About Basset Hounds

**Sometimes it’s like about as fun as hitching up a file cabinet…**

Walking a Basset isn’t like walking other dogs. You can’t assume that a “walk” will take a certain amount of time, because a walk has many phases beginning with motivation. Once the dog has agreed to go outside, the process beings. There will be at least one cycle of the following in no particular order:

What’s my motivation here?

1) sniffing

I’m on a mission. I’m a stick wrangler.

2)wandering in just about any direction that is not forward-moving

3) sprinting

4) resting

**All this walking business just wears me out..**

5) rolling

6) flat Basset: “I’m done! You ask too much! Cannot go another step! Legs paralyzed!”

Flat Basset… can’t possibly walk another step

7) play

8) dropping anchor –staying upright but driving invisible pylons deep into the ground below the front paws while shifting most of the weight to the back. If done adeptly, may pop out of collar or harness.

**We hear sounds but we can’t understand what you are saying…**

They are insanely cute, funny, sweet, and smart. But walking a Basset is an exercise in patience. This is not the dog for everyone. But if you have patience, it’s worth it.

**I can’t help it if I’m beautiful and spoiled rotten…**

**We like helping to make the bed. It’s fun!**

Bassets have a few traits that make them a little different from other dogs:

Smart but stubborn. They don’t score well for trainability.

Skin issues! Ears must be cleaned regularly.

Diet issues! Often prone to stomach issues. Need a quality diet to keep healthy and avoid weight gain.

Bassets are second only to the Bloodhound for sense of smell. If the dog finds an interesting smell, it is likely to not hear you– it’s on sensory overload and busy!

Due to its long body, it is prone to back issues. No stairs!

Not great swimmers– not because they can’t swim, but they’re so heavy, keeping their heads well above water is not as easy for them. If you are planning an aquatic outing, get your dog a life-jacket.

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“Walking” A Basset hound

Helpful info on Bassets — best of youtube