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Crate Training a Basset Hound

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Crate Training a Basset Hound Accelerates the Results of Potty Training

Potty training can be a bit more difficult on average with Bassets than with other breeds. But it is far from impossible. Crate training a Basset Hound is a great method to use to help in potty training. A dog crate is simply a portable kennel (mini-house) for your dog, and they are available in various styles and materials.

Some people believe that putting dogs in crates is cruel. But used appropriately, crate training is beneficial for you and your Basset Hound. Bassets, like most dogs, have a "nesting instinct." A wild dog's den is his hidden escape from enemies and place to call home. Domesticated dogs still possess the instinct to seek out a safe place. A crate satisfies this instinct.

I can guess what you're thinking: Interesting biology lesson, but what in the world does this have to do with potty training? I'm glad you asked. In the wild, doing one's business in the den sends an inviting smell to predators. So wild dogs go elsewhere, which--ironically--makes wild dogs naturally potty trained. Likewise, your domesticated pooch has an instinct to keep his living space free of messes. Below, I'll get into more detail about how crate training a Basset Hound leads to effective potty training.

Learn how to bond with your Basset Hound with this free mini course.

Crate Training a Basset Hound

Do's and Dont's

It is vital for crates to be used correctly. Your Basset will see the crate as a safe haven or a dreaded place depending on how you handle it.

  • Crates should be just big enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in
  • Crating must NEVER be used as a punishment; the crate should always be associated with something positive
  • Puppies should not be left in crates for more than two to three hours except at night when sleeping; adults accustomed to the crate can stay in for longer, but no more than eight hours as a rule of thumb. Dogs are not meant to be alone for long periods of time, and being confined too long could cause them to damage their bladder or bowel from trying to "hold it in"
  • Crating is a TOOL in the potty training process, not a complete solution. Crate time should be limited, and your dog should have plenty of time outside the crate for exercise and socializing

Crate Training a Basset Hound: Lesson 1

Helping your dog love her crate

When introducing the crate, never force your dog inside, lock the door, and walk away - she will equate the crate with a prison. Instead, begin by dropping treats for her to find on her own as she explores the house. Then, you can start putting the treat in the crate in front of her and praising her when she goes inside to get it. Make the crate a fun place for your Basset Hound by putting in a comfy blanket, some toys, and hamster-like water bottle. At this point, you can start closing the door and leaving the room for short periods of time.

Ignore her if she cries or whines--letting her out teaches her that crying results in her being taken out. Gradually increase the time you leave her alone until she no longer cries when seeing you leave. Crate training your Basset Hound has a multitude of benefits besides potty training. It will make traveling with her much easier, as well as helping her behave for vet or grooming appointments. Also, if you ever have to leave her at a boarding kennel, she will be much less stressed having experienced crate training.

Crate Training a Basset Hound: Lesson 2

Timing of Going Potty

Your Basset Hound needs regular access to the area in which you designate for him to potty in. As a general rule, puppies need to go at least every couple of hours; older puppies every four hours; adults can wait longer than this but the times vary. Common times that a puppy needs to go:
  • immediately after eating (remember they have small bladders and colons at this point)
  • when he wakes up from a nap
  • first thing in the morning
  • during play times
  • last thing at night
It is ok to crate your dog at night. But help him out by taking him to his designated potty spot as late at night as possible and as early in the morning as possible. If you wake up during the middle of the night, you can take him out, but don't stay out and play--you both need to get back to bed. Ignore his crying from the crate at night--your Basset Hound will try to get your attention, good or bad--so make sure to avoid giving a reaction, even to scold him. You may want to leave layers of newspaper in the crate in case of an accident. More on accidents later.">

Crate Training a Basset Hound: Lesson 3

What To Do When Your Dog is Outside the Crate

When not in her crate, watch your Basset Hound as closely as possible. Signs that she may be about to relieve herself include the following:

  • whining
  • waiting at the door
  • sniffing around
  • circling the floor
If you see any of these signs, or other suspicious behavior, take her out immediately. Some people use baby gates to restrict their dog to a certain area of a room or house to make it easier to keep an eye on her. Some people attach one end of a leash to their dog and the other end to their belt to keep her in their line of vision.

Crate Training a Basset Hound: Lesson 4

Taking it outside

You need to designate a spot for your Basset Hound to relieve himself in. Preferably, this should be outside. If an inside spot is your only choice, it's best to use a non-carpeted room such as a bathroom or basement with newspaper lining or "puppy pads." It is important to use a consistent command such as "go outside" or "go potty" when taking him to his relief spot. This helps establish that it's time for him to get down to business. (No pun intended. Ok, I intended it :) When he potties in the designated spot, lavish him with praise.

Try to make sure he potties before playing, and If possible, stay outside with him to play for awhile after he goes. Why? He may equate potty time with outside playtime. So if you scoop him up and take him in right after he potties, he may decide for the future to hold off on pottying as long as possible to ensure some playtime before relieving himself. Many frustrated owners take this to mean their dog doesn't need to go, so they take him back in, only to see him finally potty--inside.

Crate Training a Basset Hound: Lesson 5

Accidents will happen. Here's what to do. And not to do.

Despite your best efforts, it's likely that your Basset Hound will sometimes go in the wrong place or at the wrong time. Puppies, especially, have very limited control of their bladders and colons, and it is difficult to monitor them every second of the day.

If you catch your dog in the act, you can try saying "no!" or "outside!" to break her concentration on relieving herself (while rushing to get her outside). If the dirty deed is done before you can get there, never punish or scold her. Basset Hounds learn by positive reinforcement, NOT yelling and negative consequences. NEVER rub any dog's nose in their urine or feces; it is not only cruel but also senseless--it teaches them nothing except to fear you.

It is important to clean up messes quickly and completely, especially in her crate. This ensures that the smell doesn't draw your Basset Hound back to the same spot for another unwanted deposit. In case you didn't know, Basset Hounds come equipped with a top-of-the-line sense of smell.

Basset Hound Crate Training / Potty Training: Final Thoughts

Consistency and Effort

Potty training your Basset Hound is no walk in the park. The above steps must be performed consistently and with considerable effort to be successful. Your sleep, work, and recreation schedule may need to be adjusted during the process of potty training. You may need to go to bed later and get up earlier, or come home for lunch to let your Basset out. Some people get family, friends, neighbors, or even pet sitters to assist them with the training.

It is important to remember that this process is temporary. Most trainers estimate Basset Hound potty training taking anywhere from two weeks to a few months. Consistency, effort, and praising your pooch will produce the best results, so hang in there--the rewards of a potty-trained Basset Hound are well worth the short-term sacrifices that you make.

More Training for your Basset Hound

Free Basset Hound Training Mini Course

I hope these steps will help you get started with crate training your Basset Hound. There is so much to learn about this wonderful breed! For a complete guide to Basset Hound training, I recommend TrainPetDog.com. You can get a lot of information there and sign up for a Free Dog Training Mini Course. Included in the course are topics such as:

  • obedience training

  • teaching commands

  • controlling negative behaviors such as barking and biting


This site, ran by professional dog trainers, helped me figure out how to work with Zacheus and Phoebe--my own two Basset Hounds! And boy did I ever need help. But that's a story for another day.
Again, I hope I've given you some useful information and answered some of your questions. Good luck and happy training!

Basset Hound Training Audio Course

For those of you that would prefer an audio course, you can check out this Basset Hound Training Audio Course. The 104-minute course is divided into 13 training segments and has a couple of bonus eBooks as well.

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BassetHoundDog

Hello everyone. I am a freelance writer specializing in pets. I am the proud owner of two Basset Hounds - Zacheus and Phoebe. In this lens, I discuss crate... more »

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