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A tricolor Basset Hound puppy stretches up to nibble a green ornament hanging from a low branch of the Christmas tree. 16 / 23

One Basset Hound Puppy Found the Lowest Branch on the Christmas Tree

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Nose up, ears dangling, one tricolor Basset Hound puppy stretches toward a shiny green ornament hanging from the lowest branch of the tree. His long, velvety ears hang straight down, his big paws are planted on the rug, and his mouth is just touching the glass bauble. Above him, a wooden star and a pinecone dangle from the same branch, and bright lights glow behind the needles.

Behind him, the room is wonderfully lived-in: a plaid blanket, a basket of throws, a puppy rope toy on the wood floor, and a stuffed fox peeking in at the corner. We'll call him Hank. His expression is thoughtful and just a bit determined, like a puppy conducting an experiment.

A tree is a magnet for a curious puppy, and the lowest branches are where trouble begins. Glass ornaments can shatter and cut mouths and paws, and hooks, tinsel, and lights can cause real trouble if swallowed or chewed. Hang breakable and edible decorations higher up, and place sturdy, non-breakable ones low. Basset Hounds follow their noses everywhere, thanks to an excellent sense of smell, and they can be stubborn, so patient, treat-based training works well. Their long ears and droopy skin need regular cleaning and checking. If you suspect your dog has swallowed any part of an ornament, call your vet right away.

Hank has not quite gotten his prize yet, but with a nose like that, he is certainly not going to give up on it.

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