Basenji Training

Shock collars!

Beth314 — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 03:31:48 GMT

Our "resident" Basenji dog trainer here in San Diego uses shock collars to "train" Basenjis. It makes me sick. I'm looking for any article that I can post that addresses the problems with shocking a Basenji - or any dog - in the name of training. Horrifically she puts this device in the hands of pet owners. I was a volunteer at the Humane Society where we put clickers in the hands of owners and I got to see first hand BAD timing. Badly timed rewards don't damage the dog (though aren't great for communication either). Badly timed shocks is just torture. Any articles that you know that I could pass along?

Operant Conditioning (explained)

eeeefarm — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 14:01:18 GMT

@elbrant said in Operant Conditioning (explained): @eeeefarm said in Operant Conditioning (explained): some professional trainers suggest to their classes that they starve dogs that aren't all that food motivated This is just disturbing... in today's society, this type of behavior would be considered animal cruelty. Certainly we can find a way to encourage compliance without depriving an animal basic care. I know, it shocked me too when I heard it. The first instance was a friend of mine whose Border Collie was disinterested in food rewards, and she was advised by the instructor not to feed the dog anything on class days so there would be an incentive to accept treats. The second instance was my niece, and in this case a German Shepherd dog that again didn't want to take treats, and she was given the same advice by a different trainer, in fact in a different city, so it appears that it isn't unusual. Both these dogs work well for praise and in both cases the owners declined to starve the dogs....

Know when to walk away....

elbrant — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 22:54:33 GMT

Let's also consider that when you chase your dog, the dog thinks it's a game and will run away from you. Like... "you can't catch me!" Man, Basenji's can bolt! On the other hand, when you are the one running away, the dog instinctively joins you because you are part of the dog's family/pack. This is not to be confused with a learned command to chase an assailant, in Police work, for example. That would be a totally different game of chase.

Learning from nature

tanza — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 15:48:59 GMT

@eeeefarm - Totally agree with both of you, while I don't do the "restrain the pup", but if it works great and in a pinch it does work for me if really needed. When we have pups (babies) and Mom is tired of them and puts herself in a position that they can't reach her, they turn to the next adult in the house.... same thing will happen if they get over excited and yes, I have seen Basenji Moms, pin the pup to the ground and/or other adults in the home.... so it is something that a pup understands. Walking away works for me... or I try to change up the "game" by turning to working their minds and getting them to think about other things. In the Basenji Breed this is another way of teaching them that the prior behavior is not acceptable. They learn pretty quickly. Thanks for posting this thread eeeefarm... well needed...

Communication

eeeefarm — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 13:37:18 GMT

There have sometimes been posts about how much language dogs understand. This article is quite interesting on the subject.

Puppy teething/biting

tanza — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 04:19:50 GMT

@zande - I have place pups at 9wks, but typically to prior Basenji owners, they know the "ropes"... also I do eyes at 9wks, so 10 works better for me in placing pups and yes...(LOL) mine are raised in the home, no kennel.... and the breeders that I know that use kennel runs, still have their pups in the house for house time and "education".....

Hunting Dog Training

sanjibasenji — Sun, 28 Nov 2021 20:50:45 GMT

@sanjibasenji Looks like you said that difference in your second post, so we are on the same page.

Communicate to come inside

JHewell — Tue, 18 May 2021 22:40:02 GMT

Sarge uses his cell phone and calls me.....seriously, it depends on the door. One he can open himself by pulling down the handle the others he just scratches.

Operant Conditioning

eeeefarm — Sun, 02 May 2021 11:59:42 GMT

Since the subject comes up from time to time, it is useful if everyone applies the terminology correctly. I dug around and found a pretty good explanatory article here.

For anyone who took psychology, this is not new news, but with the current popularity of "all positive" dog training, it's useful to understand where it comes from. B.F. Skinner's work is hardly new or modern, but it is certainly in vogue these days! Unfortunately it is also frequently misunderstood or misinterpreted. Understanding the basics is helpful when you are observing how an animal is reacting to your training methods, and can help one make good decisions about both reinforcement and punishment. IMO, many people make the mistake of not moving to a variable reinforcement schedule once a behaviour is established. Anyhow, I hope the article is helpful in clarifying the terms and the science behind them.

Crate training

elbrant — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 12:02:53 GMT

@sanjibasenji said in Crate training: I have much respect for that accumulated knowledge, but, not to sound rude, that does not make that person a certified or licensed trainer. I actually was offended by what you posted. You said you respect the knowledge, but disregard it because they aren't a "certified or licensed trainer"? These are well-intentioned breeders who volunteer to engage with others on the Forum in an attempt to educate and celebrate this amazing dog breed. They share their knowledge. You don't have to agree with them. Offer your opinion and move on. Please don't suggest that their opinion, experience, and education isn't valid because they aren't "certified" or "licensed". Your overall intent screams that you believe yourself to be better than the rest of us: "I'm a scientist with a PhD." Which puts the rest of us beneath you? In education and social stature? You couldn't know about anyone's socioeconomic status, educational achievements, or expertise on any subject. But you deemed to think it was appropriate to put us in our place. And that, was rude. Even the analogy you offered is an indication that you don't value anyone who doesn't have a degree. Frankly, if you are hearing conflicting opinions about the same piece of art, get a third opinion. The person with the degree may have just scraped by with a C+, while the person who devoted decades may have been under the tutelage of a Master Artist. And really, if you are planning to purchase such a prized piece of Art, shouldn't you educate yourself so you can make an intelligent decision instead of allowing others to tell you what to buy? As an aside: The original YouTube link remains, but we certainly do not need her entire catalog of videos. Sharing information is one thing, advertising for someone is another. I would hope that you understand that not everything you see online is true. Including claims to be an expert, certified, trained, Dr., etc., etc. Lots of people in the world are just selling a story.

The Art of Basenjis in the Rain

Kembe — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 21:46:40 GMT

@binkobongo said in The Art of Basenjis in the Rain: ….. I usually have to bring an umbrella and hold it over her (meaning I get soaked) @binkobongo What we do for our basenjis!😆🥰🐾❤️

4 months old and difficult potty training

elbrant — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 18:23:53 GMT

@jkent said in 4 months old and difficult potty training: sometimes just looks at me when I give her the command to eat it, not understanding. She might be confused about the signals. Try eating a cracker while she's watching and then, setting her bowl down and telling her it's "okay" to eat. In the dog world, the boss (Alpha dog, or leader) eats first. Then the other dog(s) get to eat.

My Experience with Online Training course -- Michelle Lennon

sanjibasenji — Sun, 21 Mar 2021 13:47:07 GMT

Before we got our basenji, "Sanji," I started this online training course with Michelle Lennon. To be sure, with my last dog I went to a local pro, Linda Aloff, but this is more detailed and better organized and you can do it at home.

It takes a month for a person to get through the rich course and all the material that one uses, including a provisional daily schedule. That's the easy part. It's really a lot of work everyday to train as much as ought to be done. Most people won't have the time; it helps if you're retired or working from home. But, I have to say, the pay off is big if you can.

It's called "30 Days to a Dream Dog" but that means thirty days of training you to learn to train your puppy over the course of the following year or so. But really for life because one learns in detail the mechanics and logic of dog training. It's very comprehensive, covering everything. I found this course to be super helpful and worth every penny. There's a DIY course $167 and a "pro level" ($397). The best deal for me was going with the DIY level and buying, pro-level access for one month ($75), rather than pay ahead for it for 3 months. The "pro" level gets one access to three weekly zoom meetings with her and moderator, where they take questions from customers for an hour or so (usually about 10-15 people in the sessions) and one can also get any questions answered 24/7 via their facebook interface, and see what others are dealing with and interact with them. For what one gets, it's a real bargain. I used it for a month and found it very helpful.

https://www.howtotrainadreamdog.com/puppy-training/

She also offers a lot of free content, including many YouTube videos and a free and helpful "puppy starter kit."

Search "How To Train A Dream Dog" on YouTube

To be sure, I don't agree on every detail. For example, I incorporate many no-leash walks in the woods; they don't recommend that. Also, her course is not really designed to train an active "outdoor" dog, but more for an "indoor" dog. I'm training mine for mountain biking. She opposes electric fences and doggy doors. I've had great experiences for 9 years with both and will continue to use them (started electric fence training last week and making good progress). I like the combination because my last dog could go out when he needed, and he liked to watch the squirrels and chase them (never caught one). And of course, he loved to go on mtb rides in the woods and jump in the creek. (I hear basenji's don't like water, but I plan to take him for dock jump training at a local pro training place). Regardless, her course lays out solid foundational work. She trains you to be a puppy trainer and provides all the real-time help you could need. We're so glad we went this route.

At 13 weeks, Sanji is crate trained. Last night he went in voluntarily! We follow the recommendation to pick up the water at 7 pm, when we feed him, and he sleeps until 5:30-6:30 when we wines to go out for a pee and poo. He rarely has a pee accident in the house, rings the bell to go out, and I can't remember the last time he did #2 in the house. He fetches for 5-10 minutes, is biting less every day (due to distraction training), can do "stay" for 30 seconds, is doing great on "heel" walking with short leash, etc. In another 3 months, he'll be a dream dog.

Happy training!

Loose Lead Training

Zande — Sun, 21 Mar 2021 09:57:49 GMT

@roguecoyote Good for you ! I swear by a Gentle Leader as a training tool. A week or so on one and then a day on a normal collar and lead and they trot along fine. They go back on the GL from time to time just as a refresher. You are controlling their head and that is very important.

Go To Ground Sport

tanza — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 12:56:23 GMT

@beth314 - I think the issue with a Basenji doing Earthdog is that those dogs go underground to seek their prey.... (as in for trials they make tunnels and the prey is in cages at the end).... and that is not an activity that Basenjis really do. They might try to get to the prey by digging on the top of the ground, but going underground I don't think so.

Basenji digging at doors, corners, etc.

Pawla — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 15:37:57 GMT

I once saw a basenji clicker trained to scratch at the proper grade sand paper that was glued to a board. The basenji even curled his paw so the pads were not injured. This kept the nails perfectly trimmed. Perhaps the scratching/digging behavior could be re-directed into the more productive behavior and nail clipping would never be an issue!

Hunting with Basenji

RogueCoyote — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 00:46:55 GMT

i bet that when rogues adult teeth come in she will be able to do the egg test though. she has a very soft touch when she wants to.

Rogue is biting.

Zande — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 20:28:03 GMT

@eeeefarm said in Rogue is biting.: His mother would likely pin him down and growl in his face. Be like Mom. Let him know it is unacceptable. Growling is often a very effective way of getting something across - especially to a very young puppy.

Does crate training get better?

macattack — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 21:56:02 GMT

I agree, but it does take time and patience for some dogs to understand. My basenji, Charlie knows now his crate is his “home”, but from 8 weeks to now at 12 weeks, focused first on making sure he felt safe in it. This meant a Charlie proofed area that ended in his crate if he wanted to be with me while I worked. We are now introducing away time, but as mentioned, it’s building up from a mere few seconds to hours.

Crate Training Struggles

Zande — Sat, 13 Feb 2021 23:36:59 GMT

@eeeefarm said in Crate Training Struggles: What about something like this? A cabin hook on a spring ? yes, that could well do the trick. I will google one forthwith - thank you !

My dog snuck out the front door off leash tonight.

elbrant — Sat, 13 Feb 2021 02:41:17 GMT

First, the pic of her in the too big (for now) vest is adorable!! @roguecoyote said in My dog snuck out the front door off leash tonight.: but I'm aware that extra weight isn't good for the breed, I think that the issue with the added weight is related to her age. Once she is fully grown (12-18 months?) she should be able to carry some supplies: a baggy of kibble, a typical water bottle.... Things you might want on hand if you were going to go for a hike in the woods. Just let her grow up a bit first so that her muscles and bones are strong enough.

Trainers in San Diego

senjisilly — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 20:32:41 GMT

@klangill I asked in the Facebook San Diego (CA) Basenji Meetup group about trainers. A member recommended Crewsn K9 Academy. https://www.crewsnk9academy.com/ I posted early in this thread about checking with the local breed club, South Coast Basenji Fanciers, for advice.

Diggs Crate?

giira2121 — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 22:15:23 GMT

Hey. I have my first Basenji and the diggs crate is great but I must admit it is heavy and bulky to take up and down the stairs. I had to buy an additional crate for travel because it was becoming too much. If you were looking for something to travel with I definitely wouldn’t recommend it especially because it is expensive. My puppy loves it though since he can see everything from it but you could get that from another crate.

Kennel Training

JENGOSMonkey — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 15:47:09 GMT

Yay!!! 👊😊👍