your reaction to his leash pulling also is likely playing a part . A dogs natural reaction to resistance is to resist it. that is pull on a dog it pulls harder.

Bassets are very social critter they need social interaction I would look for way to increase dog - dog interactions,

 

we periodically put the girls (3 of them) in doggie daycare just for the benefit of being around/playing with other dogs.

 

Training classes, reward based, good fun, enjoyable, BOTH of you learn & deepens the bond between you.

 

To be honest, my experience when Mannie found himelf the only dog after we lost his sister was quite the opposite. Coupled with the fact that he'd NEVER been on his own before and being a tad retiring too, he was totally lost and if another dog we happened upon when out with him as much as looked at him (especially for some reason, black Labs - never worked that out as he'd lived more with dark tricolour Bassets, than another other colour) up went his hackles which given this is a breed that's never meant to do that, was mighty embarrassing. Clearly he'd stood back and let the others deal with anything 'nasty'!!

We set about finding him a companion - and at the time I'd decided I needed to switch to something lighter and taller, this was a Whippet. As it happened, it took 4 months before she joined us, at 9 weeks, by which time Mannie had settled down and was clearly quite enjoying coming with us everywhere, and when he couldn't ,we didn't go!

Play dates - nah. That's only temporary. Dog parks - no way! Too much risk of infection, and/or meeting up with a dog who doesn't welcome his attention. Would you consider another Basset? One from Rescue perhaps - and a spayed bitch?

ps After we lost Mannie, one year on to oral cancer, I'd decided I couldn't really live without a Basset (figurines don't quite do it) and so Frankie joined Teazel who is sweet, but NOT A BASSET!!!