Help with our new Bassett Hound

[Wendy Gordon]

Hello all,
I am new to this site and to bassett hounds. We rescued an 11 month old male 8 days ago. We were able to stay home with him for the first 4. He is a wonderful boy!! I am nervous about getting him into the "crate program". My husband and I work full time, so the pup is alone (well, except for our birds) approx. 8hrs. during the day. Is this too long for him to be in a crate?
When the family IS home, we take him for nice, long walks and out to potty(we're working on getting him used to a set schedule).
He has taken to chewing on the mini-blinds and the front door and destruction in general. We tried confining him to the laundry room with all of his "stuff", and he barked all day .. he was also very upset when we got home, crying for at least an hour.
I don't know anything about his background .. when approached, he rolls over and is timid around strangers. I understand he is still adjusting to the changes .. but what can I expect?
And lastly .. does it really mean he doesn't like us if he potties on our bed :(

Any and all advice will be appreciated!!!
Thanks, Wendy

[Summer Magic]

Hi Wendy

Have you considered crating him while you are gone. It'll give him a safe place to be and most important, out of mischief.

[Wendy Gordon]

Hi Summer,
I have considered it, yes .. I am unsure about alot of the crating etiquette. How big, in relation to the dogs size, does the crate need to be? I've also heard that it is a good idea to put the pup in the crate at night .. is this true? Should I cover the crate at night? AND!!! What is a KONG!? I have looked around my pet store .. and am still unsure.

Thanks, Wendy

[Justine Archuleta]

Wendy a kong is a red or black rubber toy that is kinda shaped like a cone and you can put treats or whatever inside of it so your dog can chew on it.
www.kongcompany.com/default2.asp

[Summer Magic]

Hi again Wendy

Your crate should be big enough for him to stand up and turn around comfortably. Crating is a process, start by introducing it to him by feeding him in it with the door open. Also include it in your play times (these are Laura Redhawk's suggestions) there is a thread that is titled crating good or bad? and she explains a few more things in that thread. Try to keep the crate as part of the daily routine and stay up beat and happy regarding the crate. Oh, NEVER punish by putting him in the crate or when you are angry or upset he'll equate the crate with bad vibes. Hope I've helped you some. Laura is the one that can give you lots more tips.

[Wendy Gordon]

Thank you all for your input. Our boy made me so proud today .. when I came home from work, he hadn't terrorized the house at all, well .. except the poor butter dish. I am still going to look into getting a crate and a Kong. I went online and did a little research .. what a cool toy!

The next topic up for discussion ... urinating on our bed. Is this "marking his territory" or something. I am hesitant to allow him back in our room. The last time he did this, I had just taken him out to do his business. When we came back in, he went right to the bed room and SUPRISE!! Has anyone else experienced this?

:) Wendy