Afraid basset hound?

Okay, this is going to be kinda long. I just recently bought a basset hound (Reba) from a lady who had her since she was 5 weeks old. I purchased her on Fri and she is now 6 months. My boyfriend also has a basset hound (7 months - male) and agreed to watch her while I was still off at college. We brought her home and she seems so afraid. When you come up to her, she just runs away from you. I think her past owners yelled at her and maybe hit her some. Everytime we brought her into the house, she would just run under the dining room table and not come out. You have to pick her up to take her somewhere. Do you think she will get over this? I know it will take time. Another thing, my bf is keeping Reba with his basset till I get out of school, but I am afraid when I am out of school and take her away from his basset, she will be sad and lonely. I get done with school in May. What do you think I should do about that? Thanks for all your responses in advance!

No lectures from me about the dog being taken away too early and those issues. Thats happened and your are trying to do the right thing by Reba and I think thats great. It will take some time for Reba to feel at home with you, it may take a couple of months before she completely trusts you and knows that you are her person. Be calm, talk to her in a normal voice, never be angry no matter what has happened or how bad your day has been, lots of attention, lots of lap time, include her in your day to day activities and slowly you will see some improvement. If she runs and hides, get down on the floor and and reach out and see if you can give her a little rub on the nose while you talk to her, draw her out of her shell.

The fact that she has another young basset to play with at times is wonderful, bassets love other dogs. It may be a bit confusing for her at first if shes with your boyfriend and then with you but given some time I am hopeful that she will come to love you like only a basset can. Dogs in general have an amazing rebound when removed from bad situations and I think you answered your own question when you said it will take time.

your bassett is a product of irresponsible breeding/ lack of proper socialization, taken away from mother too young....... most likely a puppy mill dog.... you will need great patience and understanding.... lots of love.

Patience, love, kindness. Reward her for being brave. Take her out for a little socialization. Not heavily populated places though. It will take time, and she won't be the bravest dog, but it will work out. (And she was taken away from mom at too young of an age)

She is likely nervous, new home and all.. It's only been a few days, It is likely to take up to 2 weeks for her to feel comfortable. Just cause she is acting nervous doesn't at all mean that she was ever beat or hit or yelled at even. Fear is fear, doesn't mean something happens, means she is afraid. Don't coddle her, let her alone and give her time to watch and learn and realize that she is safe.

That isn't very fair to Reba, she moves in with you, moves to the b/f's place and then has to come back. How do you expect her to feel comfortable and safe if you keep moving her around the second she starts to feel comfortable?

It sounds like Reba has a temperment problem. You must have spent some time with her at the lady's home. Was she afraid there too? Temperment is a complex issue. It's a combination of genetics and environment. Anyone who bought a puppy at 5 weeks of age was uneducated and inexperienced in the first place. So God knows how she raised this dog. A puppy needs to be with their dog mothers and littermates for the first 8 weeks of life. It gives them a level of security and socialization that is important for all future interaction. If the other bassett hound is good with her, then this is a positive thing. It may help to bring her out of her shell a bit. To be honest, I think talking to a reputable dog trainer may be how to go. A dog who is excessively fearful has a high degree of probability of becoming a fear-biter. The other possibility is that Reba is ill. I know you love her despite buying her only 3 days ago. This is why most breeders insist you take the puppy/dog to a veterinarian for a physical checkup. If there is a physical problem or prevalent temperment issue, they will advise you what is best. We bought a Rottweiler from a backyard breeder. During her first exam from the vet, she went ballistic, snarling, growling, and snapping. Turned out she had severe hip dysplasia in one hip and moderate in the other. A healthy dog should be a happy dog. Good luck!