Should I take my puppy Bassett to the pound?

Question

My family acquired this cute Bassett Hound from a pet shop. We got her when she was only 2 months old. We worked really hard on house breaking. She will not poop inside, but pees like crazy. Rips the wee-wee pads, plays with her nastyness, and by the way, did I mention that she pees in her crate and sleeps right on it. It's all very strange. Also, when I take her for breaks, she tends to try to attack me. The vet did a study of her stood, and she is positive on worms. My mother says she might be in pain. But she doesn't seem like it. Yesterday, she made my hand bleed. I have a 15 month old baby and she constantly tries to bite him. Not to mention how nonstop she barks. I timed her one time, 4 hours straight. On the other hand, I feel really bad and responsible for her behavior. This is a huge moral issue, I feel that I should take her in, but maybe there are other options. I will appreciate any opinions, comments, suggestions.

Answer 1

I wouldn't take her to the pound....you may want to find someone who lives on a farm with lots of land, then by the time she gets older she won't do such things and she'll have lots of room to play. But don't give her to the pound with the chance of being euthanized.

Answer 2

Sounds like a normal basset hound puppy, but if you are finding it to be more than you can handle I highly suggest contacting your nearest Basset Hound Rescue. These people are knowledgeable about the breed and will care for her until they are able to find her an appropriate home.
The advantages of taking her to rescue over the pound are that
1) They know the breed well and are better able to place her with the right kind of family.
2) You don't have to worry about her being put down if they are full.
3) She will probably be staying in a home while waiting to be adopted, rather than in a kennel (unless the rescue is VERY full).
4) The rescue will take her back if there is any problem with the new home.

A quick Google on the term Basset Hound Rescue should give you one in your area.

Answer 3

It's not the dog's fault. Dogs only do what you allow them to do. I know when I trained my dog, I actually put a leash around my ankle and everywhere I went, she went. I took her to her 'pad' (she's indoor trained), every hour and when she peed on it, I made a big deal about it. If it took more than 2 minutes or so, I pulled her away with her on my leg.

It's a commitment - but she never makes a mistake. The dog WANTS you to restrain her - dogs are happiest when they are restricted and have parameters of what is right and what isnt'. I know you have a new baby - but..... devoting a little time now - means she'll be wonderful for many years. It sounds like she has too much freedom - which makes dogs insecure.

Tearing things up is not acceptable - again if you had her on your leg, you'd control her every move. It's not forever - try it for a week. Also, don't let her go into a room before you do. A little effort will bring great returns.

Try keeping her in a crate when you're not around - to control her tearing things up. You don't want her in there for a long time - but important also to exercise her - maybe a good run - to get rid of some of that energy. Dogs are like kids - you have to tire them out. I wouldn't let the dog near the baby until the dog is 'conditioned' - She should not be allowed to enter wherever the baby is until she develops some respect for you.

Worms are easy to control. Get her wormed.

Answer 4

She sounds like she came from a puppy mill - usually dogs in puppy mills are not properly socialized and pee in their crates because growing up that is the only place they could be. I would recommend a trainer, buy the book by Ceasar Milan (very good trainer) and if that doesn't work try to find a no kill animal shelter that will taker her in. There is probably a rescue organization that only takes in Basset hounds.
My dog was very difficult at first too and I debated for weeks whether or not to take her to a shelter. But I kept her, took her to classes and now she's the light of my life. Keep up hope - they can be trained!

Answer 5

This is a hard decision. I personally don't know what I would do. I have 2 dogs right now, and they are hard when they are puppies, but they learn and eventually become good pets. However, dealing with an animal like that is complicated. On the barking - have you thought about a bark collar? My only major concern is that you have a 15 month old baby that I hope is your main priority. I know if I had a kid, and one of my dogs tried to bite my kid, no question asked the dog would be gone. You need what's best for you and your kid. I

Answer 6

The pound is not the only solution....Have you checked with your local vet for any associations that rescue or foster specific breeds, they are out there...you need to spend some time and effort to relocate this animal to a home or society that can work with her needs and specific behavior patterns..In my experiences with basset hounds, I have found that they need constant companionship and a job to do...the biting may be frustration or anxiety on the part of the dog, maybe you don't have enough back yard or the time resources to take care of this particular breed...Look around for a home first, the pound is a last resort...If you need further assistance with this PET you may contact us at our email address: [e-mail]

Answer 7

Train her. Seriously, dogs aren't born with the knowledge of what to do in a household situation. There should be classes in your area to train your pup. But if she does something you don't like (ie, growling at the baby or nipping at you), let her know you are the boss and you will not stand for that sort of behaviour. I'm not saying to beat her with a hose or anything, but pop her on the nose or butt. If she is having issues with dominance, you would need to do some dominace training like rolling her on her back or something like that.

Don't take her ot the shelter just because she misbahaves without training her at all. Do you know how many dogs are in that exact same situation in shelters across the country? Training may not be easy or fast, but when you see the fruits of your labor come to life, it is amazing. Take responsibility for your actions! Don't take the easy way out. Having a child you must know that you cannot just give up when the going gets tough.

Answer 8

Let me tell ya, the basset hound is not for me!! I am training one right now for a friend. The first time I have ever worked with basset hound and I would never buy one for myself. That is only my opinion. That said...if the dog is a hazard to your child perhaps it is best to find a better home for her. A place with no kids and where she can have a nice kennel and place to run "outside". I trully believe these dogs were bred to be out door dogs and are best suited to do what they love to do, smell. They make great tracking dogs, this I know because I am training this one to do it. But I would never recommend having one in the home, they are impossible to house break. Also, they have an oder to them that will not go away simply because of the oils in their skin. Another reason they are suited for the out doors. The biting thing does not shock me one bit, this breed can be that way and from what I understand they get worse with age. I hope you get this worked out, but don't feel guilty!! I know it must be over whelming with a small baby to even give your basset the attention it needs to become a decent house pet. Good luck and take care.

Answer 9

Bad behavior for a dog that age isn't a surprize! Go talk to other bassett owners- find out what you can--and seek pro.help if you can!!

If you have to get rid of this poor little guy--at least be responsible enough to find it a good home instead of dropping 'em off at the pound--so there isn't an execution 7-14 days later.

Answer 10

Watch the dog whisperer on National Geographic and buy Cesar Milan's books. Any dog can be cured of any behavior. Its usually the owner that has the issue. We tend to forget that first of all its an animal and wants to be firmly disciplined by someone who is really in charge. Cesar calls it being the pack leader. First most dogs don't get enough exercise. Second not enough discipline after the first two then you give affection.

Try it, be firm you might be surprised.

If you have a pet its your responsibility to train and care for it.

Answer 11

Find a basset hound rescue group in your area. My co-worker got her basset from a rescue group.
Here is a link to one but if you search "basset rescue group," you'll get a list and there is probably one in your area. Then someone who really has the time for a puppy and wants that breed can give her a loving home.