With their soulful eyes, droopy ears, and short stature, the Basset Hound Puppy is one of the most endearing breeds to many dog lovers. While their demeanor is typically calm and amiable, like all puppies, a Basset Hound Puppy may exhibit biting behaviors. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding and managing these tendencies in your Basset Hound Puppy.
1. Understanding the Root of the Behavior
Before addressing the biting issue, one must comprehend why a Basset Hound Puppy might be inclined to use its teeth:
- Teething: Every puppy experiences the discomfort of growing new teeth, and the Basset Hound Puppy is no exception. Chewing provides relief, so they may naturally resort to biting.
- Exploration and Play: The world is a fascinating place for a young Basset Hound Puppy. Often, they use their mouths as a tool for exploration and interaction.
- Attention Seeking: If a Basset Hound Puppy learns that biting garners immediate attention, it might become a repeated behavior.
2. Providing Suitable Chew Toys
It’s essential to equip your Basset Hound Puppy with an array of appropriate chew toys. Not only do these serve as a distraction from biting people or household items, but they also give relief during the teething phase.
3. Early Introduction to Bite Inhibition
Training a Basset Hound Puppy about bite inhibition from a young age is a game-changer. When they bite too hard during play, emit a sharp, high-pitched yelp to mimic the reactions they’d receive from their littermates. This helps the Basset Hound Puppy discern between gentle mouthing and a painful bite.
4. The Importance of Consistency
Every family member and frequent visitor should respond uniformly to biting, ensuring that the Basset Hound Puppy receives consistent feedback. Mixed responses can be confusing and counterproductive.
5. Socializing Your Basset Hound Puppy
Basset Hounds are sociable by nature, but proper socialization is key to shaping well-rounded behavior. Introduce your Basset Hound Puppy to different environments, people, and other pets. A well-socialized Basset Hound Puppy is less likely to bite out of fear or uncertainty.
6. Engage in Controlled Play
Choose games that channel your Basset Hound Puppy’s energy without directly promoting biting. While tug-of-war might be fun, always monitor it to ensure it doesn’t escalate into aggressive behavior. Games like fetch or hide and seek are safer alternatives.
7. The “Time-Out” Method
If the Basset Hound Puppy becomes too aggressive or overly excitable, instituting a brief “time-out” can be beneficial. By placing them in a calm setting for a short period, you’re teaching the Basset Hound Puppy that excessive biting leads to an interruption in play.
8. Reward Good Behavior
When your Basset Hound Puppy chooses a toy over biting, or when they play without nipping, be sure to offer praise or treats. Positive reinforcement highlights the behaviors you want to see in your Basset Hound Puppy.
9. Professional Assistance
If you find that the biting behavior in your Basset Hound Puppy persists or seems unusually aggressive, consulting a professional dog trainer can be beneficial. They can provide insights tailored to your Basset Hound Puppy’s individual temperament.
An Online Dog Training Course Can Help Your Basset Hound to Stop Biting
Our 2 favorite online courses are:
1. SpiritDog’s “Perfect Obedience” Course
The Perfect Dog Obedience Bundle is an online dog training program designed to help dog owners achieve well-behaved pets. The comprehensive course covers basic obedience, biting, loose leash walking, and includes bonus mini-courses on training habits and rewards, stopping jumping, and separation anxiety solutions. With lifetime access to expert trainers for personalized feedback and a 60-day money-back guarantee, this course aims to provide effective, accessible training for a variety of dog behavior issues.
2. K9 Training Institute’s “Dog Masterclass”
More than just an obedience course, this more comprehensive training course tackles any behavior problem you might face with your dog.
Conclusion
While the journey of raising a Basset Hound Puppy comes with its set of challenges, the rewards are manifold. With understanding, patience, and consistency, you can navigate the biting phase effectively. Before you know it, your Basset Hound Puppy will grow into a loyal, gentle, and well-behaved companion, ready to accompany you on life’s adventures with those signature soulful eyes and wagging tail.
Toledo, United States.
