How to Get Your Basset Hound Leashed

All dogs need to be leash and collar trained. There is no ands, ifs, or buts about it. This is especially true if you are going to be using your Basset Hound to hunt. I mean, really. Who wants to drag a fighting squirming dog through the woods all day? Not to mention the ruckus would surely scare off any prey that you were hoping to spy.

Even if you are not going to use your Basset Hound to hunt, you still need to have your dog leash trained. Many communities require that you have your pet on a leash at all times in public places. And if you are one of those blessed few that have the space to let your dog run wild and free, you will still have to take him to the vet every now and then.

So, just how do you get your wild puppy to take that leash and collar? The key is to start early. As soon as you bring your puppy home, he should be fitted with a collar. That way he will get used to the sensation of having something around his neck.

It is also a good idea to get a light-weight leash and attach it to the collar every now and then when your puppy is playing about the house. Allow him to drag it behind him as he plays. Eventually he will roll over it or step on the leash. This will get him used to the sensation of having something tug on the collar.

You should also always use the leash when your puppy goes outside to use the bathroom. Keep the leash loose at first and avoid letting it pull tight. Its mere presence will accustom your puppy to the fact that there is a line connecting him to you.

If you do all of these things, your puppy should grow up being used to the collar and leash, but every now and then there will be a stubborn puppy that you will need to work with.

You may also have inherited the puppy later in life, which means that you’ve lost the chance for that early training. So, what can you do in these cases?

Most of the time, a puppy who does not ant to be leashed will pull on the leash or lie down and refuse to move. In both of these cases, you can lure the puppy to do what you want to do with a little bait. Here’s how:

Whenever your puppy starts pulling on the leash or refuses to move, pull a little treat out of your pocket. Tell your puppy to come and when he does reward him with the treat. Soon, he will learn that good things happen when he follows the direction of that leash.

Remember, start early, be consistent and reward good behavior, and you will have a Basset Hound that is a joy to tote about the town or through the woods.