First Basset

onda_bianca · 09-22-2006, 10:51 PM

My fiance and I got our very first Basset on Monday. She is only six weeks old, and we named her Chloe.

I grew up with a Cairn Terrier and my fiance grew up with a "bit of everything" dog, so a Basset is very different for both of us (although Cairns are typically "stubborn" like Bassets are supposed to be so I thought I'd be used to it!).

Unfortunately, I realized that I have no clue about raising a very young puppy. Although my last dog (of 16 years) was a puppy when we got him, he was a family dog and I didn't start taking care of him until he was past his puppy-hood. I'm just now realizing the difficulty in housebreaking, chewing, etc.

Anyhow, during the day, my fiance and I work. We come home when we can (we are teachers and sometimes get longer prep-times, etc.) but Chloe is still alone for a long time. Since she isn't housebroken, we keep her in her crate for now. We have a cat as well, but the cat is still very unsure about Chloe so we don't let them stay together yet. Anyhow, the point is that I feel very bad leaving her during the day, espcially with her "whine/bark" she gives when I put her in her crate. My question here, is there anything I can do to minimize her whines and make her a bit more comfy? I already put her stuffed dog in there, a chew bone, and her toy of choice. I've thought about doggy daycare, but she is too young to be accepted most places and it seems to be very expensive around here where I'd rather make it work at home. She hasn't ever pooped in her crate and only peed once (on the first day) so it's not like she's making it undesirable in that aspect. Is there something to this crate thing that I'm missing or are the cries and whines normal? Will this eventually stop or will she be like this the whole time? Would it be better to by puppy pads and let her have one room in the house? I'm just afraid the puppy pads will become a glorified litter box and I'd rather housetrain Chloe as soon as possible. BTW, I can't keep Chloe in the kitchen because it is open enough where our cat could climb in and we're not ready for the two to be together unsupervised.

I already did something I've been told not to do (and will probably get yelled at on here for it), but we let Chloe sleep with us in bed at night. After the first night, Chloe woke us up crying at 3:00 in the morning. The next night, we decided to try letting her sleep with us, and it worked. She didn't cry, we slept through the night (minus "kisses" at 5:00am which is closer to our alarm than 3), and she did not wet the bed (but slept on me). I always liked dogs sleeping with me and as long as she doesn't have an accident (which she doesn't as long as we promptly take her outside when waking up), I'm fine. My question here, however, pertains to her breath. If I'm going to wake up at 5 in the morning, I couldn't imagine a better way than sweet doggy kisses, however, her breathe if foul, probably worse than I ever remember my last dog being. I tried buying those finger tooth-wipes but they seem to have little to no effect. I'm not sure how an actual tooth-brushing would go over? Any advice for a fresher/better breath?

The first day Chloe was with us, she was very shy and didn't quite show her true puppy colors. She's not a bit into chewng and although she hasn't destroyed anything yet, I'm starting to see she is more "mouthy" than what I thought a basset would be. I know this is a result of being a puppy, but how long does it usually take a basset to come out of the phase (of course I know most will depend on Chloe individually as well as myself)? I suppose if anything, she will make me a better housekeeper, but sometimes it's nice to know what to expect.

Her stubborness is also showing. Tonight, it was raining outside. I've figured out she does not like the rain and refused to go outside to do her business in it. I try to take her out a lot to avoid accidents (usually between 1 and 2 hours depending on if she had any water or food in that time). Well, tonight, she wouldn't go out at all...I had to physically carry her to the grass where she just looked at me and whined. Nothing got done outside, but I had two poop accidents and one pee. I was not happy. Is there a way to deal with this kind of stubborness as a puppy or is it something I just have to get over? I was thinking a raincoat or one of those doggy umbrellas I've seen might help, but then again, it might make the situation worse (or make me one of those dog people(which I'm starting to believe I'm already becoming)? Or should I just have stood out there until she made an effort to do something? Eventually, it stopped raining and I took her out (after the poo was out of her system of course)...but I worry that I live in Indiana where we get lots of rain (and eventual snow) and I'd prefer not to be a second bathroom to crummy weather. Any tips?

She is very sweet and I am very happy to have her, but am just exhausted from all the puppy things I hadn't prepared for/thought of beforehand. She likes to lay in my lap and be held, I wonder if she'll still do that when she's full grown 40lbs+. If anyone has an extra advice that I have not already asked in this post, feel free to share! I can honestly say that this week has proven to me that I know a lot less about puppies and bassets than I originally thought!

Sorry so long winded and thanks in advance for making it through! I'll end with a picture of me and my baby since she is just cuter than a button (the picture was taken during our first hours together, before even coming home):

Valerie and George · 09-22-2006, 11:06 PM

Oh, look, Moose has a little clone! She's adorable.

The stubborn thing and the hating rain thing will probably hang on her whole life. George is 8 and he still won't go outside in the rain (and he's still stubborn!). She'll probably grow out of the chewing -- he doesn't chew things anymore (don't ask about our Lab, though!

) Yes, she will continue to want to sit on your lap, no matter how big she gets. Heck, my LAB still sits on my lap and she's over 50 pounds! If you're happy having her sleep with you, I don't see why that's a problem. It sounds like you're doing everything you can to potty train her, and if you come home and let her out of the crate as often as you can during the day, she'll be all right. The whining is probably because she knows you're leaving when you put her in there and she doesn't want you to leave.

onda_bianca · 09-22-2006, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Oh, look, Moose has a little clone! She's adorable.

The stubborn thing and the hating rain thing will probably hang on her whole life. George is 8 and he still won't go outside in the rain (and he's still stubborn!). She'll probably grow out of the chewing -- he doesn't chew things anymore (don't ask about our Lab, though!

) Yes, she will continue to want to sit on your lap, no matter how big she gets. Heck, my LAB still sits on my lap and she's over 50 pounds! If you're happy having her sleep with you, I don't see why that's a problem. It sounds like you're doing everything you can to potty train her, and if you come home and let her out of the crate as often as you can during the day, she'll be all right. The whining is probably because she knows you're leaving when you put her in there and she doesn't want you to leave.
[/b]

I'm glad she will likely still cuddle.

I was very sad when my cat grew out of that and have really been missing that. My last dog died around this time last year and although Chloe will never replace him, there is something nice about being greeted at the door by a furry friend.

I know I'm doing what I can, but I hate to hear the whining. I'm afraid she might be figuring that out too!

And I was afraid that the rain thing might be a forever thing

Rubydoo · 09-22-2006, 11:57 PM

She's adorable. As for the whining....Ruby whines all the time and it's annoying but at least she doesn't bark much.

I'm sure she'll be a great addition to your family!

Agnes_and_Lucille · 09-23-2006, 12:37 AM

Wow, I can't believe how much Chloe looks like Moose! That's amazing!!!!!

Mylilturbopup · 09-23-2006, 02:14 AM

All of the things you have stated inyour post is all normal puppy stuff, I have a 6 month old and she does all of those things and the house breaking SUCKS I work full time and I go to school, but I love her and don't care how much work it takes and you will feel the same way. The biting thing I would guess is gonna last until all the adult dog teeth come in. What is good to use to stop the biting and chewy is a bitter apple spray. Spray what you don't want chewed. Also use the puppy pads in the house I put them by the door it helps them to understand the door means potty, the hard part it getting them to tell you when to open the door. My pup makes it to the door alot but then does her business there. She is getting it but at 6 weeks she went potty every 15 minutes and it was soooooo frustrated. The whiny I don't think will ever stop she is a constant whiner and sometimes she doesn't want anything but to be petted. Also the lap dog thing hasn't changed yet, she was 3.2 lbs when I got her and now she is 30 and she is gettin soooo big but she is still a lap dog and I love it. I don't care how big she gets I love my lap dog

. Well good luck, I suggest puppy classes at PetSmart they train you how to train your dog, was way worth it, Also buy a book about Basset hounds it is a good refrence when you have a question. Good Luck it is so fun enjoy this time because before you know it they grow up to be big dogs. Its so said to look at Turbo's pictures when we got her she has grown so fast. Just be consistent and be patient, Bassets are extremly intelligent and if you aren't careful they will start to train you, I kow Turbo has

:P

Beverly Anne · 09-23-2006, 05:46 AM

Can you hire a dog walker to come and take her out? She's still so young at 6 weeks so she probably misses her brothers and sisters. I recommend a good dog book geared to bassets (there are a few) and DEFINITELY puppy classes as soon as she's had all her shots. Good luck, she's adorable

daisy8869 · 09-23-2006, 09:11 AM

Awww she is so precious!!! Do you have a name for her? Everything you are experiencing is normal puppy behavior. I have a five month old basset and Jackie has done all the same things. Jackie also hates the rain but I make her go out in it and usually once she realizes that we are not going back in until she does her business she will pee (pee only, no poop). Expect to have accidents...I'm not sure how long you are waiting to take her out after a meal but Jackie needs to go about ten minutes after she eats. Eating gets their bowels working...and doing this has pretty much prevented all poop accidents in the house.

Another idea you might want to try for housebreaking are bells. We have a set on the door and Jackie usually rings them when she has to go out, it is another way for her to communicate with us. I made the bells myself from a craft store, just make sure you hang them low enough for her to ring them.

As far as the puppy breath...I would try the puppy breath treats, I believe pedigree makes some that work wonders. Stay away from Greenies...very dangerous for dogs.

One last thing, I highly recommend puppy classes. Jackie graduated from her 1st class a week ago and it was wonderful to develop good behaviors and also to build our relationship. If there is a Petsmart near you, you can go watch a class for free and decide if it is for you.

Good luck with your new puppy and please keep us updated with photos...she is very pretty!

Emma and Doris · 09-23-2006, 09:35 AM

First of all, a very warm welcome!

The rest is a bit more difficult - I basically think 6 weeks is too early
to seperate the puppy from her mother and siblings. She should have
been at least 8 weeks. It's also way too early to leave the puppy for
hours, and she needs to be let out to pee and poop every 2 hours -
you can't expect her to last longer than that. It may help to let the cat
be with her, she just needs company.

Good luck!

--------------------
<span style="color:#009900">The one that drools rules, :P
Steinar - daddy and foodslave to Emma and Doris!

http://www.basset-hound.net.tf</span>

Aruuuu · 09-23-2006, 09:36 AM

Hmmm.... Sounds like you truly didn't think things through before Chloe came home. Puppies need a lot of time and attention. I'm also surprised that you got such a young pup. Breeders I know don't let their pups go before 8 weeks to give the pups as much socialization with their peers as possible.

However -- A crate is a good thing. It gives a dog his/her own space, and for young pups it can literally be a life saver. Putting a young pup in a crate when you leave the house is placing their safety first. BUT a six-week-old puppy needs to go outside every hour or so. Asking Chloe to hold it for even three hours is a real stretch because she has a very tiny bladder. Do you know someone, a neighbor perhaps, who could let your little one out a few times during the day? Not only will Chloe feel better, she's going to get some much-needed exercise which will help tire her out. Your mantra for the next couple of years will be: "A tired dog is a good dog." As for going out in the rain, Chloe is going to have to get used to it, and she will, but she'll probably never like it. My Charlie hates getting his big mitts wet, while Edith Ann doesn't seem to mind. They both love snow, however, and hop through the deep stuff like rather large, awkward rabbits!

Chloe'll outgrow the puppy breath (which, by the way, I love, so feel free to send a whiff in my direction

), but it's a good idea to continue brushing her teeth just to keep her used to it. Chewing is a puppy thing. It's important that you direct Chloe toward appropriate chew toys, rather than allowing her to chew things like tables and chairs or carpeting. Bitter apple was a good suggestion, and you can find it at any pet supply store. Buy a big supply!

Bringing home a puppy isn't much different than bringing home an infant. They keep you up at night, need to potty frequently, make messes, and don't understand that there are some things they shouldn't do. Successfully training a puppy requires commitment -- a lifetime of it.

09-22-2006, 10:51 PM	#1 (permalink)
onda_bianca Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 15	My fiance and I got our very first Basset on Monday. She is only six weeks old, and we named her Chloe. I grew up with a Cairn Terrier and my fiance grew up with a "bit of everything" dog, so a Basset is very different for both of us (although Cairns are typically "stubborn" like Bassets are supposed to be so I thought I'd be used to it!). Unfortunately, I realized that I have no clue about raising a very young puppy. Although my last dog (of 16 years) was a puppy when we got him, he was a family dog and I didn't start taking care of him until he was past his puppy-hood. I'm just now realizing the difficulty in housebreaking, chewing, etc. Anyhow, during the day, my fiance and I work. We come home when we can (we are teachers and sometimes get longer prep-times, etc.) but Chloe is still alone for a long time. Since she isn't housebroken, we keep her in her crate for now. We have a cat as well, but the cat is still very unsure about Chloe so we don't let them stay together yet. Anyhow, the point is that I feel very bad leaving her during the day, espcially with her "whine/bark" she gives when I put her in her crate. My question here, is there anything I can do to minimize her whines and make her a bit more comfy? I already put her stuffed dog in there, a chew bone, and her toy of choice. I've thought about doggy daycare, but she is too young to be accepted most places and it seems to be very expensive around here where I'd rather make it work at home. She hasn't ever pooped in her crate and only peed once (on the first day) so it's not like she's making it undesirable in that aspect. Is there something to this crate thing that I'm missing or are the cries and whines normal? Will this eventually stop or will she be like this the whole time? Would it be better to by puppy pads and let her have one room in the house? I'm just afraid the puppy pads will become a glorified litter box and I'd rather housetrain Chloe as soon as possible. BTW, I can't keep Chloe in the kitchen because it is open enough where our cat could climb in and we're not ready for the two to be together unsupervised. I already did something I've been told not to do (and will probably get yelled at on here for it), but we let Chloe sleep with us in bed at night. After the first night, Chloe woke us up crying at 3:00 in the morning. The next night, we decided to try letting her sleep with us, and it worked. She didn't cry, we slept through the night (minus "kisses" at 5:00am which is closer to our alarm than 3), and she did not wet the bed (but slept on me). I always liked dogs sleeping with me and as long as she doesn't have an accident (which she doesn't as long as we promptly take her outside when waking up), I'm fine. My question here, however, pertains to her breath. If I'm going to wake up at 5 in the morning, I couldn't imagine a better way than sweet doggy kisses, however, her breathe if foul, probably worse than I ever remember my last dog being. I tried buying those finger tooth-wipes but they seem to have little to no effect. I'm not sure how an actual tooth-brushing would go over? Any advice for a fresher/better breath? The first day Chloe was with us, she was very shy and didn't quite show her true puppy colors. She's not a bit into chewng and although she hasn't destroyed anything yet, I'm starting to see she is more "mouthy" than what I thought a basset would be. I know this is a result of being a puppy, but how long does it usually take a basset to come out of the phase (of course I know most will depend on Chloe individually as well as myself)? I suppose if anything, she will make me a better housekeeper, but sometimes it's nice to know what to expect. Her stubborness is also showing. Tonight, it was raining outside. I've figured out she does not like the rain and refused to go outside to do her business in it. I try to take her out a lot to avoid accidents (usually between 1 and 2 hours depending on if she had any water or food in that time). Well, tonight, she wouldn't go out at all...I had to physically carry her to the grass where she just looked at me and whined. Nothing got done outside, but I had two poop accidents and one pee. I was not happy. Is there a way to deal with this kind of stubborness as a puppy or is it something I just have to get over? I was thinking a raincoat or one of those doggy umbrellas I've seen might help, but then again, it might make the situation worse (or make me one of those dog people(which I'm starting to believe I'm already becoming)? Or should I just have stood out there until she made an effort to do something? Eventually, it stopped raining and I took her out (after the poo was out of her system of course)...but I worry that I live in Indiana where we get lots of rain (and eventual snow) and I'd prefer not to be a second bathroom to crummy weather. Any tips? She is very sweet and I am very happy to have her, but am just exhausted from all the puppy things I hadn't prepared for/thought of beforehand. She likes to lay in my lap and be held, I wonder if she'll still do that when she's full grown 40lbs+. If anyone has an extra advice that I have not already asked in this post, feel free to share! I can honestly say that this week has proven to me that I know a lot less about puppies and bassets than I originally thought! Sorry so long winded and thanks in advance for making it through! I'll end with a picture of me and my baby since she is just cuter than a button (the picture was taken during our first hours together, before even coming home): __________________ Jenny and Chloe

09-22-2006, 11:57 PM	#4 (permalink)
Rubydoo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Southern California Posts: 1,681	She's adorable. As for the whining....Ruby whines all the time and it's annoying but at least she doesn't bark much. I'm sure she'll be a great addition to your family! __________________ http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...w/IMG_1340.jpg Take a basset hound to lunch today! --Bassets rule....and drool!

09-23-2006, 12:37 AM	#5 (permalink)
Agnes_and_Lucille Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Pawshington, DC (DogsnotCats) Posts: 85	Wow, I can't believe how much Chloe looks like Moose! That's amazing!!!!! __________________ Melynda, the Momslave to Becky & Lilly, Lucille, Lucien (AT, Agnes (AT, and Max the Really Bad Siamese C@t (AT Pawshington, DC (DogsnotCats) Visit our Dogster page!

09-23-2006, 05:46 AM	#7 (permalink)
Beverly Anne Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Boston MA Posts: 737	Can you hire a dog walker to come and take her out? She's still so young at 6 weeks so she probably misses her brothers and sisters. I recommend a good dog book geared to bassets (there are a few) and DEFINITELY puppy classes as soon as she's had all her shots. Good luck, she's adorable __________________ Francis's Bevy

09-23-2006, 09:11 AM	#8 (permalink)
daisy8869 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: North Carolina Posts: 219	Awww she is so precious!!! Do you have a name for her? Everything you are experiencing is normal puppy behavior. I have a five month old basset and Jackie has done all the same things. Jackie also hates the rain but I make her go out in it and usually once she realizes that we are not going back in until she does her business she will pee (pee only, no poop). Expect to have accidents...I'm not sure how long you are waiting to take her out after a meal but Jackie needs to go about ten minutes after she eats. Eating gets their bowels working...and doing this has pretty much prevented all poop accidents in the house. Another idea you might want to try for housebreaking are bells. We have a set on the door and Jackie usually rings them when she has to go out, it is another way for her to communicate with us. I made the bells myself from a craft store, just make sure you hang them low enough for her to ring them. As far as the puppy breath...I would try the puppy breath treats, I believe pedigree makes some that work wonders. Stay away from Greenies...very dangerous for dogs. One last thing, I highly recommend puppy classes. Jackie graduated from her 1st class a week ago and it was wonderful to develop good behaviors and also to build our relationship. If there is a Petsmart near you, you can go watch a class for free and decide if it is for you. Good luck with your new puppy and please keep us updated with photos...she is very pretty! __________________ Daisy Mommy to Jackie the basset (born 5/20/06) and Charlie the golden (born 9/23/00).

09-22-2006, 11:06 PM	#2 (permalink)
Valerie and George Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 813	Oh, look, Moose has a little clone! She's adorable. The stubborn thing and the hating rain thing will probably hang on her whole life. George is 8 and he still won't go outside in the rain (and he's still stubborn!). She'll probably grow out of the chewing -- he doesn't chew things anymore (don't ask about our Lab, though! ) Yes, she will continue to want to sit on your lap, no matter how big she gets. Heck, my LAB still sits on my lap and she's over 50 pounds! If you're happy having her sleep with you, I don't see why that's a problem. It sounds like you're doing everything you can to potty train her, and if you come home and let her out of the crate as often as you can during the day, she'll be all right. The whining is probably because she knows you're leaving when you put her in there and she doesn't want you to leave.

09-23-2006, 02:14 AM	#6 (permalink)
Mylilturbopup Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 72	All of the things you have stated inyour post is all normal puppy stuff, I have a 6 month old and she does all of those things and the house breaking SUCKS I work full time and I go to school, but I love her and don't care how much work it takes and you will feel the same way. The biting thing I would guess is gonna last until all the adult dog teeth come in. What is good to use to stop the biting and chewy is a bitter apple spray. Spray what you don't want chewed. Also use the puppy pads in the house I put them by the door it helps them to understand the door means potty, the hard part it getting them to tell you when to open the door. My pup makes it to the door alot but then does her business there. She is getting it but at 6 weeks she went potty every 15 minutes and it was soooooo frustrated. The whiny I don't think will ever stop she is a constant whiner and sometimes she doesn't want anything but to be petted. Also the lap dog thing hasn't changed yet, she was 3.2 lbs when I got her and now she is 30 and she is gettin soooo big but she is still a lap dog and I love it. I don't care how big she gets I love my lap dog . Well good luck, I suggest puppy classes at PetSmart they train you how to train your dog, was way worth it, Also buy a book about Basset hounds it is a good refrence when you have a question. Good Luck it is so fun enjoy this time because before you know it they grow up to be big dogs. Its so said to look at Turbo's pictures when we got her she has grown so fast. Just be consistent and be patient, Bassets are extremly intelligent and if you aren't careful they will start to train you, I kow Turbo has :P

09-23-2006, 09:35 AM	#9 (permalink)
Emma and Doris Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Oslo, Lørenskog, Norway Posts: 3,124	First of all, a very warm welcome! The rest is a bit more difficult - I basically think 6 weeks is too early to seperate the puppy from her mother and siblings. She should have been at least 8 weeks. It's also way too early to leave the puppy for hours, and she needs to be let out to pee and poop every 2 hours - you can't expect her to last longer than that. It may help to let the cat be with her, she just needs company. Good luck! -------------------- <span style="color:#009900">The one that drools rules, :P Steinar - daddy and foodslave to Emma and Doris! http://www.basset-hound.net.tf</span>

09-23-2006, 09:36 AM	#10 (permalink)
Aruuuu Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Central MA, USA Posts: 773	Hmmm.... Sounds like you truly didn't think things through before Chloe came home. Puppies need a lot of time and attention. I'm also surprised that you got such a young pup. Breeders I know don't let their pups go before 8 weeks to give the pups as much socialization with their peers as possible. However -- A crate is a good thing. It gives a dog his/her own space, and for young pups it can literally be a life saver. Putting a young pup in a crate when you leave the house is placing their safety first. BUT a six-week-old puppy needs to go outside every hour or so. Asking Chloe to hold it for even three hours is a real stretch because she has a very tiny bladder. Do you know someone, a neighbor perhaps, who could let your little one out a few times during the day? Not only will Chloe feel better, she's going to get some much-needed exercise which will help tire her out. Your mantra for the next couple of years will be: "A tired dog is a good dog." As for going out in the rain, Chloe is going to have to get used to it, and she will, but she'll probably never like it. My Charlie hates getting his big mitts wet, while Edith Ann doesn't seem to mind. They both love snow, however, and hop through the deep stuff like rather large, awkward rabbits! Chloe'll outgrow the puppy breath (which, by the way, I love, so feel free to send a whiff in my direction ), but it's a good idea to continue brushing her teeth just to keep her used to it. Chewing is a puppy thing. It's important that you direct Chloe toward appropriate chew toys, rather than allowing her to chew things like tables and chairs or carpeting. Bitter apple was a good suggestion, and you can find it at any pet supply store. Buy a big supply! Bringing home a puppy isn't much different than bringing home an infant. They keep you up at night, need to potty frequently, make messes, and don't understand that there are some things they shouldn't do. Successfully training a puppy requires commitment -- a lifetime of it. __________________ If stress were exercise, I'd be in great shape!

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
Basset.net Advertisement