[Dailydrool] How to get a basset enough exercise?

[saraberry at aol.com]

I know of some things that will help, Debra.

First is the recall she has can just be proofed.  What that means is that you continue to do the recall and reinforce like you were taught with the following add ons:  
1. Never call her if you aren't POSITIVE she will come.  
If you need to get her when the squirrel comes you can do one of three things.  Run and grab her if you can, run the opposite direction calling her while you run away and use the word GOODBYE OR fall down on the ground and make a weird high pitched sound (maybe like a squeeling squirel) and she should come to check you out pretty quickly OR some dogs will come to an open car door, which is another possibilty.  Never punish her for not coming.  Ever.
2. When you call her to come and she turns and looks at you, you can either use a clicker and click or say "Good girl!" and it will encourage her to follow through by coming to you for the treat.
3. If she does not come immediately, when she does come, pet her and say "Good dog" but do not treat.
4, Up the value of your treats to hot dog pieces, cheese, chicken or beef.  Human grade.  Have a little baggie in the fridge at all times.
5. Practice recalls every day for at least two weeks.  Initially work inside, and then move to your backyard or an outdoor space with no squirrels, then slowly with her leash on, move over to practice where there are squirrels.  Start with short distances, move out further as she is successful.  If you have any doubts, you can leave the leash on her hanging if that helps.  When you move outside, go back to a short distance.  Same when you move each time to a new area, shorten the distance of the recall until she is solid.  Only practice like 3 - 5 times and you are done.  Stop then.  Leave her wanting more.
6. For the ultimate excitement and reinforcement for her, when she comes to you in a squirrel area, treat, leash her up and walk her over to scent all around where the squirrel was.  Actually help her to hunt it.
7. Practice grab/releases in the park.  You grab her collar like you are leaving, but then release and treat her and let her go back to playing.

You may want to get her involved in agility, bunny hunting, field trialing or tracking.  These are all great moving/sporting exercises for bassets and will cement the basic recall.
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