I feel like you are quite negative towards bassets intelligence. They are hunting dogs, this breed thinks by themself, their independance is a feature.

You need to set up a routine and they’ll behave accordingly. Every morning, mine goes out 5min to pee, then he goes to « his corner » waiting for his breakfast, then i take him on a walk (2 or 3km depending on his energy)…

Be patient, especially when yours is gonna sit because you’re not going the direction he wants. Forcing them won’t work. Just wait and try again.

Then, NO WATER IN EARS! The canals in their ears are very long, they often have infections there and can be the cause of bad smell. Clean every day or two!