Basset Puppy

[fauldsde]

I have two Basset Hounds that are 3-4 years old. They are both very good with eachother and other dogs... My wife has decided that she would like to add another Basset to our pack. Space is not an issue and we have almost one acre fenced in for them to play in and plenty of room inside too. They are house dogs of course!

I am just looking for everyone's thoughts on whether or not a 6-7 week old puppy would be "accepted" by my two other Basset's. I don't want to end up trying to keep the pup from getting picked on by the other two...

Also, any tips on making the transition with the new pup would be great... our first two bassets were rescue dogs so it will be our first puppy!

Thanks to anyone who replies!

[cashnbecky]

What kind of temperaments do your current dog's have? Are they receptive to other dogs now? I have three dogs which I rescued at different times. I have had good luck with them but they were all between 6 and 8 years old when they met. They are friends now and play together. However, I think a puppy might be a bit much for them until they found a way to be friends. Doesn't mean you can't do it but I would allow them together initially with your supervision. It might be wise to crate the puppy if you aren't there. Puppies can be unwitting "instigators" due to their puppyness and "not knowing the rules". Chances are your dogs will accept a puppy pretty soon. I believe rescued dogs are already used to new experiences and other dogs so may be more open minded to new experiences. Certainly worth a try.

I had neighbors recently who had two bassets. I had more fun watching those guys play. They played constantly. Especially fun when they would purposefully roll down the slope!

Good luck and keep me posted.

becky

[Squawksx3]

Hi fauldsde and welcome to the board :)

I LOVE Bassetts!!...I say go for it!. What sexes do you currently have?. If you have a female already, I would advise getting a male puppy. Females are very territorial, normally more than males.
We just rescued a 13 week old male pitbull puppy.
I have 3 dogs(all rescues): 9yr old male Labx... 8 yr old male German Shepherd and a 3 yr old male Rottweiler, plus we currently have a 2 yr old male Rottweiler foster.... and I can tell you the pit puppy rules the roost!. The others will let him know when he's overstepped his boundries or bites a little too hard with those razor teeth, but none of them will hurt him. they all get along great and play constantly. They recognize him as the "baby" of the family.

Constant monitoring is a must in the beginning. Make sure the puppy doesn't interfere with their eating or their toys... and make sure the older ones get plenty of attention and nothing changes in their daily routine. They will get jealous if they're are left in the background, people tend to give more attention to babies because they are so cute and needy. I firmly believe in crating and use them. It becomes their "safe zone". You might want to start by introducing your dogs to the puppy while the puppy is crated... see how your guys act. After awhile if your dogs seem fine and there is no growling or aggression, let the puppy out. Be sure there is no food or toys around. Sometimes it takes awhile, but anything is workable with a little patience and love. Bassetts are normally gentle, kick-back guys and I dont believe you will have any major problems.
Best of luck to you and congratulations on your future little fur-kid :D... please keep us updated... I can already smell the puppy breath!!! hehe

[fauldsde]

I have a male and female and you are absolutely correct... the female rules the roost!! We plan on getting a male tri color. Both of our current dogs are fixed. I was thinking about the whole crate thing. I am guessing that they will be fairly accepting to the new guy... they love other dogs and love to play... The breeder said that the puppy will be ready on Dec 3rd. It will be 6 weeks old then. Is this too young to seperate the pup from his mother?

Thank you both for your responses and all the great advice!!!

[Squawksx3]

Definately get a male. 6 weeks is fine to separate from the mom. Look into a puppy wellness program at your vet, they need a series of vaccinations when they are little. Wow, Dec 3rd is right around the corner!!. Have you picked the little guy out yet?. how exciting... congratulations! :) ... keep us updated and I would love to see pics!!! :D

[fauldsde]

Yep... we have picked him out. He was one of two tri color males in a litter of ten pups. He is adorable! My wife and I are very excited to get him!

[fauldsde]

I was reading online and saw an article that said that anyone with a puppy should avoid contact with other dogs at all costs until they are older and up to date on all their shots...

That prompts me to ask... Are my other dogs at risk of getting sick from the pup or vice versa??? My two dogs are current on all their shots and the breeder says that the puppy will be up to date on his. I plan on taking him to the vet to get him the shots he needs of course but just wanted to make sure that their isn't other precautions that I should take with him and my other dogs...

Thanks again for any responses!

[patty]

It sounds like the puppy has had at least one round of his puppy shots and as long as the breeder has not seen a problem with him or any of the other puppies then he is safe to be around your dogs if they are all up to date. The big risk with having a puppy around other dogs is the puppy's imune system is not like that of an older dog and puppies need several rounds of "puppy shots" and then a rabies shot before you should even consider having him around strange dogs. Most people reccomend not exposing them to other dogs until they are at least 4 months old and have had all of their shots. Have you decided on a name for him yet?

[Squawksx3]

Exactly what Patty said!... BTW.. welcome to the board Patty :).
He should be fine with your guys and visa-versa. Also, I would not be taking him to a park or any public place, and dont let him run around on the ground or grassy area's your not familiar with. The Parvo Virus can live up to 5 years in grass, etc...
Congrats again on your new fur-baby!... the wait must be terrible LOL. What's his name????.

[fauldsde]

My wife is thinking Benson... but we are not entirely sure... I think Benson sounds a little snooty. :) I like Waylon... but we will probably decide when we get him though!

I have yet one more question!!! I heard this weekend that it can be very traumatic if we move within the first two or three months. We are moving within a few months and that really worries me. I hope someone here can clarify if this is true or not for me. I would tend to think that the pup would be fine as long as all his "pack" moved with him, but the change in environment may be enough to effect him...

Anyone please clarify this for me!!!

[Squawksx3]

I like Benson and Waylon both. Stepdaughter named her pit pup "Baxter". She didnt want a macho name because of the breed.
Please dont worry about the move, your pup will be fine and so will your older guys.... if anything, it will become neutral territory and help if there are any problems with the older ones accepting the little one. Dogs are much more easier to adapt to change than cats are... they would follow you to the ends of the earth.. and back ;)

[eth_ng]

Well, I don't know, but they say dogs of opposite genders get along better.