DHLPP and Corona shots should be given yearly to an adult dog; Rabies every 3 years. Parvo shots can be given as required, but no more often than every 6 months. We do not recommend the DHLP, Parvo & Corona combination shot as some dogs don't tolerate this well and it can adversely affect their immune system (eg, some dogs can actually end up getting Parvo).

FEEDING -- Feed 4 times per day until 12 weeks, 3 times daily until 4 months, and twice daily from 4 months to one year. After one year, feed once per day. Any good brand of quality food is fine (we feed Science Diet Puppy. If you're switching foods, try not to do it abruptly, or you'll upset the pup's stomach. In addition to the kibble, meat should be given to your pup. Cottage cheese or yogurt may also be fed. Once again, choose a good brand of canned meat. In case of a slight case of diarrhea, cooked rice and hamburger meat are good. It's wise to keep some Kaopectate on hand for such occasions.

HEARTWORM -- Our puppies have not yet started heartworm medication. Discuss with your Vet when best to start this medication and what type you should use. Your pup needs to be kept on this year around.

INTESTINAL WORMS -- Occasionally, dogs need to be wormed. Much will depend on what kind of soil infestation you have. Tapeworms are caused by fleas. If you have fleas, you'll have tapeworms. Never buy worm medication off the shelf; buy it only from your vet, so that the right medicine for the right worm in administered. A worm check is done by taking a fresh stool sample to your vet.

GROOMING -- Your dog needs to be groomed at least once per week throughout his life. Ears may be cleaned with an ear cleaner & Q-tip or cotton swab. A Basset's ears must be watched closely as their long ears make them prone to yeast and other infections. Trim the toenails weekly. The entire front assembly can be ruined by letting nails grow too long. Brush the coat to remove the dry, dead hair with a slicker brush. Trim whiskers so they won't grow into the eyes. Make sure the baby teeth fall out be- fore the permanest ones come in. The tartar needs to be cleaned from the teeth as the dog grows. You may do this or it can be done by your vet. A flea & tick spray should be used weekly (dog and yard).

BEDDING -- Your puppy needs a place of his own. A crate is an excellent investment. He needs a 24" by 36" crate; a metal wire crate is best. Crates can help with housebreaking and save lots of mischief- making as well. A waterproof crate mat with a few old blankets on top will make your puppy happy. All dogs like to "rearrange" their loose bedding regularly.

TOYS -- Your puppy needs lots of toys to help him entertain himself. Socks, rawhide bones, balls, squeeky toys & stuffed animals will give him something to do with his time. Bitter Apple may be sprayed on your furniture if he starts to gnaw. Bassets like to chew, so get this product!

BOOKS -- "The Complete Basset Hound" by Mercedes Braun (Howell Books), "The New Basset Hound" by Margaret Walton (Howell Books), and "The Basset Hound" by Foy and Nicholas (TFH) are all good.

SOCIALIZATION -- It's very important to socialize your puppy. Let him see new sights and sounds daily. Continue with his leash training so he can go to different places with you. His personality is formed in the first 4 months and much of his development will depend on you.

ACCIDENTS -- Your pup is almost certain to have an accident (or two) on the carpet. Get a bottle of Nature's Miracle; nothing else even comes close to this product for removing both the stain and the odor.