Fred Basset by Alex Graham for March 20, 2025

what if he said “please” Fred?

Oh, Fred! That is how I have felt my entire life. Asking is one thing. Ordering me around, something else entirely. That’s the quickest way to get me to dig in my heels and say ‘no’ just because it was an order. And Dear is being a jerk about the whole thing.

Most dogs are trained to obey commands by giving the dog a treat after he successfully follows the command. Except that Mr. Dear does not understand that method and Fred will not be getting the treat.

Especially by someone as nasty as Mr. Dear…..Sir ! Stop yelling at our Fred this instant.

A friend who rescues basset hounds has mentioned that trait.

That’s right, Fred, when he gets like that you stick to your guns and don’t give in!

You’re no different than any of us Fred. If someone asks politely and says please, that’s fine. I’m much more inclined to do as they ask. But order me to do it? Forgettaboutit!

Mine only understands one word commands, and only if she thinks there’s a reward to be had. “Please” isn’t one of them. “Thank you” comes with the reward.

Gee, that is just about how I felt during my military basic training days.

Again, Mr. Dear needs anger management treatment!

I’m the same way Fred. Actually I think most people are.

I don’t like being yelled at. I have been known to accede to almost any request delivered in a pleasant tone of voice, however.

Power corrupts, and by the look on his face I’d say it’s gained a foothold already.

Sigh…poor Fred, poor Dear.Someday he’ll learn.

Me neither, Fred, Me neither! I mean, who do those people think they are anyway?

Not uncommon for dogs that hunt by trailing their prey. Successful trailing dogs must be very tenacious so that they will work to reacquire a broken trail … which happens all the time. Of course, such tenacity means that they are not readily deflected from other missions upon which they embark … “stubbornness” may be a virtue in the field and an annoyance at home.

Fred Basset, anarchist.

Living with a basset hound is a life of co-exisiting. My basset doesn’t order me around, and likewise I reciprocate.

Having excellent meal manners is assumed, though.

Dog training is more about the trainer than about the dog, and more often than not it is the owner that needs training, the dog is just a reflection of his training knowledge.

Say “please”.

Perhaps if he asked nicely, threw in a please, and changed his mean look, Fred would politely oblige his request.