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How To Prepare Your Home For a Basset Hound

Before you get your new addition, you need to know how to prepare your home for a Basset hound. There are some things you need to know about the Basset hounds and adjust according to their needs.

How To Prepare Your Home For a Basset Hound
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A fenced yard will allow your Basset hound to enjoy the outdoors for longer periods of time without requiring constant attention. A fenced yard will prevent your Basset hound from trailing a scent and wandering off.

You know your dreams about having a Basset hound are coming true when you begin preparing your home for the new four-legged puppy. Imagining a basset hound and having one in your home are two completely different scenarios. The cute images that you have in your head might not match up with the reality you are about to face.

While bringing a Basset hound into your life is a joy that is unparalleled, it requires some planning and action. You must get your home in order, especially if your new family member is going to be a Basset hound. Beginnings can be rough, but you can take preliminary action and make your life easier. Here is how to prepare your home for a Basset Hound.

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How To Prepare Your Home For a Basset Hound

Preparing your home for a basset hound addition will require a little bit of work. But, if you decided to fill your home and heart with joy by getting a Basset hound, preparing your home for addition is a must. The preparation consists of getting to know the Basset hound’s personality traits, considering other pets, and potential risks, puppy-proofing your home and splitting duties among the family members.

Preparing Your Family For A Basset Hound

It is important that your entire family participates in welcoming your new Basset hound puppy. It’s best to organize a family meeting so you can designate duties for each family member. Also, if some family member has a question or concern, this will be the perfect opportunity to resolve any potential problem.

How to get your family members on board for the new Basset hound puppy:

  • Organize a family meeting with all the members that will be a part of the Basset hound puppy, from the youngest to the oldest.
  • Set up ground rules for the basics like where will the basset hound sleep, or is going to be allowed on the furniture.
  • Decide who will be in charge of the puppy’s duties like feeding, daily walks, bathing, and cleaning up accidents. You can rotate the duties on a weekly basis if that works for you.
  • Designate a person that will make the house Basset-proof. We did a chore chart so all of us were involved.
  • How will you deal with the pup’s unwanted behavior? Let all family members comment and choose the best plan.
  • Who will be in charge of training the Basset hound? It’s best if one person is in charge of the training sessions. But, the entire family needs to be on board with the training like taking the puppy outside to do his business, or keeping him off the furniture if you decide so.
  • Do a follow-up meeting a week after your basset hound puppy arrives and talk about unexpected issues or possible changes in the duties.
  • Communication between family members is key. Being on the same page will make your lives more pleasant.

Basset Hounds and Other Pets

If you have other pets in the house, they won’t be able to speak for themselves. You will have to make decisions for them that are in their best interest.

Basset hounds generally get along great with all dogs and have even been known to befriend cats.

But, just because Basset hounds get along with other dogs, doesn’t mean that other dogs get along with Basset hounds. If you already have a dog or a cat, you will have to be the judge and measure the chance of jealousy, competition, or even hurt feelings.

Be prepared to separate beds, food, and of course toys. You should get all family members on board that dog personality friction can easily escalate into a large conflict and set up an emergency plan when this happens, not if it.

How to separate my two dogs when they fight? You can easily separate two dogs fighting with a little bit of water. Grab whatever is close to you, a bottle of water, a glass of water, or a water hose, and spray the dogs until they stop fighting. Think of a way to ground them after the fight and let them know that fighting is bad.

Potential Risks for Other Pets and Small Children

Basset hounds are great with other dogs, cats, and little kids. Birds and hamsters are in the gray territory because Basset hounds are overly curious and might mistake a bird for a tasty treat.

If your household is occupied by small children and other pets, precautions must be actively employed to prevent risks. You have to be aware of all the potential problems.

Here are all the potential risks for other pets and small children when owning a Basset hound:
  • Make sure there are no toddlers around your Basset hound when he is eating because a toddler might try to eat a handful of kibble which can be a potential choking hazard.
  • Choose a designated spot for food and water bowl and make sure that it isn’t accessible for your crawling baby, toddling child, or sneaky cat.
  • Lock the cabinets where you keep the dog food so your toddler won’t be able to get to the dog food and eat it by mistake.
  • Your basset hound’s leash can pose a hazard because a young child could slip it around his neck, pretending he is a dog. Or one kid might try to leash and walk another kid. Leashes are dangerous for little kids, so make sure to keep them out of reach.
  • Basset hounds get along great with other dogs and cats but make sure that your other dog or cat gets along with your Basset hound. Although a Basset won’t attack first, he will surely defend himself if attacked.
  • If you have a small family kitten and a little Basset hound puppy, keep an eye on them as they might play too rough and get hurt.
  • Birds and hamsters are definitely in the gray territory as Basset hounds might confuse a bird for a tasty treat. Hang the birdcage higher and keep the hamster inside the cage at all times.
  • Dog food isn’t really good for cats. Cats’ and dogs’ food is different because cats are carnivores and dogs are omnivores.

Getting Floors and Furniture Ready For A Basset Hound

It’s one thing to get rid of one cheap rug because your basset hound peed on it. But, you surely don’t want to replace the carpet. You probably have some expensive items in your house and you don’t want to take your chances. I am talking about your floors and furniture.

Here is how to protect your floor and furniture from a Basset hound:
  • Cover your expensive floor with an inexpensive rug that you can wash in a washing machine. You probably want to buy a dozen of those and spread them all around the house. The cheap rugs will come in handy if your Basset hound isn’t yet potty trained.
  • Some rugs are Basset-magnets. It seems like Basset hounds have good taste and the nicer the rug, the more attractive he will find it. If you have one of those expensive rugs, make sure to store them until you are hundred percent sure that your Basset hound won’t do business on them.
  • Basset hounds have a great sense of smell. So, if you have vegetable-dyer rugs be prepared to find them one day with teeth marks all over them.
  • Get a can of carpet cleaner and always have it on hand. Once your Basset hound puppy does business somewhere he shouldn’t, you have to clean it well or he will be back on the same spot.
  • If your wood floors aren’t sealed, now it’s the right time to do it. A polyurethane seal is great to keep urine and pet waste from damaging the finish.
  • It’s a good idea to choose a sleeping place for your pup in a room with linoleum, tile, or Pergo flooring.
  • Set up a paw washing station next to the entrance door and wash your basset hound’s paws once he comes in. Basset hounds have long toenails, so be prepared to clean mud and dirt on rainy days.
  • Buy a bowl that prevents spills and set a placemat underneath the food bowl.
  • If you and your family decide that the furniture is off-limits, toss a cover over the peace you want to save until your puppy is trained not to jump on them. If you wish to enjoy the company of your Basset hound and set him on your lap, make sure to have a more permanent furniture cover.
  • Always have a pair of doggie nail clippers in sight that will remind you to keep your Basset hound’s nails neat and trimmed. They have thick and strong nails because they are diggers by nature.
  • Basset Hounds are known to dribble every now and then, so make sure your puppy’s space is slobber-proof.

How To Puppy-proof Your Home For Your Basset Hound

“You need to Basset proof your home. Cover any visible wires. This seems to be a favorite for hounds to go after. Make sure not to leave anything on the floor as it will become a chew toy. Make sure to remove any poisonous plants inside or outside your home.”

Puppy-proofing your house requires you to pull your notepad out and walk around the house, inside and out. Go room to room and check every single detail out. Here is how to puppy-proof your house, room by room.

How To Puppy-proof The Bathroom

  1. To puppy-proof your bathroom, you need to buy a lock for cabinets. Make sure to lock up all the cleaning products, vitamins, essential oils, prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, and extra hygiene supplies.
  2. Get an adhesive-type shelf for the shower/tub area and secure all tub and shower items on the shelf. This includes shampoo, conditioner, soap, and razors.
  3. Stop using chemicals for cleaning the toilet and tub/shower and switch to vinegar.
  4. Buy a wall shelf and hang it high. Place toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, make-up, make-up bag, blow dryer, curling iron, and other products and items that you use.
  5. Store the toilet brush and plunger in a cabinet and lock it.
  6. Place any extra toilet paper in a locked cabinet.
  7. Baby-proof all the electrical outlets.
  8. If you have a space heater, remove it.
  9. Lock the trash can in a cabinet.
  10. Remove any toilet covering and floor mats.

Download a checklist on How To Puppy-Proof The Bathroom.

How To Puppy-proof a Kid’s Bedroom

  1. Buy a toy box with a lid and put all the toys in the box. Make sure to instruct your kids to keep the toys in the box when they are not playing.
  2. Store all clean clothing in a closet or closed drawers.
  3. Get a laundry hamper with a lid for the dirty clothes.
  4. Place all shoes inside a closet.
  5. Put all the stuffed animals on top shelves, away from your puppy.
  6. Always keep the closet door shut and the drawers closed.
  7. Keep the books on the bookshelves.
  8. Baby-proof all electrical outlets.
  9. Store away any rugs.
  10. No snacks in the room.
  11. Secure all cables from the computer by placing the desktop PC on the table and taping the cables on the table legs.
  12. Inform your kids to always store the charger when they are not using it.

How To Puppy-proof The Master Bedroom

  1. To puppy-proof the master bedroom you will need to fold and store the comforter and pillows each morning when you wake up.
  2. Remove any wool rugs that you might have.
  3. Buy and hang a shelf near the bed and place your phone, plants, and books that you might read. You can also place any essential oils and diffusers on the shelf.
  4. Get rid of the plug-in alarm clock that you never use.
  5. Install locks on the master closet and keep all of your shoes and clothes in the closet.
  6. Baby-proof all the outlets.
  7. Lock away any prescriptions that you keep next to your bed.
  8. Tack the window blind cords up out of reach.
  9. If your master bedroom is a no-go zone for the puppy, make sure to always keep the door closed.
  10. Discourage jumping on and off the bed because your Basset hound has a fragile spine and he could get hurt.

Download a checklist on How To Puppy-proof The Master Bedroom

Puppy-proof The Kitchen

  1. To puppy-proof the kitchen you will have to keep the snacks in the pantry at all times.
  2. Baby-proof all the outlets.
  3. Make sure there are no hanging cords from the blender, coffee maker, and other kitchen equipment.
  4. Remove any rugs from the kitchen area.
  5. Install locks on the pantry and inform all family members to always keep the doors closed.
  6. Put your garbage can in the pantry.
  7. Keep the sponge, wire sponge, and dishwashing soap away from your puppy.
  8. Discourage your basset hound from jumping on and off the chairs.
  9. If you break a dish or glass, make sure to swipe and vacuum the area.
  10. Remove all magnets from the fridge or place them higher.

How To Puppy-proof The Family Room

  1. To puppy-proof, the family room put the candy dishes away.
  2. Inform your family members not to leave unattended snacks on the coffee table.
  3. Baby-proof all the outlets.
  4. Make sure that phone chargers are always stored when not in use.
  5. Tack window-blind cords up out of reach.
  6. Move all games and puzzles to the top shelf in the hall closet.
  7. Store blanket throws and pillows.
  8. Secure all the cables from the TV and gaming devices.
  9. Don’t leave your phone on the coffee table unattended.
  10. Remove all vases and flowers or place them on a high shelf.
  11. Make sure not to leave any appliances laying around like a hairdryer, curling iron, and others.

How To Puppy-proof the Dining Room

  1. To puppy-proof the dining room you need to baby-proof the outlets.
  2. Remove tablecloths and chair cushions from the table and store them on the top shelf in the linen closet.
  3. Put all plants on the top plant shelf on the patio.
  4. Clean around the table after your family eats because some of the food that you eat could be dangerous for your puppy.
  5. Make sure not to leave food unattended on the table. It will trigger your puppy to jump on the table.
  6. Inform your family members not to feed your basset hound with their food if the food contains ingredients such as onions, garlic, and other toxic substances for dogs.

Puppy-proof The Laundry Room

  1. Buy a laundry hamper with a lid.
  2. Store the laundry detergent, bleach, dryer sheets, and fabric softener on the top shelf.
  3. Baby-proof all electrical outlets.
  4. Secure all cables from the washer and dryer.
  5. Place the iron on a shelf, out of the dog’s reach.
  6. Store the ironing board after use.
  7. Leave no clothes on the ground, no matter if they are dirty.
  8. Inform your family members to always keep the laundry room door closed.
  9. If you spill any laundry detergent or bleach, make sure to clean it right away.
  10. Remove any rugs from the floor.

How To Puppy-proof The Outside Porch/Patio

  1. To puppy-proof the outside porch/patio you need to remove everything from the lower shelves.
  2. Place your plants and flowers on top shelves.
  3. Store wicker furniture.
  4. Put the bug spray on the top shelf.
  5. Make sure not to leave any shoes on the ground.
  6. Remove the ”Welcome” mat.
  7. If you have a coffee table on the porch, leave no drinks and food unattended.
  8. Remove any cushions and blankets from the chairs.

How To Puppy-proof The Garage

  1. Puppy-proof your garage by cleaning the shelves from dust, debris, spilled oil from the car, and other hazards.
  2. Store all pesticides, antifreeze, oil, gas can, and chemical cleaners on top shelves.
  3. Get a metal trash can and put all the trash in it. Make sure to always keep the lid closed.
  4. Buy hanging apparatus and hang stuff like brooms and other swiping equipment.
  5. Fold the garden hose and hang it on a wall hook away from the dog’s reach.
  6. Make sure there are no nails, bolts, and other small metal pieces on the floor.
  7. If you work on your car and you spill some oil or gas, make sure to clean it immediately.
  8. Keep the garage door closed at all times because your basset hound might run away if he scents a smell.
  9. Baby-proof all the electrical outlets.
  10. Make sure there are no cables hanging on the floor.

Puppy-proof The Yard

  1. Puppy-proof the yard by installing wire fencing around the flower and vegetable gardens. You don’t want your basset hound anywhere near potato plants because even the plant is toxic.
  2. Inspect your fence line and look for any unsecured areas and holes where your basset can fit and run away.
  3. Purchase an outside toy box with a lid and place all toys that you have in your hand.
  4. Move the flowerpots to the top shelf in the patio area.
  5. Store the lawnmower and yard tools in the shed and lock it.
  6. Basset hounds aren’t very good swimmers but are very curious. If you have a swimming pool, make sure to secure it.
  7. There is no place too high or out of reach for the Basset hound. They are very, very persistent. Observe how they play in the yard and remove anything that you may forget and is posing a danger for your puppy.
  8. Block any stairway entrances with a puppy gate. Basset hounds have a fragile spine and falling down the stairs could be fatal.

Assigning Basset Hound Duties With Your Family Members

The joy of owning a Basset hound can quickly become a source of tension if you don’t have a plan set up prior to his arrival. Your family members may say that they will take care of the new basset hound puppy, but that can be quite confusing if you don’t assign duties to each member.

I find it best to have the assigned duties in writing. When my Basset hound was just a pup, I used the fridge as a place to hang the duty sheet. Each of my family members had a task assigned, and we just kept rotating the names every two weeks. If that is not a democracy, I don’t know what is.

Here is how to assign Basset Hound duties to your family members:

Assigning Dog Duties By Age

Assigning Dog Duties By Age Basset hounds
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Download the assignment chart here

It is important to assign duties by age. You will have to include your little ones too because that will give them a great sense of what it’s like to be in charge of something. Plus, your older kids won’t be jealous.

Dog duties for kids under the age of three can include: Supervised pouring of the dog’s food and water, helping you in buying toys for the dog, verbal praise, and cuddling. Children under the age of three have difficulty distinguishing a real puppy from a stuffed animal, especially when they carry one. Try to develop a sense of respect for the pup by involving them in the feeding process.

Dog duties for kids under the age of three to six can include: Filling the puppy’s food and water bowls, entertaining the dog by tossing balls for him to fetch and cleaning the dog play area. Introducing your young children to chores will prepare them for future duties.

Dog duties for kids under the age of six to ten can include: Feeding the dog unsupervised and filling his water bowl, dispensing treats at the designated time, opening the back door to let the puppy out for potty trips, and playing with the pup.

Dog duties for kids over the age of ten can include: Unsupervised feeding and filling the water bowls, walking the dog supervised, brushing him, bathing him with assistance, helping in training sessions, and using a scoper for outdoor poop.

Rotating The Duties

If your children are close in age, arguments will arise. It is only a matter of time before they say ” Why does Bobby get to bathe the puppy while I only get to brush him?” To make things fair and keep everyone happy, including the dog, rotate the duties every two weeks. This is best done with a chart.

Have a bi-weekly chart with duties and just rotate your kid’s names. Your kids can place a star sticker under the chore once they have completed it to keep a better track. A great motivation for completing tasks in the future is allowance money.

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