Sensitivity:
Obedience:
Trainability:
Stubbornness:
Attention Span:
Obedience training your Basset Hound is essential for a respectful and harmonious relationship. It defines roles and responsibilities for both you and your dog. Through obedience training, you establish leadership, trust, and discipline, strengthening the bond with your loyal companion.
Basset Hounds have unique characteristics that influence training, such as their gentle and laid-back nature. However, they can be stubborn, which requires patience and consistency. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the obedience training process.
Step 1: Choose a Training Method
Understanding your Basset’s temperament is important when selecting a training method. They are gentle and friendly, but can be stubborn. This characteristic requires a patient and consistent approach to training, recognizing that their attention span may be short.
Choosing the right equipment is essential for training your Basset Hound. Choose a comfortable harness and a sturdy leash. A clicker can be an effective tool, as Bassets respond well to sound cues because of their food-motivated nature.
Consistency is key when training a Basset. Stick to the chosen method and equipment to reinforce learning. Bassets respond best when their routine is predictable, helping them understand and follow commands more effectively.
Step 2: Establish a Routine
Setting realistic goals is important when training a Basset Hound. Start with simple commands like “sit” and “stay,” gradually increasing to more complex ones. Bassets may learn at a slower pace, so patience and understanding are essential.
Choose a quiet, distraction-free location for training sessions to help your Basset focus. Their attention span may be limited, so reducing distractions will enhance their ability to learn and retain commands effectively.
Establishing a daily schedule with 2 to 3 training sessions, each lasting 10 to 15 minutes, is ideal. Keep the schedule consistent on both weekdays and weekends to help your Basset anticipate and engage in training.
Sample Basset Hound basic obedience commands training schedule:
- Morning: Go over the “come” command 5 times
- Afternoon: Teach the “sit” command 5 times
- Evening: Practice the “stay” command 5 times
Sample Basset Hound advanced obedience commands training schedule:
- Morning: Teach the “off” command 5 times
- Afternoon: Go over the “heel” command 5 times
- Evening: Practice the “no” and “leave it” commands 3 times each
Step 3: Assert Leadership
Establishing leadership with your Basset Hound involves being firm but fair. They need to see you as the pack leader. This helps them understand their role within the household and encourages obedience.
Setting boundaries is important for defining acceptable and unacceptable behaviors. Consistently enforce rules and boundaries, as Bassets can be stubborn and need clear guidelines to follow.
Reward obedience immediately to reinforce positive behavior. Positive reinforcement is effective with Bassets, especially when combined with treats, given their food-motivated nature.
Step 4: Teach Basic Commands
Teaching your Basset basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” is essential for establishing control and rewarding obedience.
To teach “sit,” hold a treat above your Basset’s head and move it backward over their head. As they follow the treat, their bottom should naturally lower into a sitting position.
For the “stay” command, start with your Basset in the “sit” position. Gradually increase the distance and duration while using a firm “stay” command. Reward right away when they succeed.
The “come” command begins with your Basset in the “sit” and “stay” positions. Call them with enthusiasm, encouraging them to come to you. Reward them as soon as they reach you.
Basset Hound basic obedience commands cheat sheet:
- Sit: Hold a treat above the head, command “sit,” reward sitting
- Stay: From the “sit” position, command “stay,” step back, reward staying
- Come: In the “sit” and “stay” positions, say “come,” reward arrival
Step 5: Expand Commands
Teaching your Basset advanced commands like “down,” “off,” “heel,” “no,” and “leave it” enhances their obedience and responsiveness.
To teach “down,” hold a treat close to your Basset’s nose, then lower it to the ground. Encourage them to follow the treat into a lying position, rewarding them when successful.
For the “off” command, use it when you want your Basset to get off furniture or stay away from something. Be consistent and firm, rewarding compliance immediately.
The “heel” command requires your Basset to walk beside you. Use a leash and encourage them to walk by your side, not ahead or behind, rewarding them for maintaining position.
The “no” command should be used sparingly and with a firm voice. It helps when correcting unwanted behaviors, but always follow up with a positive command and reward.
Teaching “leave it” involves holding a treat in your hand, showing it to your Basset, and then closing your hand. Use the command “leave it” when they try to get it, rewarding them when they stop.
Basset Hound advanced obedience commands cheat sheet:
- Down: Lower a treat to the ground while instructing “down,” reward lying
- Off: Direct away from an undesired area while saying “off,” reward compliance
- Heel: Command “heel” when walking with a short leash, reward walking beside
- No: Discourage unwanted behavior while saying “no,” reward obedience
- Leave It: Guide away from an object or item while saying “leave it,” reward restraint
Step 6: Advance to Complex Commands
Teaching complex commands to your Basset Hound such as “fetch, bring back” and “heel, sit, wait” enhances their obedience and provides mental stimulation.
For “fetch, bring back,” use a toy and encourage your Basset to “fetch” and “bring back.” Reward them when they return the toy to you, reinforcing the behavior with treats and praise.
The “heel, sit, wait” command involves walking with your Basset at your side. Stop, ask them to “sit,” and then “wait” patiently. Reward them for successfully following the commands.
Basset Hound complex obedience commands cheat sheet:
- Fetch, Bring Back: Throw a toy, command “fetch, bring back,” reward retrieval
- Heel, Sit, Wait: Say “heel” when walking, then “sit” and “wait,” reward patience
Step 7: Maintain Obedience Training
Continuing regular training is important for instilling obedience in your Basset Hound. Consistent practice helps reinforce commands and behaviors, ensuring they remain well-behaved in various situations.
Increasing challenges keeps the training engaging. Vary the difficulty and types of commands, while maintaining realistic expectations for your Basset’s abilities and temperament.
Keep training sessions engaging by changing environments and combining playtime with training. This approach captures your Basset’s attention and makes learning enjoyable.
Mistakes to Avoid
Using negative reinforcement can harm your Basset’s trust and willingness to learn. Focus on positive reinforcement strategies to encourage desired behaviors.
Holding long training sessions can overwhelm your Basset because of their short attention span. Keep sessions short and focused to maintain their interest and willingness.
Being inconsistent with training can confuse your Basset, making it harder for them to learn. Stick to a consistent schedule and method to help them understand expectations.
Changing commands or rules too often can lead to confusion. Establish clear and consistent commands and rules to help your Basset learn effectively.
Delaying rewards can weaken the association between command and reward. Always reward your Basset right after they perform a command correctly to reinforce learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Obedience Train a Basset Hound?
Training a Basset Hound typically takes 2 to 4 months, depending on the complexity of the commands. Start when they are between 8 to 12 weeks old. Be patient and consistent, as some Bassets may take longer to learn.
Why Might My Basset Hound Be Slow to Obedience Train?
A Basset’s individual temperament can affect their training pace. Negative experiences, lack of motivation, and inconsistent training can contribute to slower progress. Keep sessions engaging and rewards consistent to improve their learning experience.
What Are the Most Important Commands to Teach a Basset Hound?
Teaching commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “leave it” is important for Bassets. These commands establish control and ensure their safety in various situations. Refer to the “Basic” and “Advanced” obedience commands cheat sheets for guidance.
What Should I Do if My Basset Hound Refuses to Obey Commands?
If your Basset refuses to obey commands, revisit the training schedule to ensure consistency. Simplify commands if they seem overwhelmed, and remove distractions from the environment. Reward improvements to encourage progress.
