Adopting an old basset.

Azerbazer · 01-12-2012, 04:57 PM

Hi all, I had considered getting a basset before but had put off getting another dog, we were renting and all. But.. next week we move into our first (bought) home!

So I was thinking again about getting a basset.

I originally wanted to buy from a breeder but I think now I may rescue a senior. I put in an application for a senior (10) year old girl. Thought it'd be nice to give an old dog a good home for the last few years. We will have a home visit in the days after we move.

What are some things they look for in a home visit? I've never rescued a dog before. We have two from breeders (a sheltie and an Italian greyhound). Any first time basset owner tips would be great too. From what I can see they are mentally a lot like my iggy- stubborn but oh so cuddly and sweet. She has hip dysplasia in one hip and a murmur. We do have stairs (two story home) but they aren't steep and have landings.. I will build a ramp to get on the couch/bed. Will her losing weight help with the HD? She is a little chubby!

I hope an older dog can learn to live with two young dogs (1 and 2). Mine are pretty good at leaving dogs alone that don't want to play, plus they already have each other to chase around the backyard!

Kirska · 01-12-2012, 05:06 PM

Thanks for giving her a chance. We only adopt senior dogs and love them.

The experience can be very smooth or pretty tough, depends entirely on the dog and their background, but I think you will find it incredibly rewarding.

Harley was easy because we knew him and he was housetrained.

Anabelle was a tough case. She was not housetrained and could not hold her bladder. Harley did not like the new intruder to the house, and she had terrible separation anxiety. The first 4-5 weeks were hard, but it got gradually better. She is a special case because she came from such a terrible background. We don't think she ever lived in a house before. She was a stray, and then she was in a cage at the shelter. Now she fits in perfectly and she is a joy to be around every day.

Lila has also been an easy transition. A few arguments amongst the dogs, and a bit of growing pains the first few nights, but only 2 or 3 accidents in the house so far and it has been several weeks.

So if your experience is anything like ours, I think you'll find the 3rd dog to be an easy addition. You have to be patient with them, they can be set in their ways, but an old dog can still be trained.

The idea that only puppies can bond is a total myth. She will more than likely be just as valuable of a companion as your young dogs.

If you do notice a bladder problem, try these, they work wonders: NaturVet Senior Bladder Support Time Release Tablets for Dogs at PETCO

I would recommend an intro on neutral ground first. You may be surprised how your dogs react to a 3rd member. Anabelle tried to be dominant to Lila and we had never seen that behavior in her before.

barneysmom2510 · 01-12-2012, 05:48 PM

I think it is really wonderful of you to give an older dog a second chance. Good luck I hope the home visit goes well.

eclairs mom · 01-12-2012, 06:07 PM

God bless you for rescuing, and a senior at that. My previous Basset lived to almost 16, and was an angel for all of them. We currently have 4 rescues, aged 12, 4,3 and 2. We have never had an issue introducing another to the pack, meet on neutral territory and introduce one animal at a time.

Rescue home checks in my experience have looked at us to be respectable humans, validate our house, yard and make sure the poch is safe and loved. Last house check I had, the lady told me she could tell from our conversation with her that we were good adopters, and when she pulled into the subdivision that she need not of bothered.

dreamons · 01-12-2012, 06:29 PM

Welcome and glad your going to rescue a senior. As far as the age differences it's hard to say. The home visits I do for the rescue is just to make sure the dog will be safe and happy. The yard if fenced make sure no way to get out, where the dog will be sleeping and spend time. If you have children their ages and if any experience with animals and just observe the home and maybe the neighbors yards if they have aggressive dogs. Not really a big deal just want to make sure that everything gets off to a good start for everyone.

jaleely · 01-12-2012, 08:06 PM

I hope everything works out for you! It's so rewarding. I can't wait to have my own house (eventually, bills!) and we plan to nab us a few oldies as well. Poor things! Good on you, to giving them a happy, hopefully long last few years!!!

roscolaylamommy · 01-12-2012, 08:24 PM

Bless you for taking in a senior hound! Like everyone else has said, home visit are basically just to make sure that the hounds will be safe and well taken care of. I wouldn't be surprised if your older dog jumps right in with the younger two. Older hounds can still be quite playful if they don't have any issues with arthritis or other health problems. Expect that there may be some accidents and house breaking issues for the first month or so until the dog gets used to the routine of the household. Another thing to be aware of with bassets is that they need regular/weekly ear cleanings. This may vary some with your dog but due to having long floppy ears they can be prone to infection.

I hope everything with the home visit goes well! I can't wait to see pictures of your hound!!

Soundtrack · 01-12-2012, 09:24 PM

I love the seniors, every time I see one up for adoption I want to take it home.

Keep in mind though that just because she is ten doesn't necessarily mean she will be sedate. My 10 year old Rosie is still VERY energetic and bouncing off the walls.

Here she is competing in agility at the BHCA Nationals this past October

Azerbazer · 01-13-2012, 12:31 AM

How do you clean their ears? With diluted apple cider vinegar? I plan on raw feeding, can you like tie their ears up with a scrunchie or something?

I'd love a description of your experiences with them- like energy level, personality, ease of training and health/grooming..

Getting excited for the home visit!

Gabby · 01-13-2012, 01:21 AM

!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azerbazer

Hi all, I had considered getting a basset before but had put off getting another dog, we were renting and all. But.. next week we move into our first (bought) home!

So I was thinking again about getting a basset.

I originally wanted to buy from a breeder but I think now I may rescue a senior. I put in an application for a senior (10) year old girl. Thought it'd be nice to give an old dog a good home for the last few years. We will have a home visit in the days after we move.

What are some things they look for in a home visit? I've never rescued a dog before. We have two from breeders (a sheltie and an Italian greyhound). Any first time basset owner tips would be great too. From what I can see they are mentally a lot like my iggy- stubborn but oh so cuddly and sweet. She has hip dysplasia in one hip and a murmur. We do have stairs (two story home) but they aren't steep and have landings.. I will build a ramp to get on the couch/bed. Will her losing weight help with the HD? She is a little chubby!

I hope an older dog can learn to live with two young dogs (1 and 2). Mine are pretty good at leaving dogs alone that don't want to play, plus they already have each other to chase around the backyard!

01-12-2012, 04:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
Azerbazer Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 3	Adopting an old basset. Hi all, I had considered getting a basset before but had put off getting another dog, we were renting and all. But.. next week we move into our first (bought) home! So I was thinking again about getting a basset. I originally wanted to buy from a breeder but I think now I may rescue a senior. I put in an application for a senior (10) year old girl. Thought it'd be nice to give an old dog a good home for the last few years. We will have a home visit in the days after we move. What are some things they look for in a home visit? I've never rescued a dog before. We have two from breeders (a sheltie and an Italian greyhound). Any first time basset owner tips would be great too. From what I can see they are mentally a lot like my iggy- stubborn but oh so cuddly and sweet. She has hip dysplasia in one hip and a murmur. We do have stairs (two story home) but they aren't steep and have landings.. I will build a ramp to get on the couch/bed. Will her losing weight help with the HD? She is a little chubby! I hope an older dog can learn to live with two young dogs (1 and 2). Mine are pretty good at leaving dogs alone that don't want to play, plus they already have each other to chase around the backyard!

01-12-2012, 05:06 PM	#2 (permalink)
Kirska Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 935	Thanks for giving her a chance. We only adopt senior dogs and love them. The experience can be very smooth or pretty tough, depends entirely on the dog and their background, but I think you will find it incredibly rewarding. Harley was easy because we knew him and he was housetrained. Anabelle was a tough case. She was not housetrained and could not hold her bladder. Harley did not like the new intruder to the house, and she had terrible separation anxiety. The first 4-5 weeks were hard, but it got gradually better. She is a special case because she came from such a terrible background. We don't think she ever lived in a house before. She was a stray, and then she was in a cage at the shelter. Now she fits in perfectly and she is a joy to be around every day. Lila has also been an easy transition. A few arguments amongst the dogs, and a bit of growing pains the first few nights, but only 2 or 3 accidents in the house so far and it has been several weeks. So if your experience is anything like ours, I think you'll find the 3rd dog to be an easy addition. You have to be patient with them, they can be set in their ways, but an old dog can still be trained. The idea that only puppies can bond is a total myth. She will more than likely be just as valuable of a companion as your young dogs. If you do notice a bladder problem, try these, they work wonders: NaturVet Senior Bladder Support Time Release Tablets for Dogs at PETCO I would recommend an intro on neutral ground first. You may be surprised how your dogs react to a 3rd member. Anabelle tried to be dominant to Lila and we had never seen that behavior in her before. __________________ Mom to Anabelle and Lila, rescued ladies and Harley, Corgi/Beagle/Basset/?? mutt "Saving just one dog won't change the world, but it surely will change the world for that one dog." - Richard C. Call

01-12-2012, 05:48 PM	#3 (permalink)
barneysmom2510 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Rockport ma Posts: 633	I think it is really wonderful of you to give an older dog a second chance. Good luck I hope the home visit goes well. __________________ -LISA Mini daschunds Sadie Lou & Daisy dukes Chihuahua Lola Bassett Hound Barney

01-12-2012, 06:29 PM	#5 (permalink)
dreamons Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Laughlin,NV Posts: 458	Welcome and glad your going to rescue a senior. As far as the age differences it's hard to say. The home visits I do for the rescue is just to make sure the dog will be safe and happy. The yard if fenced make sure no way to get out, where the dog will be sleeping and spend time. If you have children their ages and if any experience with animals and just observe the home and maybe the neighbors yards if they have aggressive dogs. Not really a big deal just want to make sure that everything gets off to a good start for everyone. __________________ Maggie Mae- Basset Daisy Wiggles- Basset Yogi Titus- Puggle (He thinks he's a Basset)

01-12-2012, 08:06 PM	#6 (permalink)
jaleely Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Ventura, CA Posts: 942	I hope everything works out for you! It's so rewarding. I can't wait to have my own house (eventually, bills!) and we plan to nab us a few oldies as well. Poor things! Good on you, to giving them a happy, hopefully long last few years!!! __________________ Baby Bowsah's Bwog

01-12-2012, 06:07 PM	#4 (permalink)
eclairs mom Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Suburb of Chicago Posts: 411	God bless you for rescuing, and a senior at that. My previous Basset lived to almost 16, and was an angel for all of them. We currently have 4 rescues, aged 12, 4,3 and 2. We have never had an issue introducing another to the pack, meet on neutral territory and introduce one animal at a time. Rescue home checks in my experience have looked at us to be respectable humans, validate our house, yard and make sure the poch is safe and loved. Last house check I had, the lady told me she could tell from our conversation with her that we were good adopters, and when she pulled into the subdivision that she need not of bothered.

01-12-2012, 08:24 PM	#7 (permalink)
roscolaylamommy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Columbia, MO Posts: 415	Bless you for taking in a senior hound! Like everyone else has said, home visit are basically just to make sure that the hounds will be safe and well taken care of. I wouldn't be surprised if your older dog jumps right in with the younger two. Older hounds can still be quite playful if they don't have any issues with arthritis or other health problems. Expect that there may be some accidents and house breaking issues for the first month or so until the dog gets used to the routine of the household. Another thing to be aware of with bassets is that they need regular/weekly ear cleanings. This may vary some with your dog but due to having long floppy ears they can be prone to infection. I hope everything with the home visit goes well! I can't wait to see pictures of your hound!!

01-12-2012, 09:24 PM	#8 (permalink)
Soundtrack Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,583	I love the seniors, every time I see one up for adoption I want to take it home. Keep in mind though that just because she is ten doesn't necessarily mean she will be sedate. My 10 year old Rosie is still VERY energetic and bouncing off the walls. Here she is competing in agility at the BHCA Nationals this past October __________________ Rosie-Ch Soundtrack Cracklin' Rose CGN AGN RA Am RN TT Melody-Ch Soundtrack Unchained Melody TT Sailor-Ch Soundtrack Expedition Sailor RN TT Chili-Ch Soundtrack Spice Up Your Life Curry-Ch Soundtrack Canadian Brass Pepper-Ch Pennieslogon Living La Vida Loca CGN Vina-Ch Soundtrack Grand Illusion Leila-Ch Soundtrack Almost Paradise Deela-Ch Soundtrack Wink Of An Eye Hermione - Soundtrack Spellbound Eowyn - Soundtrack Rain Dance

01-13-2012, 12:31 AM	#9 (permalink)
Azerbazer Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 3	How do you clean their ears? With diluted apple cider vinegar? I plan on raw feeding, can you like tie their ears up with a scrunchie or something? I'd love a description of your experiences with them- like energy level, personality, ease of training and health/grooming.. Getting excited for the home visit!

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
Basset.net Advertisement