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Anonymous
ok /an/ i have a question
i own a basset (bad pic related) he is about 7 months old now. they are supposed to be a very docile breed, and nearly incapable of biting from what i have read, and for the most part he is. but sometimes, he gets ahold of something he wants to chew on, and when we try to get it from him he gets very defensive and starts growling, baring his teeth, and has even snapped at me, and bitten me twice. am i doing something wrong? will nuetering him fix this problem? any help is appreciated
>> Anonymous
neutering tends to calm dogs down a LOT, and is also healthier for him. you should do it unless you plan on breeding him.

try not to be so docile about this, if you back off when he growls, you're only showing him he's the boss. all dogs are pack animals and are almost CONSTANTLY thinking about what rank they have within their pack, especially at a young age, you need to be the alpha.

this doesn't mean you should strike him, but retain an assertive stance and use a commanding voice towards him. lower your own voice to a strong growl and tell him "NO" or use any other word that seems natural. (stomping may help...) if he gives up whatever he's chewing on, be sure the praise him profusely, puppies understand better when you go overboard with happiness (seen in dogs when their owners come home, they're SO happy)

this may take some time, from my experience, basset hounds are a lovable breed, but can be stubborn. good luck!
>> Anonymous
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Keep a water spry bottle close by. Bassets have extremely high pain tolerance, but they can't stand discomfort. If he starts to growl, spray him. NEVER let him win. Contrary to popular opinion, Bassets are not stupid, they are stubborn. They are active dogs unless they get fat. And they are deceptively resourceful.