can stop for a while.

As you walk, you can talk to your dog or talk to other people as you meet them along the way. If you are walking in a town or city, people may want to pet your dog, as Basset Hounds are special in their appearance. Long ears and short legs really turn heads, especially if the people you meet are dog lovers!

When you return home, give your dog plenty of water and a treat. After that, you will likely find that your dog will sleep for an extended period of time. That's what this breed does! Give them a cozy blanket and pillow and they'll get some rest, but don't worry, they'll wake up and ask for dinner with lots of howling!