Send me an email with a picture of your favourite Basset Hound and it may be Basset of the month!
RickBasset



Your friend...

He is your friend, your partner, your defender, he is your dog.
You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours, faithful and true to the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.

- Anonymous

The basset is not allowed in the house.

Okay, the basset is allowed in the house, but only in certain rooms.

The basset is allowed in all rooms, but has to stay off the furniture.

The basset can get on the old furniture only, but has to stay off the new couch.

Fine, the basset is allowed on all the furniture, but is not allowed to sleep with the humans.

Okay, the basset is allowed in the bed, but only by invitation.

The basset can sleep on the bed whenever he wants, but not under the covers.

The basset can sleep under the covers by invitation only.

The basset can sleep under the covers every night.

Humans must ask permission to sleep under the covers with the basset.

Author Unknown

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The Basset Hound's most noticeable features include the long ears, drooping forehead and short legs that seem somewhat out of proportion to the rest of its body. These dogs are excellent at smelling, partly due to their noses but also because of their ears. It seems that the ears actually "catch' scents, giving the Basset Hound a second chance to smell them!

The Basset Hound shares lineage with another breed known for its sniffing ability - the Bloodhound. There are two trains of thought as to how the Basset Hound came to be. Some people think that Bloodhounds and some other breeds were crossed, but breeding was very selective. Only the "dwarf" dogs of every litter were used for further breeding. This isn't to be confused with the "runts." Each additional step in this breeding chain was chosen specifically for its short legs as compared to the rest of its body. Other people think some smaller breeds were introduced into the line to create the current day Basset Hound. Either way, there's no denying that this is a very distinctive dog.

There could very well be a practical reason for the selective inclusion of those short legs. The lumbering gait of the Basset Hound makes them a rather slow canine, which gives the hunter plenty of opportunity to stay with the dog. The fact that these dogs have such an incredible sense of smell allows them to range some distance behind their prey without losing it.

The Basset Hound is usually either black and white or brown (liver) and white, but a mixture of all three colors does occur. Puppies are born with incredibly long ears - much too long for the rest of their bodies. These dogs are comical when they are first learning to run because of the tendency to step on their ears, sometimes to the point of tripping themselves. Basset Hounds have strong ears and these mishaps typically don't cause any damage, though the pup may stop to try to figure out what caused the problem.

The Basset Hound was originally bred as a hunter, but has risen in popularity as a family pet and canine pal. With some breeds, it's possible to point at a particular time when the breed became popular. Sometimes, it's a case of a famous person favoring the breed. In this case, it was the presentation of the Basset Hound at the Paris Dog Show in 1863. It took more than two decades for the breed to become recognized by the AKC, but it has now taken the hearts and attention of breeders, fans and the judges.

The Basset Hound is the epitome of the loyal friend. Though they are still used for hunting dogs, they are probably more popular as family pets. They become extremely devoted to their people in a short period of time, especially if their people are equally devoted. There's no doubt that these gentle dogs are not made for agility trials, but they are lovable companion dogs.

Source: Free Articles

Bassets are amazing dogs, but like any animal they require care to remain healthy and happy.

While you can't always prevent injuries you can provide a safer environment by pet proofing your home. Similar to babyproofing, petproofing involves getting down on your hands and knees and seeing the world through the eyes of your Basset! Anything that they could eat or open or pull down on themselves may be a danger to them. A little prevention can make a huge difference in the health of your dog.

One of the things that make Bassets so endearing are those huge ears! Unfortunately they can also be the source of problems if not cared for properly. Thats why in Bassets, especially, ear care is mandatory to prevent infections and ear mites.

Healthy Ears Ear Cleanser for Dogs - Buy 2 Get 1 FREE (3 Bottles) - $ 15.98

Hound dogs and other dogs with "floppy" ears are far more likely to have infection or odor problems with their ears than their perky-eared counterparts. Basic cleaning can rid your dog's ears of dirt, wax, and other unwanted debris. This is important not only for their hearing, but also in preventing infections.

Ear cleanser is something that's great to have on hand for the hygienic care of your dog, as ear infections can be prevented and treated by keeping their ears clean. Most common ear cleansers can soothe inflamed or itchy ears, as well as eliminate any odor. Ear mites can also be prevented and treated with proper ear cleaning, though this will require an ear cleanser specific to the problem. Look for products with natural ingredients that will be safe, gentle, and effective, such as aloe vera.

Healthy Ears Ear CleanserTM contains a combination of gentle ingredients that aid in the removal of dirt, wax and other unwanted matter from your dogs ears. Our veterinarian formulated ear cleanser for dogs contains Aloe Vera and is designed to help prevent canine ear infections.

Healthy Ears Ear CleanserTM is formulated to be effective and fast acting and comes in a bottle with an easy to use nozzle. A great product to have on hand and should be applied after swimming. Provide your dog with a gentle yet effective dog ear cleaner from Pet Nutrition Products.

PNP products are manufactured under Federal cGMP guidelines to ensure Quality, Purity and Potency.

For use on dogs.

Dental Care consists of maintaining a proper diet for your pet and performing daily brushing of your Bassets teeth with a dog toothpaste. If your Basset is resistant to brushing you can also try Dental Wipes. Periodontal disease affects 85% of adult dogs and can lead to pain, bad breath and tooth loss. Not too many treats! Also regular checks by your Vet in case of Plaque build up, which may require a professional cleaning.

Eye Care in Bassets is important to prevent infection and detect signs of disease. Bassets, as well as other breeds, have something called a third eyelid or "nictitating membrane". It is often seen when they are sleeping and makes them look like the Hounds from Hell! This can develop a condition called Cherry eye. It usually affects Bassets in their first year of life. It is defect in the ligament that holds the gland of the third eyelid in place. This results in a red protruding bump. The most common course of action is surgery which usually solves the problem. In other eye conditions your vet may prescribe eye drops to lubricate the eyes or antibiotic eye ointment to treat eye infections.

Bassets can be prone to various ailments and injuries. Their long backs can be prone to problems especially later in life. Some bassets are predisposed to the formation of bladder "stones" and require them to be surgically removed. They can be a variety of shapes and sizes causing your dog great discomfort and loss of bladder control.
If your pet does need surgery then it's important that you follow your vet's Pre and Post Surgery instructions carefully to ensure a safe and successful result.

Heartworm in dogs is a parasite that can live in your dogs heart and other blood vessels. Heart worm is transmitted by mosquito bites. Prevention is the best cure. Ask your vet if heartworm is a problem in your area and whether your dog should be treated.

Giving medication to a Dog is easy if you follow some basic steps. Bassets will eat practically anything, so if we needed to give ours a tablet or capsule, wrapping it in cheese meant that it was swallowed without a problem!

Dog Allergies are not uncommon and may be caused by several factors. One of our Bassets developed an allergy to something in grasses when we moved to a new area with different plant life. She would lick her paws till they were raw. Eventually medication recommended by our vet controlled the problem. Food allergies to components of commercial dog food is also a common problem. It may cause stomach upset or Diarrhea. Consult with your Vet if you suspect your Basset has an allergy.

There is a wide range of diseases that Bassets as well as other dogs can get depending on their lifestyles and exposure. All dogs should be vaccinated against disease. Your vet can determine what vaccinations are right for your dog based on where you live and your dogs activities.

Fleas and Ticks are parasites that feed off of your dogs blood making your dogs life miserable and if not controlled can make them very ill. Prevention is the best way to control them. The forms of Flea and Tick control include topical preparations, tablets, as well as shampoos.

Behaviour problems in Bassets can include chewing, digging, howling, etc. Usually it is best to try and reward good behaviour and ignore the bad. (If possible!) chewing and digging may be signs of boredom and pent up energy. Regular walks and plenty of dog chew toys may help. Bassets will sometimes howl if left alone for long periods of time. Keeping them inside when you are away is sometimes the only cure for unhappy neighbours! Dog Training is an important part of helping your dog to be the best pet they can.

Regular vet checkups are important to provide your Basset with a long and healthy life. From a puppy to a geriatric dog, they can help prevent and lessen the effects of disease and suffering in your pet.

When traveling with your dog planning ahead is important for your pets comfort and wellbeing. A good quality crate, a familiar blanket, favorite treats and fresh water will help make the trip easier for both of you. If your dog is particularly anxious then you may want to consider some type of travel anxiety medication.
However if your pet is extremely unhappy when traveling it may be better to try and arrange for a petsitter and leave your friend at home.

Did you know...

The dog with the largest ears in the world as reported in the 2004 Guiness Book of World Records is Mr. Jeffries the Basset Hound. Mr. Jeffries, ears measure 29.2 cm (11.5 in) and he lives in West Sussex, England. Mr Jeffries' full name is Knightsfollie Ladiesman and he is the grandson of Biggles, the face of Hush Puppies shoes. His ears are insured for 30,000 pounds ($47,800). (Photo/Guinness World Records)

Dr. Melissa Tschegg, DVM resides in the State of Florida and is a graduate of the University of Missouri's College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Melissa is a practicing veterinarian and is active in both clinical and surgical settings.

Dr. Melissa's life long goal is to provide pets with the best health and life possible and is an active member of the Pet Nutrition Products team. Dr. Melissa believes in a balance of proper nutrition and supplementation, regular exercise, proper grooming and regular veterinarian care at all stages of a pets life to maximize their overall health and well being.

These dogs are the first choice for hunting companions based on the fact that they love to chase fast-moving objects. The three different groups that are classified in this breed are the scenthounds, the sighthounds, and the large-game hounds.

Scent Hounds

The scent hounds are dogs that are bred to follow scent. These dogs use their amazing sense of smell to track down their prey. These dogs are very easily distracted by any smell in their surrounding area, and because of this it makes sometimes makes it difficult to obedience-train them. They are social dogs that are affectionate with their families, play great with children, and get along well with strangers. These dogs need extensive amounts of exercise due to the fact that they are active and energetic dogs.

Examples of scent hounds are: Beagle, Dachshund, Harrier, Otterhound, American Foxhound,
Basset Hound, Black and Tan Coonhound, English Foxhound, Bloodhound, and Petit Basset Griffon Venden.

Sighthounds

Sighthounds use their eyesight to spot a prey before they go for the chase. These dogs are also difficult to obedience train because it is instinctual for them to run after their prey or objects. Early socialization, especially with small animals such as cats and birds, is mandatory in order to tame down this breed's prey instinct. They need daily exercise and proper obedience training.

Examples of sighthounds are: Saluki, Whippet, Afghan Hound, Borzoi, Greyhound, Pharaoh Hound, Ibizan Hound, Basenji, Irish Wolfhound, and Scottish Deerhound.

Large Game Hounds

Large game hounds were bred to have stamina, strength, and endurance. Their superior sense of smell makes them an excellent hunting companion. Originally bred to hunt elk and other game, this breed tends to be aggressive toward small animals. Early training and socialization is required to modify this behavior. This breed makes a great watchdog. They are initially suspicious of strangers and do not tolerate roughhousing. Children should be taught to be gentle with them. Owner of large game hounds must have time to train and exercise this active breed.

Examples of large game hounds are: Rhodesian Ridgeback and Norwegian Elkhound.

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EZ Grip Clutch Ball for Dogs - Purple Color These soft yet tough vinyl balls have deeply textured surface designed for quick grabs and easy holding.

Feed your dog in style with this artful ceramic dog bowl!

Mary Naylor is a Northwest artist whose handpainted designs feature contemporary images in bright, bold colors. Colorful glazes and wonderful motifs make this dog bowl a handsome addition to any décor.

These awesome dog harnesses in bright, rich colors team up with classic chocolate and are super soft. They feature a sturdy leash ring, charming bone accent and Velcro closures for a secure and comfortable fit.

Basset Hounds are not known for their swimming abilities, so keep your hound safe in the water with these howlin' Canine Float Coats

Only the best for your Hound? Want REAL BLING!!
Then check out these incredible Jeweled Irish Dog Collars.

Amberhill are a premier designer of high end collars and leashes, their reputation in the market is unsurpassed.

The Amberhill Jeweled Collection is the 'creme de la creme' of the range.

Each Amberhill jeweled collar is entirely handmade and therefore unique, which makes these collars truly one of a kind.

Cut crystal in a silver plated setting on English bridle leather. Beautiful yet durable and fit for a Prince or Princess with paws.

Your hound will love relaxing on these invitingly soft dog beds. Brighten things up with the "St Tropez" collection of Dutchie Beds by Bowsers.

The overstuffed bolster and clean lines of the Dutchie Bed make it a stylish addition to any home.

These cool sunglasses for your dog are perfect for providing them with all round protection from dust, debris, wind, weather and 100% UV protection.

JW Gripsoft Double Sided Dog Brush - $ 7.29

A great all around double sided brush for dogs. Use the pin side to tease out snarls and tangles and use the bristle side to finish and bring out the shine of your dogs coat. This brush was originally designed for professional groomers!

All of JW's grooming tools are specially designed to be ergonomically correct, using less pressure to manipulate the tool. Includes non-slip soft grip so that you can easily maintain total control.

For use on dogs.

Animal Wellness Magazine is the only magazine produced in North American devoted to natural and holistic health for animals. Articles on natural nutrition, advice from leading animal experts and Veterinarians, coping with pet loss, and highlighting the best quality natural products and nutrition available for your animals in each issue. It's everything your four-legged friends have been waiting for!

Visit Animal Wellness Magazine

Made from solid Sterling Silver, these Unique dog ID tags are clearly a cut above the flimsy aluminum dog tags that come out of the machine at the pet store. Get them engraved for use as a dog identification tag, or leave them clean to have a shiny, beautiful, jewelry quality charm for your dog's collar.

Have you ever thought that there must be a better way to make a living than the 9-5 grind? There is! Many people just like you with no prior knowledge of running their own business, are now happy, fulfilled and successful pet business owners!

Do you love animals? Then why not turn that love into your dream job? Imagine spending your days doing something that you love instead being of chained to a desk or working for a boss or company that make you miserable.

Did you know that pet businesses are the fastest growing home-based business...
- 40 million US households own at least one dog
- Americans spend $34 billion on their pets each year
- 47% of all US households own more than one pet

But what kind of pet business would you start? How about a pet sitting service, a doggie day care, a boarding Kennel, a dog grooming business or maybe a dog bakery! Depending on your interests and personality, any one of these can be your ticket to a successful and financially independent lifestyle.
Starting your own pet business can sound intimidating but with step by step information, a willingness to learn and a drive to create something better in your life, you can become that happy, fulfilled and successful pet business owner!

If you think that owning your own pet business is for you then I highly recommend getting some advice from people that know what is involved. The My Pet Business DVD and e-book Series is the most comprehensive series on how to open a pet care business available anywhere. The pet care industry is booming and industry professionals say this trend is on the rise. These DVDs or e-books are just what you need for that step by step plan on how to get your pet business started and how to turn it into a moneymaking proposition. These DVD's have recently won a prestigious award for excellent content and quality production, so you know that they are an excellent resource to help you quick-start your new dream!

This is from someone who has received one of these awesome DVDs...

I just received the new Dog Day Care DVD and watched it twice, back-to-back, taking copious notes. I had to take the time to write and tell you how informative and inspiring this DVD is. I have researched this business for a year and am currently taking my last small business class in preparation to launch this exciting business.
I thought I learned a great deal in college, but the information from the consultants was priceless.

They covered so much information that I was very interested in like: start up costs, location, marketing/advertising, mistakes to avoid and the "pack" concept. I loved "going into" the various dog day cares on the DVD for decorating and remodeling ideas.

This is an awesome DVD. I give it 2 thumbs up!

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P.S. If you are thinking of a doggie day care business there are many things that you need to be aware of in order to be successful.

Please check out our FREE 5-part doggie day care course!
that explains:

- How to negotiate the zoning maze
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-Confine your puppy to a fenced area when you first bring them home.

-Use repetitive words and always use POSITIVE reinforcement.

-The length of training time can depend upon your
pets age, training level, and habits. Basset puppies
typically take anywhere from 9-12 months to housebreak!

-Always give your Basset puppy lots of praise when it does it's business in the place you choose.



-And try and remember PATIENCE! no matter how difficult it may seem. After all...I am only a puppy!

What's The Easiest Way To Eliminate Dog Stains and Odors?

Promptness is the key to removing dog stains and odors effectively, especially in the case of dog urine, which not only stains but also leaves behind a potent, long-lasting odor. If you take care of the problem immediately, chances are the urine will leave no trace. Once dried, however, the stain and accompanying odor will become much more difficult to remove, and may require the services of a professional cleaner.

A variety of homemade solutions and commercial products are available to help you to remove or neutralize stains and odors left behind by urine, vomit, diarrhea or feces.

* Carpets: If the stain is fresh, any good carpet shampoo will work well. First, be sure to remove any solid or semi-solid matter, such as vomit or feces. Clean the spot with the shampoo, and then soak it thoroughly with club soda. Allow it to stand for 10 minutes before blotting it up. If the stain has dried, or if the urine has soaked through to the floor, try using a cleaner with enzymes, which break down the odor-causing compounds. Be sure to follow the product's instructions carefully to prevent damage to your carpet.
* Concrete: Fresh stains are easy to remove from sealed concrete. Simply wipe the area with a damp paper towel, and clean it with a homemade solution of ammonia or vinegar, or with a commercial cleaning product. If the concrete is unsealed, and the urine or feces is allowed to stand, the stain will be much more difficult to remove, especially if urine has soaked into the surface. If this is the case, first neutralize the stain and odors using a commercial cleaning product-powder, mineral rock or enzyme-then seal the concrete. If the odor is still present, you may have to call a professional cleaning service.
* Hardwood: Wipe off fresh stains, and then treat the wood with either a homemade ammonia or vinegar solution, or a commercial cleaning product. If the stains-especially urine stains-have been allowed to stand, you'll probably have to strip, sand and bleach or stain the wood, then re-apply the varnish or polyurethane.
* Drapes, clothing, upholstery covers: Place any stained items in the washing machine with a cup of vinegar; do not use detergent. Wash as usual.

Dove Cresswell is a Professional Hollywood North Dog Trainer offering a Dog Training Program that is based on positive common sense ideas that will help your Basset become that "Gentleman" or "Lady" of your family!

Click the link for a free sample lesson!

Dove Cresswell's Dog Training Program!

~ How do you make a Basset Hound run?

Take away it's food!

~ What do you get when you cross a Basset Hound
with a Newfoundlander?

A Newfound Asset Hound, a dog for financial advisors