[Dailydrool] advice needed please: wetting and growling

[Rebecca Stanton]

No, not Morse! 
I have started as one of the contacts for Basset Hound Welfare UK, but even though I am delighted, I am a bit of a novice still, and would be really grateful for some advice.

I was contacted yesterday by a lady who has had a basset for 9 weeks now from rescue, and the basset is 3 years old.  She was given up for rescue as she was 'incontinent'.  She was 2 stone overweight and they have managed to get a good stone ++ off in 9 weeks.  She goes to work with the couple too and all in all is fine, but there are just 2 areas they would like some help with.

Firstly, they are finding that about 5 out of 7 mornings they come down to a puddle, and they would like some help with that, and why she might be doing it.  She is otherwise clean in the house, and doesnt cry when left either.  Secondly when she goes to get in the van with them, if she wants to get in then that is fine, but if she needs a little helping hand she growls.  Now, Pumbaa used to do that with us occasionally but I never looked into it, and (idiot that I am!) I unfortunately found it funny and would hug him all the more for being so grumpy with us, and he would like kind of sheepish, as if to say 'sorreeee!'!  However, I do realise it isnt behaviour that should be encouraged, so again any advice would be very helpful.  

I am guessing that maybe just 9 weeks in she is still finding her feet and maybe asserting herself somewhat, and maybe the puddling may be due to some insecurity still.  Anyway, will await your answers either to the DD or to me privately with anticipation!

Becky, Morse & Pumbaa ATB