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How Do I Stop My Basset Hound From Barking

Basset hounds tend to bark, growl and howl when they are unhappy, jealous, or simply bored. It is okay for your Basset hound to get vocal, but barking loudly is not always appropriate. So, if you are on an important phone call and you ask yourself ”How do I stop my Basset hound from barking?” Here is how.

Some Basset hounds ”talk back”, others tend to get excited and jump. Do not acknowledge them when they are exhibiting poor attention-seeking behavior. Responding to a Basset hound while he is barking will give them what they were looking for and will continue to bark every time he needs something.

Key Takeaway

How Do I Stop My Basset Hound From Barking

  1. Investigate the reason for barking
  2. Telling him ”no” will only go so far
  3. Teach him to ”speak”
  4. Teach him to be ”quiet”
  5. Repeat the training session until learned

How Do I Stop My Basset Hound From Barking

How Do I Stop My Basset Hound From Barking
How Do I Stop My Basset Hound From Barking 3

If your Basset hound is barking, growling, baying, and howling for no reason other than to make noise, it is time to train him not to do so. Here is how to stop your basset hound from barking:

1. Investigate the reason for barking

You need to investigate the reason why your Basset hound is barking. Basset hounds were bred as hunting dogs. This means that if there is someone on the driveway approaching your house, the Basset hound will bark because he thinks there is an intruder. You don’t want to scold your dog because he is trying to protect you. If your Basset hound is barking just for the sake of making noise, then yes, it’s time to teach him not to do so.

2. Telling him ”no” will only go so far

Basset hounds are very stubborn and independent dogs. Simply telling your Basset hound to stop barking will only go so far. Scolding your Basset hound in order to stop barking will not work well. Instead, find an innovative way to make your dog stop barking with lots of cuddles, verbal praise, and treats.

You can include your family members in this training as they will all need to participate. Remember, you can win a basset hound’s heart through his belly. While your Basset hound is just a pup, you will find yourself giving a lot of treats when trying to teach him good from bad.

3. Teach him to ”speak”

If you want to train your Basset hound to stop barking, first you have to teach him to ”speak”. Stand in front of your Basset hound with a treat in your hand and say the command ”Speak”. Encourage him to get vocal, and throw in a couple of ”woof woofs” if needed.

Once your Basset hound starts to bark, reward him with a treat. Try not to overexaggerate the ”speak” command because it won’t take long for your Basset hound to think that it is okay for him to bark a lot. Once he barks 5 times in a row when you say the ”speak” command, it’s time to move on.

4. Teach him to be ”quiet”

You would want to use the command ”quiet” when you want your Basset hound to stop barking and leave the command ”stop” for when he is about to run across the street. Stand in front of your Basset hound with a treat in your hand and tell him to ”speak”. Once he starts to get vocal, give the command ”quiet”. Gently put your hand on his mouth and keep it closed. If he stops barking, reward him. It can be tough to teach your basset hound obedience, but if you want to leave in a household where there is no barking 24/7, you will have to walk the extra mile and endure.

5. Repeat the training session until learned

Repeat the ”speak” and ”quiet” training sessions every day, maybe even twice a day. For each successfully completed command, reward your Basset. Then, slowly cut back on the treats and try using the commands casually, outside of the training session. Always allow your dog to be vocal when it is appropriate, and discourage him when it is not appropriate.

Why is My Basset Hound Barking?

Barking, growling, baying, and howling are very common issues that you will encounter with your Basset hound. I am all for our dogs to have the freedom to be vocal, but there are many times when this is inappropriate. Imagine you are putting your baby for a nap, or you are on an important conference call and your Basset hound starts to bark.

Knowing your Basset hound’s language is key. You will need to learn what is he saying to you. Is he barking because there is someone on the driveway and he thinks it’s an intruder? Or, is he barking because his separation anxiety kicked in and he is trying to get your attention? When it comes to the Basset hound breed, it is not really difficult to figure out what’s behind the barking and growling.

Basset hounds are good-natured dogs who don’t get too upset about anything unless they feel slighted, left alone, or left out.

If your Basset hound is growling at another person or dog, or even at you, it’s time to investigate. Do your best to find out the reason for the growling and resolve the issue. If your Basset hound is barking and growling just for the sake of making noise, it is time to teach him not to. Telling a Basset hound ”no” will only go so far because they are very stubborn dogs. You will have to find an innovative approach and teach your basset hound not to bark when inappropriate.

Are Basset Hounds Prone To Barking?

Basset Hounds are abundant with personality and character and can be quite vocal. Their low, long howls can be heard for miles! They are not known to be barkers in general but like all dogs, Basset Hounds will bark for several reasons, such as if they sense something strange or unfamiliar around them.

The sounds they make can range from a soft whimper to a loud bark that is assertive and deep-toned. Generally speaking, they are not considered gatekeepers or guard dogs because of their lovable nature.

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