How to Teach a Basset Hound Tricks
Teaching a Basset Hound tricks requires patience, persistence, and a deep understanding of the breed's independent nature. While Basset Hounds have a trainability rating of just 2/5, they're far from untrainable—they're simply driven by their own priorities, especially scent and the desire to follow their nose. Their easygoing, gentle temperament makes them responsive to positive reinforcement, but their stubbornness means you'll need to make training more rewarding than whatever else catches their attention. This guide focuses on building tricks progressively, from foundational behaviors like "shake" to more advanced chains, while working around their natural challenges: recall failure, baying, and scent distraction. With consistent, reward-based training and realistic expectations, your Basset can master impressive tricks and deepen your bond.
Step-by-step
- 1
Start with high-value rewards and eliminate distractions
Basset Hounds are notoriously scent-driven, so begin training indoors in a quiet, scent-neutral room away from windows or doors. Use extremely motivating rewards—small pieces of chicken, cheese, or hot dog work better than dry kibble for a breed with low food drive. Train for short 5-10 minute sessions before walks, when their nose isn't already occupied.
- 2
Teach 'shake' as your foundation trick
Hold a treat close to your Basset's chest and slowly move it upward. Most will naturally paw at your hand to investigate. Immediately mark the behavior with 'yes!' or a clicker, then reward. Repeat 10-15 times per session, then add the verbal cue 'shake' just before they paw. This simple trick builds confidence and momentum for more complex behaviors.
- 3
Add 'sit' and 'down' for impulse control
Before attempting trick chains, your Basset needs strong foundational obedience. Use luring with treats to guide them into sitting, then lying down. Practice these for 2-3 weeks in short sessions before moving on. These behaviors also combat the breed's stubbornness by establishing that waiting for permission gets rewards.
- 4
Build 'roll over' with patience and small increments
With your Basset lying down, lure a treat slowly over their shoulder toward their hip to encourage rolling. Don't expect a full roll immediately—reward any lean or weight shift toward rolling, then gradually increase the expectation. This trick may take weeks to fully master given their breed stubbornness, but celebrate small progress with enthusiastic praise.
- 5
Chain tricks using 'sit,' 'shake,' and 'down' together
Once each trick is solid individually, practice them in sequence: sit → shake → down. Use the same reward marker ('yes!') and treat for each completed trick, then provide a jackpot reward (extra treats) at the end of the chain. Keep chains to 3-4 tricks to respect their low energy level and moderate attention span.
- 6
Manage baying and maintain consistency across environments
Basset Hounds bay when excited or frustrated, especially during training. Stay calm and pause training if baying escalates—never reward it with attention or treats. Practice the same tricks in different rooms and outdoors (on a secure area) to prevent recall failure outdoors, where their scent drive dominates. Consistency matters more for stubborn breeds.
Pro tips
- Use scent to your advantage: practice 'stay' and impulse control before walks, when they haven't yet locked onto a scent trail, making success far more likely than after outdoor exercise.
- Train during calm times of day when your Basset is naturally mellow; their low energy makes late afternoon or post-exercise windows ideal for focus and fewer bay outbursts.
- Never force a trick or show frustration—Basset Hounds shut down under pressure due to their stubborn temperament. Positive reinforcement and patience are non-negotiable for this breed.
Frequently asked questions
My Basset ignores me outdoors and won't come back. Can I train tricks outside?+
Start all new tricks indoors where you can control distractions. Once a trick is reliable at home, practice it in a fenced yard before venturing off-leash. Outdoors, their scent drive overrides training, so always use a long leash initially and reserve your highest-value rewards for outdoor practice sessions.
How do I keep my Basset motivated when they don't seem food-driven?+
Basset Hounds often have moderate food motivation compared to other breeds. Increase motivation by training before meals, using special 'training-only' treats (not their regular kibble), and incorporating play or praise as rewards. Some Bassets respond better to a quick game of tug or a favorite toy than food.
My Basset gets bored or lies down during training sessions. Is this normal?+
Yes, this is typical for a breed with an energy level of 2/5. Keep sessions to 5-10 minutes maximum, and never push past the point of engagement. If they lie down, take it as a signal to end on a positive note and try again later. Quality over quantity prevents frustration for both of you.
How long does it typically take a Basset to learn a new trick?+
With low trainability (2/5), expect 2-4 weeks to solidify a single trick with daily practice. Stubborn breeds need more repetition than others, but consistency and patience pay off. Celebrate incremental progress—a partial roll-over is progress, not failure.