My Basset

Question
Let me start off by saying, I got Maddie when she was 18 months old. I've had her for about 2 months now.  I already have a basset who is about 2 1/2 years. They get along great however... Maddie was with 2 separate families and both kept her locked up or out for long periods of time.  One of her behavior that I'm concerned about is - nipping: she's extremely playful and it takes a lot to calm her down. Also, she relieves herself in the house. It doesn't matter if she was just outside or not.  
(#2)  I don't know if this is a problem or not but if she is sitting on the floor, her hind end down and front paws standing she will drag her bottom before standing up fully.  Could something be wrong with her legs or back?
(She doesn't appear to be in any pain or discomfort.)
Thank you

Answer
Hi Denise,

What fun!  2 Bassets!!  :)  Maddie probably wasn't socialized nor taught how to play properly.  Try not to do things that excite her until you've taught her how you want to behave.  When she does nip, stand, turn your back to her and completely ignore her until she's calm.  If that doesn't do it, put her in a separate room for a time-out (2 minutes).  If you're very consistent with it, she WILL learn...it may take a while.  ;)

Start off like she's never been house trained.  Put her on lead, take her to one spot in the yard and tell her 'go potty'.  When she does, treat, praise and bring indoors.  At her age, she should have to go within 30-45 minutes of eating, drinking or playing and immediately upon waking or you coming home.

As far as her scooting...this isn't because of her legs or back.  Her butt itches.  ;)  She may need to have her anal glands expressed.  You can take her to a vet or to a groomer who deals with anal glands.  A vet is your best bet as she may have an infection or be impacted.  Itching, beyond anal gland impaction, can also be a sign of worms.

Good luck with her and if you have any more problems, let me know and we'll get it sorted!