subject: Training a Basset Hound - Overcoming Common Basset Hound Problems [print this page] Training a Basset Hound - Overcoming Common Basset Hound Problems
Comprehending a major characteristic of this breed's instincts and background will help you overcome Basset Hound problems and speed up the results of training a Basset Hound. Owners often complain that Bassets are stubborn, don't listen or pay attention, and have difficulty learning commands and tricks.
While Bassets are not the most easily trained of dog breeds, they are eager to please and are quite capable of learning effectively. If you understand their "pack attributes," you will enjoy an unmistakable advantage in training them successfully.
Basset Hounds are Pack Animals
Bassets have instincts to be part of a group. Pack behavior is a strong instinct among scent hounds, particularly Basset Hounds. Bassets were bred for hundreds of years to exhibit pack attributes so they could be effective hunting game in a pack of other Basset Hounds. The pack was the Basset's family, and the behaviors and patterns of thinking learned in the pack remain prominent in Basset Hounds.
The Alpha Male
The alpha (first) male is the leader and most dominant member of the pack. This dog keeps the pack safe, breaks up fights, and enforces other pack "rules." As the leader, the alpha male receives privileges along with the title. Among other perks, he generally eats first and sires the puppies born to the females in the pack.
Chain of Command
The "beta" dog is second in command in packs, and in similar fashion, all the other dogs settle into a spot in the "pecking order" of the pack. All dogs, including puppies and older dogs, are included in the pack hierarchy and carry out their role accordingly. Like a well-organized military unit, the pack works together to accomplish tasks while remaining safe from enemies and the elements.
How Pack Behavior Affects Training a Basset Hound
Your Basset is also a member of a pack. This consists of you and all other household members. It is vital to understand that all humans must be ranked above the Basset in your household pack. In the wild, a Basset witnessing a void in leadership will take on the role of alpha male. This marks the beginning of domesticated Basset Hound problems. Bassets are not usually aggressive, but if they think they are the alpha they will become less likely to listen. After all, why would an alpha male need direction from you?
Therefore, training a Basset Hound who has assumed an alpha role is considerably more difficult. Many owners actually behave in ways that put their Basset in the role of the alpha, unknowingly causing common Basset Hound problems. It is important to know what steps to take to avoid this. When you are the head of your household, your Basset will happily accept the role of follower and become much easier to train.
