TRAINING & SHOWING THE BASSET HOUND by SUE FRISCHMANN
STRUCTURE & MOVEMENT B efore training or showing the Basset, or any other breed, it is imperative to have a good grasp of canine anatomy and movement, in general, as well as thorough knowledge of the breed standard. Wheth- er a breeder, owner, or professional, it is essential to have a good understanding of the Basset’s correct structure, balance, proportion and movement. Th e standard provides us with that blueprint. If the purpose of a dog show is an evalu- ation of “breeding stock”, it should follow that only those dogs who have su ffi cient quality should be shown. If you are new to the breed, there is no substitute for a good mentor, someone who has excellent knowl- edge of the breed to assist you with an unbiased, honest evaluation of your Basset. Th ough we might individually like a dif- ferent style dog, the standard defines cor- rect breed type, structure and movement. We are privileged in the Basset breed to have great educational resources available through the Basset Hound Club of Amer- ica. As well as the AKC Breed Standard, there is a narrated Judges Education CD as well as an excellent Illustrated Standard. INSTINCT & TEMPERAMENT In addition to being familiar with the correct structure and movement of the Basset Hound, it is absolutely essential to understand the temperament of this breed, as well as those traits brought about by instinct. While each individual Basset personality is slightly di ff erent, there are characteristics of this breed which are found in most Bassets. As a scent hound, the Basset likes to put its nose to the ground. Th e ability to think for themselves, while helpful when hunting, also suggests that the Basset often prefers to have things their way. Th ough perceived as stubborn, a smart handler just has to think of a way to encourage the Basset to believe that they want to do what you wish them to do.
Th e Basset Hound is sensitive by nature often taking punishment to heart. Th ey generally want to please, but do not want to be drilled or bored to death. Th ough your Basset needs to understand boundaries, it is best when showing and training to work primarily with positive reinforcement. Most Bassets confronted with harsh training methods will simply turn o ff and refuse to perform. Bassets need to be properly socialized, comfortable with people leaning over them and confident around other breeds. DEVELOPING YOUR SKILLS In addition to the quality of your Bas- set, your success in the show ring depends to varying degrees on your handling skills. Most good professionals seek help from breed experts when they start with a breed that is unfamiliar to them. A few lucky ones served as apprentices and had an opportunity to learn from some of the greats of the past. If you are an owner or breeder han- dler, don’t miss opportunities to exchange training methods and ideas with those that are proficient in the breed. Th ese discussions and time taken to work with individual dogs with mentors are invalu- able. Some of my best “tricks” have come from watching some of the truly gifted handlers in the ring. Don’t hesitate to ask
for help. It is far better to seek help in a timely manner than to be too prideful. Often, things that may seem like a big challenge can be corrected with ease. Owner or breeder handlers can suc- cessfully compete on a level playing field with the professionals by developing the handling skills necessary. It takes dedica- tion, time and hard work. It also is nec- essary to view your dog without kennel blindness. A good handler is virtually invisible. He/she has a quiet, soft hand on their dog, meticulous in their grooming, con- ditioning, training and presentation of their dog. Good handlers are respectful in the ring to other exhibitors. Th ey do not run up on or crowd other exhibitors or use squeaky devices or bait to distract other exhibits. Your job as a handler is to emphasize the positive, while minimizing the nega- tive. Don’t be so busy trying to hide faults that you unwittingly point them out instead! To be e ff ective, you need to under- stand the faults and virtues of your dog as well as those of your competitors. View your Basset with an objective eye. PREPARING YOUR BASSET Due to the achondroplastic nature of the Basset Hound, picking puppies at an
208 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , J UNE 2015
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