AKC Family Dog

The AKC Family Dog Program was designed by the American Kennel Club to encourage and promote good manners for and well trained behavior for all dogs.  The Basset Hound Club of America includes the entire program here to give you a head start.

Basset Hound owners will welcome and Basset Hounds will benefit from the socialization and training that come from participating in this program. It is also a great starting point to think about if you or your family are interested in doing future performance and companion events.  Skills learned here, both by human and dog will be helpful later.

All Basset Hounds will benefit by learning new skills while working with their owners.  These dogs will be welcome in their communities, as they will exhibit good manners and behaviors.  They will be better pets over the long term.

AKC S.T.A.R Puppy

The 20 steps for success works on those things that every owner and their new puppy should know to have a great start.  STAR stands for Socialization, Training, Activity and Responsible dog owner. Puppies, dogs and their owners learn the skills to have a successful beginning.

CGC – Ready

The CGC Ready is a program where CGC training is conducted with staff or volunteer trainers to help dogs from Rescue organizations, shelters, and others to be ready to take the CGC test with their new owners.  This is a great program for Rescue groups to implement to help their dogs become better trained and therefor much more adoptable.

Rescue groups and shelters may learn more about this program on the AKC Website.

Canine Good Citizen (CGC)

The Canine Good Citizen program is chosen my many dog owners to use as the first step to training their Basset Hounds.  The benefits and pleasure of training your Basset are many.  You will find that your dog will have confidence interacting with both people and other dogs.  It will also help your Basset respond to necessary household routines.

AKC Community Canine (CGCA)

AKC Community Canine is the most advanced level of the Canine Good Citizen Program.  The goal is to test your dog’s skills in a natural setting.  For example, instead of being tested in a ring situation, your Basset Hound will walk through a real crowd or on a busy sidewalk.  This training will help to polish your dog’s skills, making him a well behaved and welcome dog in your community.

AKC Urban CGC

Many of our dogs live in busy cities and towns, and have to deal with a number of challenges.  Some of those might include public transportation, dog friendly retail businesses, elevators, public places and public facilities.

AKC Therapy Dog

The value of Therapy Dogs is unquestioned.  (Therapy dogs are not service dogs).  AKC recognizes the great work done by Therapy Dogs throughout the country.  Therapy dogs often visit various facilities such as classrooms, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, hospice, shelters or patients in a hospital.  These dogs bring comfort and smiles to those who met them.  They often help restore a sense of calm to those in difficult situations.  In recognition of the service that Therapy Dogs provide, AKC recognizes dogs working through the many recognized Therapy Dog organizations with AKC Titles based on the services of the dog.

AKC Trick Dog

Some families really enjoy teaching their Basset Hounds tricks.  Did you know you can get an AKC title?  If your dog is AKC Registered, or you have either a PAL (Purebred Alternative Listing) or AKC Partners Number, your dog is eligible.  Continue working with your Basset and the bond you share will continue to grow.

AKC FIT DOG

Fitness and exercise is a very important aspect of maintaining the health of your Basset Hound.  As it happens, we know it is also good for people.  AKC has designed a program to encourage both.

Walking is generally considered to be a safe form of exercise which can help reduce stress, encourage energy, improve circulation and more.

You can join the fun and get a free FIT DOG Logo car magnet demonstrating to all that you are devoted to maintain your health and that of your dog through exercise.  If you walk at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week for three months, or 15 minutes a day, ten times a week which is easier for those needing a shorter duration, simply keep a record to keep track of meeting your goal.  Complete the magnet order form, and AKC will send your magnet.

If you are not currently taking your dog on walks, just consult your veterinarian to make sure that your dog is ready to start this program.

Happy Walking!

Farm Dog Certified

Farm Dog Certified is a test available to all breeds of dog.  In this case, your Basset Hound will perform exercises that demonstrate the ability to follow directions and exhibit self control.

PAL Program

The American Kennel Club Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) is an opportunity for all purebred dogs of registerable breeds and their owners to participate in many of AKC’s most popular events. A PAL is not the equivalent of AKC registration, but makes it possible for eligible breeds to compete in the following events:

Agility Trials - Canine Good Citizen - Coursing Ability Test - Earthdog - Herding Tests and Trials - Hunt Tests - Junior Showmanship - Lure Coursing - Obedience Trials - Rally - Scent Work - Therapy Dog - Tracking Tests

If you wish to compete with your Rescue Basset or unregistered Basset, simply follow the directions on the PAL application.