If ever there was a couch potato, it is the Basset Hound. They love to spend the day lounging around on a comfortable bed. Exercising your Basset Hound needs to include a daily walk or outdoor activity at a minimum. If your Basset knows that they are going to get to go outside for a purpose such as a walk or maybe hunting rabbits or birds, they will show you their other personality and perform the activity with tireless energy and enthusiasm.

If your Basset Hound is a house dog, you need to walk them every day and move along as briskly as possible, which probably won't be too fast considering the length of their legs. They prefer to walk instead of jogging or running. The amount of time you spend on the walk will depend on your schedule and your dog's activity level. Your dog will enjoy the change of scenery so try to spend as much time as you can on your walk with them. Since exercise is not high on the list of activities that Basset Hounds like to do, they might need a little persuading to go on their walks. They love to spend time with their family and like getting a lot of attention, so it won't take much to convince them to spend time with you walking around.

Unless you live in the country with a lot of land or have a fenced yard, it is not sensible to allow your Basset, or any dog for that matter, to run at large. Bassets, being a friendly breed, are easy to steal, easy to poison and because they move slowly, they have trouble successfully dodging vehicles. If you live in the city, it is better to keep your Basset in a fenced yard or the house until it is time to take them out on a leash. The Basset has exceptional smelling abilities and if they get hot on the trail of a scent could wander off and get lost if they are not kept in a secure area.

Exercising your Basset Hound can also include hunting, if that is one of your hobbies. Your Basset will make an excellent hunting companion since they were originally breed to track scents. It is important to keep a regular exercise schedule with your dog so they don't become overweight and is a good way to develop a close bond with your furry friend.