Our first month with Lucy the Basset Hound: How it's really going

How the first month of being pet owners is going. Potty training, separation anxiety, and the reality of being dog parent's.

[@BassetGirl]

Basset puppies can be a little more challenging than other breeds but stick with it. They are so worth it!! First year with any puppy is hard. She needs lots of walks, playtime and patience. Trust me, I just made it through the first year with my 5th basset girl. She is wonderful now! You have work with her, talk to her, play and get your rest too. Lucy will love you unconditionally.

[@conanthebasset5792]

Lucy is acting like a young Basset Hound. All is perfectly normal. Be patient. Don't try to force your will on her. Bassets only will show their stubborness and you'll achieve nothing. Love and trust is the foundation of a good relationship. It will take time, but you will be rewarded. I have raised 5 Basset puppies. It's sometimes difficult, but I loved it. I don't know if the book "The Basset Hound" by Bobbye Land is still in print. I recommenď it. Lucy will never let you down.

[@morganjoy1266]

Thank you so much for your kind words and advice! I really needed to hear that from another Basset hound owner. I will definitely check out the book! 🐶

[@manriquemata1650]

@@morganjoy1266 Yes to everything Conan said. I have raised 5 as well, my fifth was my first female, her name is Lexie and she's 1 years old. Be patient with her, she ended up being much more stubborn than all my boys. She was the most difficult to house break too. In the end, I discovered it was a combination of being too young to hold it all night, not liking to get wet and a big part was being afraid of the dark. i kid you not. I had to setup night lights all the way to the yard and a sensor activated yard light for her to go out. I started making headway after that. How long? It took an unheard of six months to potty train her. it did not help that this happened during the rainy season. All Bassets (dogs in general) are unique individuals, with personalities, likes and dislikes. So be patient and love her a LOT! (that's the easy part).

[@davidsigniski8788]

😂❤😊

[@davidsigniski8788]

From Annie to new Basset Hound Mom.. Just hang tight...have had Bassets since 1985 and I wouldn't have it any other way.. .you will look back on this someday and will be so happy you held on!!! They are the best!!! I had gone through several pups and they do grow up....and you will never find a better companion...EVER!!!❤

[@deanmcbride8747]

Bassett hounds are the best dog ever. I lost my beautiful Daisy Bassett hound on Christmas eve. She was 10 and had a bad heart. I decided to get another Bassett pup. She's arriving tmrw. Their so loving as a pet I didn't want another dog breed. Bassett hounds can be very stubborn but those big eyes and ears get me. Hope you find love and joy with Lucy. Dean 🇬🇧 🙏 ❤. How's things going now.

[@adriaba790]

Please be patient, she is so small still ...she'll grow Don't give up on her, she already was left at the shelter once Just give her love and patience Do small steps day by day She may be specially sensitive to separation because remember, she was already abandonded once BTW NO new mom pulls it together from the start 💕 You are getting a crash course on human parenting too !! ; )

[@morganjoy1266]

Oh we love her wayyy too much to ever give her up. ❤️❤️❤️🐶

[@richardjones519]

I remember my first month with my Sophie, I brought her home when she was 8 weeks old. She was a gorgeous little girl! She just had her 3rd birthday on June 13th. They grow up way too fast...click on her avatar photo, and you can watch puppy videos and more. I can't imagine my life without her!! Enjoy your puppy, you will love her!!!

[@BassetGirl]

Don’t give up, don’t give up. It’s hard work having a puppy. Potty training you just keep taking her out every hour. Her bladder is small now but it will get bigger and she will be able to hold it longer. It will all be okay. She’s depending on you to teach her how to be a good doggie. You will one day be so happy you stuck with it! Just remember she has extra anxiety because she hasn’t had a steady home until now. Take a breath. It will be okay.

[@morganjoy1266]

Thanks so much for your encouraging words! We love her so very much! ❤️

[@yankeejade]

That absolutely adorable face, she is gorgeous💗💗Yes a lot of patience with hounds, it is their nature due to what they were bred for 😁😁 Not sure if she is teething however treats, toys and exercise (no boredom) and training constantly. She is a hound and they will have separation anxiety like you said. You seem to understand why and what to do, you probably just need more time, she is a puppy. Perhaps contact a Basset Group/Rescue for some puppy/breeding tips. You seem like a caring fury Mom, good luck, you two will be fine! They are like human children some days, lol. P.s., I just realized she is five months old and you adopted her at 4 mos old, I'm assuming she didn't have any training and she is a little older which you will definitely need more time. I would definitely ask a specific Basset trainer if you can locate one near you or on the net. Keep positive, I know its hard when one is working, you are trying your best 🙂

[@morganjoy1266]

I appreciate your comment so much!! Thank you for the tips and advice. ❤️

[@TheKanglor]

Came across your video and just wanted to say I understand what you're going through 100%. We rescued a 10 month old pittie mix about 2 years ago, and while I had heard of 'New Puppy/Dog Blues' I quickly came to learn it was definitely a real feeling. Bandit was not house trained, unsocialized, destructive chewing, etc. I deal with anxiety and for the first couple months I was just a nervous wreck. House training took a couple weeks, and I made it a mission to get him out of the house and go on nature walks, visit stores, and just find interesting public outdoor activities going on around my area. Doing that was like a double whammy on working on his socialization and also cured his destructive chewing by giving him physical/mental stimulation. It was tough for awhile but I'm so glad I stuck with it, now he's my adventure buddy and loves to say hello to many of the nice people we meet. Anyways, sorry for long comment, just wanted to be another voice to show you're not alone in your feelings and that things certainly can and will get better! Good luck to you guys!

[@morganjoy1266]

Thank you so much for your comment! It’s nice to hear I’m not alone. Things are definitely getting better and I’m definitely trying to remind myself at the end of the day she’s still a puppy. 🐶❤️

[@sidisid]

Hi Morgan! When I was researching about getting a Basset Hound I found a video by Stonnie Dennis called:" Basset Hound - Is It Right For You? Part 1 ". And it was a real eye opener about the breed and just Hound dogs in general! He explains their behaviors so well, and why you can't expect certain things from a hound because of their insticts and so forth! Really recommend watching it for anyone getting a Basset! Also Lucy Is just to freaking cute!

[@Simmy27Star]

Yess I never saw Stonnie’s video until very recently (already fully grown basset hound owner here) and he is absolutely spot on wverything

[@amandawood6630]

Aw she’s only a baby and getting used to the world herself. Lots of praise and attention works wonders. Maybe just let her be for a little while to bond with you and settle in. Must be hard if she has already been abandoned. Puppies can get overwhelmed if they are asked to do too many things. Don’t tell her no too many times. Reassure her. Enjoy her she’s gorgeous

[@user-co8gb6ut7p]

Hang in there!!! Basset hounds are hard to train, but worth every frustration at the time. Then one day the light goes!! Just remember they are a stubborn breed and only do things on "basset" time. Patience my friend it will work out

[@user-rf9fx9hd3f]

My baby beagle/ coonhound mix has 4 different blankets and a stiff monkey he carries around, to calm himself.

[@Padoinky]

I have a Basset Hound, an English Bulldog, a Pug and a German Shepherd/Rotty mix…. All females and they’re just great - just like my children, each is their own big personality…. This girl looks to be a keeper

[@alethalawrence8321]

This is so helpful!! I just got a 2 month old basset and I’m trying to learn everything I can about them. I love your video and how your following your everyday activities activities. So happy watching someone else going through the same new experiences! Thank you!

[@littleshedevl]

The chewing phase with my puppy was the worst but with proper training she quickly got over it. Once my pup hit around 2 years old I saw a HUGE difference in energy. She would still play and have her moments of “crazy” but I noticed she would be more relaxed than not. Bassets are high maintenance with the shedding and drooling but it’s worth it. They’re amazingly sweet dogs. I miss mine and plan to get one or five later in life My dog suffered really bad separation anxiety and it got worse when she went completely blind. I had to put her on medication which didn’t always help. Plus she was constantly anxious at night too. Just keep with the trainings. Research on separation anxiety training and keep to it. Hopefully the training will help cuz the older they get the worse it will get. Don’t give up on the training. It will take time and a lot of effort

[@morganjoy1266]

Thank you!! ❤️

[@Imag1na710n]

We had our Basset for over 15 years. He was amazing. Miss him so much. He learned rather easily to go pee outside, and he was such a love. He loved his walks, and we gave him free reign, just kept an eye on him. He never went too fast. Had to check everything out as he went. But bunnies! wooo buddy! He zoned in on them real quick. lol

[@lorirudkin4251]

Our Bassetts weren't deterred by any of the no chew sprays. Our first loved it.

[@surfingturtledata]

This is our life. I literally sent this link to my wife

[@andysozio8556]

Stick with it, it will be worth it in the end. My basset was a huge challenge the first 3 months or so with chewing, play biting, accidents, etc. The accidents stopped almost immediately after 3-4 months, the play biting and chewing took a little longer. Also I would recommend a harness if you haven't gotten one. Bassets can slip out of a collar and with their need to sniff and exlore on walks a regular collar can be hard on their neck. Good luck!

[@greeniewilliams5281]

This makes me so sad!!! Basset Hounds need friends and family around all the time. Lots of dog friends and people friends. Lots of walks to meet new people and dogs. They are very social creatures. We never leave ours alone anymore. We had a security camera on her when we left and saw how panicked she was. It was heartbreaking. The more I learned about the breed, the more I realized we needed to make adjustments if we wanted her to be part of our family. She is truly a blessing and I'm so glad we can take care of her properly.

[@edwallace523]

I disagree with some of these people here. I have 3 bassets. They were NOT hard to train at all. And the last one was potty trained in 3 weeks. The others took a bit longer than that, but not much. It's a wonderful breed!

[@gloriagroff3842]

I give my Beagle lots of cotton ropes foe tough chewers and he gos theu them. They work for not chewing other things. Just be consistant in all your training and you will do fine. If you remebmer they are independent thinkers which is what they are suppose to be. I also have puzzle toys they work foe keeping the mind busy for a few minutes it does use up energy. Just get past these puppy stages. It takes dogs a while to get use to new surroundings. Take your dog out the same time every day. The normal is after eating, after playing when waking up and before bed. Advise about people any time you feel uncomfortable your gut instinct is usually always right. I had the same thing happen to me when walking my beagle. Your dog when she gets older will let you know. You will be fine. Your basset is beaufiful.

[@pincermovement72]

Had two bassets , everything is slowed down with them , potty training and teething seem to go on forever , chewing stopped at age 2 . What really affects them is lack of exercise once old enough and separation of more than 4 hours . Once this is over they become unlike any other dog , almost human in fact and my last basset Percy died at 14 and because he could never be replicated I chose a totally different dog breed , lovely dog now 13 and I love him to bits but not a basset . Persevere and you will never regret it .

[@morganjoy1266]

Awww so sorry to hear about your sweet Percy. Definitely understand what you mean about them becoming almost human. ❤️

[@Sushi__Corgi]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I did a lot research, but your information is so real as a first time basset owner. I have a 12 year old grumpy Pomeranian and a 6 old month corgi, am thinking to get a basset or another corgi to be my baby corgi’s play mate. It sounds like bassets might have serious training and health issues. Not sure what to do, but thank you for sharing and please keep us updated.

[@LouiseStastny]

My heart melted when I saw each of our dogs the first time over the years. If she's difficult for you and there's no love for her, find her a home she's loved. Dogs are family and deserve patience and respect...and love. They aren't throw a ways. Keep her ears clean, if she shakes them like this it may be an infection, Bassets are prone to them with their floppy ears

[@morganjoy1266]

We love her very much. She’s been a beautiful addition to our family!

[@jinlynn1954]

I have a two year old basset hound and I can sure relate with what you are going through. Bassets are stubborn and a challenge to train. Potty traing took over a year to master. And my dog loves to chew things, especially paper products. I was fortunate that she was never interested in the furniture or carpets. She used to howl and carry on when I would leave the house too. I found giving her something to distract her helped. A Kong toy filled with treats helps as she is very food orientated. Hang in there, it does get better. Getting some private individual traing is a great idea. Hugs.

[@morganjoy1266]

Thank you so much for your comment and insight! Things are definitely getting better! So helpful to hear it took over a year to master potty training. ❤️

[@suzannebolt7949]

Just remember you are the one in charge and the dog will take guidance from you and will pick up on your energy, be firm and give commands that they understand not long sentences and be consistent, I’m on my 3rd bearded collie I’ve raised 3 puppies it’s hard work but it a wonderful rewarding experience, put the work in now and you will be rewarded, your girl is absolutely gorgeous and a gift from the Angels, just remember it’s love and boundaries ❤

[@pincermovement72]

Sorry you cannot class the most obedient dog against the most untrainable dog , I suggest you buy a basset and I’ve had two and if they don’t want to do something no matter what you try , threats or bribery just will not work. They are free spirits , like no other dog and entirely controlled by their nose and stomach. Unless you have known a basset you can never really appreciate how they can be the worst ever dog but the best at the same time .

[@dwoodog]

among all the other things our 9 yr old basset can sure be unsettled when she wants to. Best thing I've found is a walk to tucker them out. Bella comes back and flops on the floor and is out. Now keep in mind this is a 9 yr old dog, I don't know about a puppy.

[@pincermovement72]

Many people seem to think bassets are lazy and don’t want exercise, both of mine loved walks and would walk all day if you were willing, just don’t exercise them too young till their bones are developed.

[@sfviris5582]

Aww, she is so cute and lovable BUT yes patience and more patience is required because it takes time before they learn. I’m sorry she chewed your rug. But she really is adorable. Hang in there-you’ll be rewarded ten fold. You’re doing a great job and she’s worth it. ❤

[@louciamichaelides9992]

My God she is Just a baby 🙌💯give her a chance she is Adorable Beautiful innocent Soul. ❤️👍I do have a Bassett for 10 years it's a Beautiful Boy and Extremely Precious to Us. I have had No problem with our Edouard he is such a easy going Adorable Boy No problems at All to training Edouard. They Very Clever and extremely Sweet Hearted. Hearded ❤️👍💯🙌❤️💪❤️✌️❤️🥰

[@yuchuiwu3953]

Have you talk to a trainer about having another dog to keep her company. It might check with a veterinarian and see what they think. Good luck with Lucy.

[@LaserRanger15]

The stubbornness is part of their charm...don't get frustrated. The best way to get her to do what you want, will become evident soon. I noticed in you first video she had her tail between her legs the whole time...look at her now!!

[@woodriver648]

The Queen reigning over her realm. Long live the Queen.❤❤❤

[@user-fr9wg9ft3p]

She's just being the baby that she is. Just like little babies she'll have accidents and will learn potty training eventually. Puppies will chew things, it's just part of what they do to explore the world and because of teething. Take her for several walks every day- a tired dog is a wellbehaved dog- get her chew toys and have patience with her. She's not doing anything wrong, just being a puppy. Puppy classes are a great way both for her and you to learn and to socialize her to be able to interact with other dogs. She's adorable and she's doing the best she can, she's just very little.

[@williamdonahue6617]

There's lots of good advice here in the comments. I'd only add that puppies are born with definite personalities which training cannot always change much. Years ago we had a darling Basset pup. Even with major training efforts, housebreaking is about as far as we got. He was the sweetest, most kind-natured dog ever. He was also stubborn, passive-aggressive and too dumb to pull his paw off of a hot stove. None of that ever changed much. But he was a sweetie, great with kids, and we still loved him as he was.

[@abw121]

As someone with a Basset and Scottish Terrier, remember Vicks vapor rub is your friend! Kong toy are better then soft ones that get torn up! Vicks on things t prevent chewing! Shoes, leash, carpet ends……..but you must pay attention to them when they get bored!

[@lilypad8922]

Its so funny you mentioned about that creepy car bc when I saw you walking Lucy alone in the park I was like - omg shes so brave, I would never do that alone! Please stay safe! 💗

[@BassetGirl]

So where is Lucy now???

[@morganjoy1266]

She’s living her best life with us ❤️

[@stephaniestanley8041]

Sweet ❤Lucy

[@LeeBeeBumble]

I've got a beautiful (of course) Bassy boy named Lincoln. We got him at 4, so I've never dealt with a basset puppy, but he's full of stubbornness and love!!! Bassets are AMAZING, if you don't mind not ever having personal space again! He's our only fur baby right now because his older sister passed away this summer. Best thing for potty training is schedule! My boy mastered potty training by us following a schedule!

[@adriannegreene1697]

Lucy is so cute🎉🎉🎉

[@bettylavergne3410]

A human baby is a lot of work!! A Basset baby is a lot of work as well!! Both are very worth it though!! Bassets are stubborn and some whine a lot!! Our girl whines a lot….my sister has her brother and he doesn’t whine hardly at all…but he has two golden retriever brothers too!

[@x77punk77x]

More basset hound content!! More velvet sausage videos!!!! Puh-leeeease!!

[@raycope9417]

We have a basset hound. Fun and goofy. Daily walks will help her sleep better at night. They love other dogs and playing. A good doggy day care will wear her out and keep her awake during day.

[@carolranes91]

You have to set boundaries and train them just like children! Do you have a specific place for them to sleep and feel safe! A crate or my friend build a little place under stairs where her dog could sleep at night! Din’t give a lot of chews until she eats them! Train, train, train! Long walks and outdoor exercise to tore them! Also train by saying “NO•sorays don’t work! Training is work but you must do it! Caesar Milan has great training videos and books! You are too permissive!

[@AtomicEy]

perfect size Bassett ❤

[@alanwilliamson6421]

The hound bark is funny

[@melaniegamble8971]

If you have a doggie daycare you might check into that she can play with other dogs then wind down a little when she gets home you are doing good just give lots of love

[@x340x]

yeah people dont realize how difficult having a dog is, especially basset which is extremely stubborn and very high maintanance. its crazy

[@marcusferreira7729]

Lucy is very beautiful!

[@klassica7]

🐶❤️

[@user-rf9fx9hd3f]

Your doing great. There are toys that help with calming Lucy down. Look into it.

[@davidjury478]

My bassset is also named Lucie she just turned 12 treats after she goes potty there stubborn an you won’t win it’s my 3rd one

[@morganjoy1266]

Awww love it! Yes I have found the treats to be super helpful with potty training! ❤️

[@maryscarpa229]

My cardigan Welch corgi buries stuff in my sofa too plus I bought the spray called yuck and spray ed it on my baseboard and other things .and he just goes up and licks it he likes it , hang in there it does get better

[@amandawood6630]

How is Lucy doing now?

[@number4cat1]

We got a 3yo female Bassett. She obeys me (a man) somewhat now, when I use my "serious" voice. If she does a "lie down strike", I either push her across the hardwood floor with my foot or pick her up and carry her. When she realizes I'm going to force the issue, she goes where I want her to. She does NOT obey my girl friend. And she's my girl friend's dog. Contrast this with, say, my Australian Shepherd, who responds to my crooked finger to "come".

[@j.sweeney3567]

On separation anxiety don't leave the house for more than 15 min. to start. You've probably got a lot of people giving advice. Have you started crate training? Sometimes that can give the dog a place to feel safe. Just a thought but there are dog calming beds and stuffed toys for dogs that are meant to provide a heart beat that simulates it's mothers heart beat. Sorry I know you are getting a lot of advice. I am seeing a bunch of training videos on Basset Hounds. Hope you find one that helps!

[@morganjoy1266]

Thank you! Lucy is actually doing amazing with the separation anxiety! Just needed to give it some time and patience! Thanks so much for the advice. ❤️

[@MrSoda007]

😂😂 my basset hounds have all been lunatics one thing that really improved my nutters behaviour was allowing them to sleep in the same room as me and loads of fun play time, get down on that rug of yours and play with her 👍

[@user-ox5zk3ho9v]

У меня 2 месяца как умерла любимая бассенька😢.Душа болит.

[@vintagetrk]

Crate training is so important. It helps separation anxiety as well as potty training.

[@tylerjames6842]

i don't know who hated the cage more, me or the bassets i have had over the years. i quit using them. you want to see a sad basset? stick it in a cage.

[@karenvanderwall669]

want to see ething really cute is to give her a piece of ice.. it's fun to watch them play with it

[@karenvanderwall669]

I thought if I got a pup I would like to try a bell or something so they let you know when they want out

[@erinjean2695]

lol they don’t need bells if you learn your dog and your dog learns to go outside they will quickly learn how to ask. You just have to watch for the signs, some dogs ask more subtly than others. My pit mix will soft whine and pace a particular way, my German shepherd will come wack you with his paws then run to the door. Maybe bells make it easier but if you just listen and pay attention to your dogs they will develop a kind of language with you

[@lynnstapf7354]

Go buy a retractable leash. And run her and she’ll release all her energy, then you can go take a shower or run to the store. I had 2 basset hounds. Yes, they keep you busy in the beginning. Hang in there! It’s funny too if you start howling and then she’ll start howling. They love to play with a tennis ball. Also, start tying tube socks together and make it long so you both can play tug of war. That’ll tire her out as well.

[@brianwilson6403]

She's a pretty girl!!!

[@Simmy27Star]

She needs structure and discipline and lots of patience! Is she crate trained?

[@Simmy27Star]

Also exercise mentally and physically

[@vintagetrk]

You should have alot of acceptable toys for her like Kongs filled with goodies to attract her to only chew on acceptable things.Bassets are a Very Mellow breed. It's all about consistency with training. you just have to stick to a routine.

[@paulawhite5157]

We have a 13 week Basset Hound. I'm 68 I can hardly care for him. It's some sort of issue constantly. I love him because he really is adorable. But more work than I can do. Praying for patience and strength.

[@morganjoy1266]

Awww sorry to hear what you are going through. Something I’ve come to learn in the last couple of months is giving her lots of different options of things to play with. She loves plastic bottles and cardboard boxes to shred. I make sure to keep my eye on her when she’s playing with these things but it was something a trainer suggested. I’ve also started taking her on 15 to 20 minute walks that are focused on sniffing and not distance. Best of luck to you! ❤️

[@pincermovement72]

Why on earth at 68 would you take on a young dog that needs a lot of exercise?

[@paulawhite5157]

@@pincermovement72 I have help with him and he is well taken care of.

[@Asidebar]

She needs you to teach her not to chew on your home items.

[@loggita2]

bassist's can get up to 70 pounds and ur saying u know thats for 50 pound dog toy lmao prbly helps doing research on a dog lmao

[@user-zk1nr2jz5c]

stop coddling this animal she will destroy everything non Basset,,protect your throat....seriously