Paisley is a truly remarkable dog, embodying a spirit of resilience and sweetness that shines through despite a challenging past. Shot by an individual who claimed to fear for their life, Paisley’s journey to recovery has been nothing short of inspiring. Fortunately, the bullet’s location did not pose a life-threatening risk, and after an X-ray, it was determined that no permanent damage was done. This resilient pup is well on his way to a full recovery, showcasing an almost normal gait and an incredibly sweet, outgoing personality that is sure to win over any hound lover.
Paisley’s Foster Journey: From Recovery to a Loving Home
Paisley’s foster updates reveal a dog who is adapting beautifully to domestic life. For a puppy, he exhibits a surprisingly relaxed demeanor, balancing playful energy with a penchant for long naps. This adaptability means he would thrive in various home environments, whether active or more laid-back.
House Training Success: While Paisley had a few initial accidents, consistent and positive reinforcement quickly led to success. By immediately taking him outside after an accident and offering praise, he learned to associate the outdoors with his needs. Within days, he was signaling his need to go outside and even began to stand by the sliding glass door, indicating his growing independence. His first night out of the crate was a complete success, demonstrating his developing confidence and trust.
Puppy Tendencies and Socialization: Like many puppies, Paisley exhibits natural chewing behaviors, making crate training recommended when left unsupervised. He is exceptionally friendly with everyone he meets. His enthusiasm, however, can manifest as jumping, an area his foster family is actively working on correcting. This is particularly important to manage around young children. Paisley was introduced to a neighbor’s two-year-old, and while he was gentle, his exuberance was evident. Careful supervision is advised if there are very young children in the home.
Compatibility with Other Animals: Paisley is also good with other dogs. He interacts well with the two larger dogs in his foster home, though supervision is maintained due to his leg injury. The foster family is allergic to cats, so his compatibility with felines remains unknown.
Understanding the Basset Hound Breed
The Basset Hound, a breed with a rich history, derives its name from the French word “bas,” meaning low. While some suggest they originated from naturally dwarf dogs within litters of other French hounds, it’s established that they are an old breed, directly descended from the Bloodhound. Shakespeare poetically described them as having “Ears which sweep away the morning due.”
Historical Significance and Development: The Basset Hound’s fame grew significantly after its presentation at the Paris Dog Show in 1863. Its popularity spread to England, sparking a debate between breeders focused on maintaining its hunting capabilities and those aiming to develop it as a companion dog. American breeders, meanwhile, worked to create a pleasing companion dog without compromising its inherent hunting qualities. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1885.
Hunting Instincts and Senses: Basset Hounds possess a natural instinct for hunting, both in dens and open fields, traditionally used for tracking fox, hare, opossum, and pheasant. They can hunt individually or in packs. Their exceptional sense of smell is nearly as renowned as the Bloodhound’s, though their reflexes can be slow. This slower pace, however, is beneficial for hunters on foot and helps keep game within reach.
Temperament and Training: Basset Hounds are characterized by their sweet, gentle, devoted, and peaceful nature, fitting well into family life. They are consistently friendly, displaying no signs of sharpness or viciousness. While affectionate and friendly with children, they are not prone to biting. However, they can be a bit stubborn and enjoy performing tricks for rewards. Housebreaking can be challenging, requiring patient, gentle training and positive reinforcement. While generally obedient, their powerful noses can sometimes make it difficult to capture their attention when they’ve picked up an interesting scent. The typical life expectancy for a Basset Hound is 10-12 years.
Paisley, with his gentle spirit and tenacious recovery, is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Basset Hound and its mixes. His story is a heartwarming reminder of the capacity for love and resilience found in our canine companions. If you’re looking for a devoted and sweet-natured dog, Paisley might just be the perfect match for your family.
References
- Dogbreedinfo.com. (n.d.). Basset Hound.
