Basset hounds are harder to potty train than most breeds because of their independent nature and low motivation to please
Basset hounds have a reputation for being stubborn during potty training, and that reputation is earned. Unlike breeds bred to work closely with handlers — retrievers, herding dogs, border collies — basset hounds were bred to hunt scent trails alone. That independent streak means they follow their own instincts rather than your schedule, and they are less motivated by praise or correction than other dogs.
The breed also has a low center of gravity and short legs, which means they squat to urinate and defecate in ways that feel natural to them in many places. A basset hound may not see the difference between your living room and the yard the way a dog bred for closer human partnership would. Patience and consistency matter more with this breed than with others, and the timeline is often longer — sometimes six months or more instead of the three to four months typical for more eager-to-please breeds.
Key Takeaways
- Basset hounds are motivated by scent and independence rather than by pleasing their owners, so standard reward-based training moves more slowly with them.
- Establishing a rigid schedule — taking your basset out at the same times each day — works better than waiting for the dog to signal that it needs to go.
- Basset hounds have a strong prey drive and will follow scents outdoors, so they need a securely fenced yard and close supervision during training.
- Crate training is effective with basset hounds because they naturally avoid soiling their sleeping space, but the crate must be the right size — large enough to stand and turn, not so large they can eliminate in one corner.
- Accidents happen frequently with this breed even after months of training; cleaning soiled areas thoroughly with enzymatic cleaner prevents the dog from returning to the same spot.
Why the breed's hunting background works against housebreaking
Basset hounds were originally bred in France and Belgium to hunt rabbits and hares by following a scent trail on the ground. That job required them to work independently, ignore distractions, and follow their nose rather than take direction from a handler. Those traits are hardwired into the breed's temperament and do not disappear when you bring a basset into your home.
During potty training, this means a basset hound is more interested in the scent of a previous accident or the smell of another dog's urine in the yard than in your commands or your approval. They will also wander away from the designated potty spot to find a place that smells right to them, which can make it hard to establish a consistent location. Praise and treats work, but they work more slowly than they do with breeds that are naturally motivated to please.
The schedule-based approach works better than waiting for signals
With basset hounds, waiting for the dog to ask to go outside usually means waiting too long. Many basset hounds do not naturally signal that they need to eliminate — they straightforward go when the urge hits. A rigid schedule removes the guesswork and puts you in control of when and where the dog has the opportunity to go.
Take your basset outside first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, before bedtime, and at regular intervals during the day — every two to three hours for a young puppy, every four to six hours for an adult. Go to the same spot each time. The familiar scent will trigger the dog's instinct to eliminate there. Stay outside with the dog until it goes, then bring it back inside when ready. Do not let it play or explore until after it has eliminated.
This approach works because it relies on the dog's natural biology and scent-marking behavior rather than on the dog's willingness to cooperate with your timeline. A basset hound on a strict schedule will eventually learn that elimination happens outside, even if it never learns to ask for permission.
Crate training prevents accidents when you cannot supervise
Dogs naturally avoid soiling the space where they sleep, and basset hounds are no exception. A properly sized crate becomes a tool that works with the breed's instincts rather than against them. The crate should be large enough for the dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably — but not so large that the dog can eliminate in one corner and sleep in another.
When you cannot watch your basset hound directly, confine it to the crate. This prevents accidents and reinforces the idea that elimination belongs outside. Take the dog out when ready after releasing it from the crate, before it has time to have an accident in the house. Expect to use the crate for several months, even after the dog has made progress with daytime training.
Do not use the crate as punishment, and do not leave the dog in it for longer than it can reasonably hold its bladder. A general rule is one hour per month of age for puppies — a three-month-old puppy can hold it for about three hours. Adult basset hounds can typically hold it for six to eight hours, but that does not mean they should be crated that long regularly.
Enzymatic cleaner is essential for preventing repeat accidents
Basset hounds have an exceptional sense of smell — far better than human smell. If your basset has had an accident on the carpet or floor, a regular cleaner will remove the visible stain but leave behind scent markers that the dog can detect. The dog will return to that spot and eliminate there again because it smells like a bathroom.
Use an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed to break down urine and feces. These products contain enzymes that destroy the organic compounds in urine, not just mask the smell. Soak the affected area thoroughly, let it sit for the time recommended on the product label — usually 24 to 48 hours — and then allow it to dry completely. Repeat if necessary. This step is not optional if you want to stop the cycle of repeated accidents in the same location.
Supervision and confinement prevent most accidents during training
The most common mistake in potty training any dog is giving it too much freedom too soon. With basset hounds, this mistake is especially costly because the breed is less motivated to hold it and less likely to signal when it needs to go. Keep your basset in sight at all times during the training period, or confine it to a small area where you can watch it closely.
Watch for signs that the dog is about to eliminate — sniffing, circling, crouching, or moving toward a corner. When you see these signs, take the dog outside when ready. If the dog eliminates outside, reward it with praise and a treat right away. If you catch the dog in the act of eliminating indoors, interrupt it with a firm "no," take it outside when ready, and let it finish in the correct spot. Do not punish the dog after the fact — basset hounds do not connect punishment to past behavior.
Expect a longer timeline and plan for setbacks
Basset hounds often take six months to a year to become reliably housetrained, compared to three to four months for more eager-to-please breeds. Some individual basset hounds take even longer. This is not a reflection of intelligence — basset hounds are smart — but of motivation and temperament. The breed straightforward does not care as much about following your rules as other dogs do.
Setbacks are normal and do not mean you are doing something wrong. A change in routine, a move to a new house, stress, or illness can cause a previously housetrained basset to have accidents. Stay consistent with the schedule, keep using the crate when you cannot supervise, and continue cleaning accidents thoroughly. The dog will eventually learn, but patience is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can basset hounds be housetrained as adults, or is it only possible as puppies?
Adult basset hounds can be housetrained, though it often takes longer than training a puppy. The same schedule-based approach and crate training work for adults. An adult dog may have established habits that take time to break, but the breed's independent nature means age is less of a factor than consistency and patience.
Why does my basset hound have accidents even though it goes outside regularly?
Basset hounds often eliminate multiple times during a single outdoor session, especially if they are following scents. Your dog may have gone once, come back inside, and then needed to go again within minutes. Try staying outside longer and waiting for a second elimination before bringing the dog back in. Also check that you are using enzymatic cleaner on all previous accident spots.
Is it normal for a basset hound to never ask to go outside?
Yes. Many basset hounds do not develop a clear signal that they need to go out. They straightforward eliminate when the urge hits. This is why a strict schedule works better with the breed than waiting for the dog to ask. Your basset may never learn to scratch at the door or bark — and that is okay as long as you maintain the schedule.
Will my basset hound ever be fully housetrained, or will there always be occasional accidents?
Most basset hounds become reliably housetrained with time and consistency, though occasional accidents are more common in this breed than in others. Once your basset has gone several months without an accident, you can gradually reduce supervision and crate time. However, changes in routine or stress can trigger setbacks even in adult dogs.