Basset Hound Training

To learn how to train a Basset Hound, owners must understanding a key aspect of this breed’s instincts and background. Owners often complain that Bassets are stubborn, don’t listen, and have difficulty learning commands and tricks. It is true that this breed is not at the top of the list of the most easily trained dogs. However, if you want to learn how to train a Basset Hound, there is hope. Bassets are eager to please and are quite capable of being fully trained. Understanding how “pack attributes” affect Basset Hounds training will give you a distinct advantage in all your dealings with them.

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Basset Hounds are Pack Animals

This means they have instincts to be part of a group. Pack behavior is a strong instinct among scent hounds, especially Bassets. Bassets were bred for their pack attributes for hundreds of years so that they could be effective at hunting game in a pack with other Basset Hounds. The pack was the social life for Bassets and this breeding and mentality continues to affect every part of their thinking and behavior.

The Concept of the Alpha Male

This alpha (meaning first) male is the strongest, most dominant member of the pack. This dog keeps the pack safe, intervenes in fights, and enforces pack rules. As the leader, the alpha male enjoys privileges of the position. Among other perks, he normally 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 all the other dogs are likewise assigned a place in the “pecking order” of the pack. All dogs, including puppies and older dogs, are included in the pack hierarchy and accept their place and role in it. Like a well-organized army, the pack exists to work together to accomplish tasks while remaining safe from the elements and predators

Basset Hound Training | Using Their Pack Instincts

Your Basset is also part of a pack. This is you and any other members of the household. It is critical to understand that all humans must rank above the Basset in your household pack. In the wild, a Basset sensing a void in leadership will assume the role of alpha male. This is where domesticated Basset Hound problems begin. Bassets are not generally aggressive, but if they think they are the alpha they will be even less likely to listen to you. Therefore, training a Basset who has assumed an alpha role is much more difficult. Many owners innocently take steps to make their Basset the head of the house, unknowingly making their Basset Hound training more difficult.

Armed with the knowledge of how to train a Basset Hound correctly, however, allows you to take control and turbo-charge the learning process. To learn specific methods on how to become the alpha of your family, visit How to Train a Basset Hound.

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