[Dailydrool] Unpredictable Behavior

[Elsamarie5 at cs.com]

Susan and Hilary,

I had a female Basset who was very affectionate and loving until she was 
about 2 yrs. old, then she started becoming aggressive towards other dogs, 
finally had to have her put down, I couldn't trust her around the other dogs or 
people. It broke my heart, but I couldn't deal with her unpredictable 
behavior.

Before I got another Basset, I did a lot of homework and learned that even 
dogs with great pedigree can have behavior problems if there is any close 
inbreeding (not "line" breeding) and that a lot of so-called "responsible" 
breeders practice this.
I looked long and hard to find an on-line breeder who posted a 5 gen. 
pedigree on every puppy, she was also very familiar with the behavior patterns of 
all her dogs and helped me to choose a puppy that would safely accommodate 
my other dogs needs.

If you choose to keep an aggressive dog, you might try muzzling him when 
you leave the house for walks, I had to do that for another dog I had for 12 
yrs. I was never able to train it out of him (a springer spaniel and 
australian shepherd mix) or have any other dogs with him. He finally grew more 
aggressive each year and would attack and bite us under various circumstances. I 
regret that I put up with it for so long, I wasted years that I could have 
enjoyed a more deserving dog.

Whichever way you go, I'm hoping you don't give up on Bassets, they are the 
best.
Judy & Archie (who loves children, esp. babies in strollers)
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