The Companion Events

Train with Your Dog 

Companion Events are designed to demonstrate a trusting, strong relationship between you and your dog.  The time spent together while training your dog can only enhance your bond with your dog.

There are many companion events that you can do with your Basset Hound. These include Obedience, Rally, Agility, and Tracking.  Basset Hound, who are bred to be independent thinkers may require different motivation for certain exercises.  Bassets don’t always appreciate repetition, they tend to become bored.  Positive reinforcement works well with the Basset Hound. Lots of praise and an occasional treat go far!  Unless otherwise indicated, AKC Registered Bassets or Basset Hounds with a PAL Number may compete.

Rally

Rally is a great way to get started in training and competing with your Basset. After learning basic commands such as “heel”, “sit”, “down” and “stay” you and your dog follow a pre-designed course of individual stations. Higher levels of competition require more detailed and off-leash skills.

Obedience

Obedience trials demonstrate a dog’s ability to follow and perform specific commands and tasks. More formal and strictly judged than Rally, basic levels of Obedience competitions focus on heeling on and off leash in complete control, staying in place when ordered, and coming when called. Higher levels involve retrieving dumbbells, jumping on command, and performing commands from a distance.

Agility

Agility can be one of the most fun team sports you can do with your Basset. Your dog will learn to jump, weave through poles, climb dog walks and A-frames, and go through tunnels, all with speed and precision. Because agility is a team sport it will build a special bond between you and your Basset. Agility will help develop the attention and teamwork needed in obedience, and the skills, recall, and endurance needed in field trialing.

Tracking

Tracking tests your Basset Hound's ability to follow a specific human scent outdoors and to find an item handled by that person (wallet, glove, etc.) on and at the end of the path. High levels involving crossing paths and many types of walking surfaces. Many Bassets are natural at tracking.  This provides a great way to train with your dog without extreme physical demands.  Anyone should be able to participate in this sport.

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.

Are you interested any of the Companion Events?  Check out the information we have assembled for you on these fun dog sports.