Naughty Basset

B

Basset

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24 January 2005
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I picked up my rescue basset last Saturday, he is five and had his bits chopped ect. He is a really sweet dog and even my old collie gets on with him.
He has not put a foot wrong till this morning, i called him from his bed he didnt move so i went over and and pushed his bum and he bit me, luckily he got my sweatshirt.
I know he will be testing the ground and its more than likely a dominance thing but i have been very careful not to molly cuddly him. So he sleeps down stairs, no getting on furniture and fed last, in out doors last ect.
I dont want to send him back to rescue as i believe in giving him a chance, luckily i dont hve kids.
He is really sweet natured to everyone and dogs, loves cats, any ideas please. Please bare in mind i dont know allot about him but come from a normal home no beating or abuse.
 
I'd have bitten you too if you pushed me out of bed - lol.

Were you calling him for a reason - ie breakfast, walkies etc.

No excuse for a dog biting - but is he the nervous type???
 
Our Basset, Legend has a good grumble if you try to move him too but it's all noise with him, he'd never bite you, he'd be mortified!
It could be a territorial thing - this is MY bed - type thing, after all, everything is still quite strange to him atm and his bed is his haven but biting is a strict no-no in my book. If he ever tries it on again a very swift and hard belt on his muzzle should sort out who is boss in your household but at the same time, do be careful that he doesn't retaliate too.
Perhaps (and I'm only guessing here) because you have put him at the bottom of the pecking order he feels like rebelling a bit; possibly making a lot of fuss of him at any time of the day/night, not just when you want to take him for a walk or do something else with him but any time you are passing him by, will make him feel a bit more loved and wanted and his true character will come out for the better; it's got to be worth a try hasn't it?
He might not have been abused as in physical cruelty but you can never tell what has gone on for him mentally and he could just be reacting to that. He could also be missing his original owner, who knows what goes on in a doggy mind but hopefully he'll settle down better and be a lifelong companion for you.
 
I think I would be inclined to let him chill out a bit longer, its all new and strange. Lets hope its just him settling in. Good luck
 
Could he have sore hip? My sweet, friendly lab who has never and would never consider biting has bad hips ( only 4) and she would growl if you touched her pelvis while she's lying down. Could it be something like that?
 
I did read somewhere that their bed/crate is pretty much their domain and you shouldn't invade their space unless it's clearly wanted. He has probably already sussed his place in the household but this is his pad so to speak. As others have said, you don't know if someone has been unwittingly a bit too harsh with him? Obviously shouldn't have bitten you although not sure if it was a warning type bite or a full on meant to do it kind?
It's early days yet and I'm sure you let him know you weren't happy with him for doing this - may well be a one off.
Good luck!
 
Awww... It's dominace.... they know thier bed!! push me out u get nip!!! My bassets (all different generations) does it we learnt to live with it and not to bother them in their bed... They are Blxxdy Lazy sods, my last Basset (bless his soul) was always up before dawn to come out on rides with the race horses.... He loved it... Had his ashes scattered on the gallops...
 
Oops IMO
That is a typical Basset. They do exactly what they want & when they want to. I also will not tolerate biting, mine has had a go if I insist on her doing something when I say so. You just either love them or hate them. Either way though you will learn when to give a wide berth. My OH absolutely adores our basset, just because she is so strong willed & opinionated. I would not have another given me.
Good Luck
 
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