basset hound just adopted and need help with housebreaking

by bryon campbell
(abingdon virginia)

Just yesterday my wife and I got a 7 week old basset hound. It pees and poops constantly and the stool is very wet.

He also cries and whines constantly even when being held or petted. We have another dog which is a 2 year old chiweenie. The basset likes the other dog but still cries constantly around it.

I hate to see it like this. What should we do?





Hi Bryon
As you only just got your pup a day or two ago, he's probably scared, lonely and homesick. Add a possible change in diet, a totally new environment and new family members (human and canine) and it's understandable that he's distressed.

This isn't at all uncommon, although some pups seem to take things in their stride while others withdraw or become agitated for a few days. You can find out more about this on my Bringing Home A New Puppy page, which may help to put your mind at rest.

The constant and loose stools are probably a result of a combination of stress and a change in diet, they should firm up and his digestive system settle down within a few days. However, check out my Puppy Diarrhea to get an idea of when loose stools are something to worry about, and when they're not. But, if in doubt always check with a veterinarian to make sure that a pup is healthy. It's much better to be safe than sorry.

Best of luck with your new puppy.