At a glance
- Basset Hounds are naturally vocal dogs with barking and baying rooted in their hunting heritage
- Excessive barking often stems from boredom, attention-seeking, anxiety, or environmental triggers
- Effective training combines desensitisation, the "quiet" command, and positive reinforcement techniques
- Most dogs show initial progress within 2-4 weeks, with lasting results taking 2-3 months of consistent practice
You might notice that your Basset Hound seems more vocal than other breeds, with a distinctive deep bark and melodic baying that carries quite a distance. Many owners worry when this natural behaviour becomes excessive, wondering if they can train their dog to be quieter without suppressing their personality entirely.
The truth is, your dog's vocal nature isn't a flaw to eliminate but rather an instinct to understand and manage. These dogs were bred for centuries to track game and alert hunters with their voices, making barking as natural to them as retrieving is to a Labrador. This means your training approach needs to work with their instincts, not against them.
Understanding why your dog barks
When determining whether barking needs intervention, context is everything. A dog that bays excitedly when they catch an interesting scent in the garden is different from one that barks incessantly when left alone or reacts aggressively to every passerby.
Research shows that most excessive barking in this breed falls into four categories. Boredom tops the list, particularly in dogs that don't receive adequate mental stimulation. These intelligent hounds need their minds engaged, and without proper outlets, they often create their own entertainment through vocalisation.
Attention-seeking behaviour ranks as another common trigger. If your dog has learned that barking brings you running, they'll continue using this effective strategy. Anxiety, including separation anxiety, can manifest as persistent barking when you're away or even when you're home but not paying attention to them.
Environmental triggers like doorbells, other dogs, wildlife, or strangers passing by can set off their hunting instincts. This isn't misbehaviour but rather their genetic programming responding to potential "prey" or territorial concerns.
Teaching the "quiet" command
The most effective training starts with teaching your dog to bark on command, which might seem counterintuitive. Begin in a quiet room with minimal distractions. Use a trigger that reliably makes your dog bark, such as knocking on a table or ringing a small bell.
When they bark, immediately say "speak" and reward them with a small, high-value treat. Practice this several times until they begin barking when you say "speak" without needing the trigger. This usually takes about a week of short daily sessions.
Once they've mastered "speak," introduce "quiet." Give the speak command, let them bark once or twice, then say "quiet" in a calm, firm voice. The moment they stop barking, even for a second, reward them immediately with treats and praise. Gradually extend the quiet period before giving the reward.
Most dogs begin responding to the quiet command within two to three weeks of consistent practice. The key is timing your rewards precisely when they stop barking, not several seconds later when the moment has passed.
Desensitisation techniques that work
Desensitisation helps your dog learn to remain calm around their barking triggers. Start by identifying what sets them off most reliably. Common triggers include the doorbell, other dogs walking past, or specific sounds from outside.
Begin training at a distance where your dog notices the trigger but doesn't react strongly. For doorbell training, this might mean having someone ring the bell while you're in another room with your dog. The moment they hear it but before they bark, give them a treat and praise their calm behaviour.
Gradually decrease the distance to the trigger over several training sessions. If your dog starts barking, you've moved too close too quickly. Return to the previous distance and spend more time there before progressing.
This process typically takes four to six weeks for significant improvement, though some dogs show progress within the first two weeks. Patience and consistency matter more than speed during desensitisation training.
Using incompatible behaviours
Teaching your dog to perform behaviours that make barking difficult or impossible can be remarkably effective. The "place" command works particularly well with these dogs. Choose a specific mat, bed, or designated area and teach your dog to go there and lie down on command.
Start by luring them to the spot with treats, saying "place," and rewarding them for staying there briefly. Gradually extend the time they must remain in place before earning their reward. Once they reliably go to their place, begin using this command when barking triggers appear.
For doorbell training, have your dog go to their place when visitors arrive instead of rushing to the door barking. Reward them for staying calm in their designated spot. This gives them a job to do that's incompatible with excited barking at the door.
Most dogs master the basic place command within two weeks, though using it reliably during exciting situations like doorbell ringing may take another month of practice.
Exercise and mental stimulation strategies
A tired dog is typically a quieter dog, but these hounds need both physical exercise and mental challenges. Their hunting heritage means they crave activities that engage their powerful noses and problem-solving abilities.
Daily walks should include opportunities for sniffing and exploring, not just brisk movement. Allow extra time for your dog to investigate interesting scents, as this mental work can be as tiring as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders and interactive toys like Nina Ottosson puzzles provide excellent mental stimulation during meals.
Scent games work particularly well for this breed. Hide treats around the house or garden and encourage your dog to find them. Start with easy hiding spots and gradually make the game more challenging as they improve.
Most owners notice a significant reduction in attention-seeking and boredom-related barking within two weeks of increasing their dog's daily mental stimulation. The key is consistency rather than intensity.
Managing anxiety-related barking
Separation anxiety often manifests as persistent barking when you leave home. Crate training can help by providing a secure, den-like space where your dog feels safe. Choose an appropriately sized crate where they can stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Introduce the crate gradually, making it a positive space with comfortable bedding and special toys that only appear during crate time. Feed meals in the crate and give high-value treats when your dog enters voluntarily.
Practice short departures, starting with just a few minutes and gradually extending the time. Avoid making a big fuss when leaving or returning, as this can increase anxiety. Keep departures and arrivals calm and matter-of-fact.
For severe separation anxiety, consider consulting a professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviourist. Some cases may require behaviour modification plans or medical intervention beyond basic training techniques.
When to seek professional help
Sometimes barking persists despite consistent training efforts. If you've been working on these techniques for six to eight weeks without significant improvement, professional guidance can help identify what you might be missing.
Compulsive barking, where your dog seems unable to stop even when exhausted, may indicate an underlying anxiety disorder requiring professional intervention. Similarly, barking linked to fear or aggression toward people or other animals needs expert assessment.
Professional training sessions typically cost between $50 and $150 per hour, depending on your location and the trainer's expertise. Many trainers offer package deals for multiple sessions, which often provide better value and more comprehensive support.
Look for trainers who use positive reinforcement methods and have specific experience with hound breeds. Understanding the Basset Hound temperament is crucial, as their vocal nature requires patience and breed-specific approaches rather than punishment-based techniques that can increase anxiety and worsen the problem.
