Behavioral Issues

Colbey does what we call the "head whip" he'll be all cuddled up with us, hear something and whip his head around. Often it results in hitting us with his head!

We were doing really good with keeping our B out of the bed when we first got him. However, my fiance is the light sleeper and was responsible for kicking him out of bed. In contrast I am a very heavy sleeper and wouldn't feel Colbey climbing in bed when Ed wasn't home. Colbey learned very quickly that he could sleep in the bed when Ed was gone. And then, winter came. We keep the house pretty cool and Colbey would climb in the bed shivering, and that was the end of my resolve to keep the dog out of the bed. So now, the rule of the house is, animals are allowed in the bed, but only on my side. Needless to say, I have about 1/4 of the bed…... but, I am a cuddler, so I am ok with it. We are keeping our other dog out of the bed, mostly because there would be no more space left for me!

When first working on discipline with Colbey we ended up using the squirt bottle with him when he was ignoring commands. I had to get after my room mate several times because he would squirt Colbey and then give him the command, instead of giving the command first and only squirting him if he continued the bad behavior. Now we rarely use it. We still keep one out and handy for the times when he is ignoring us from across the room. Now I simply have to say his name and touch the bottle, and Colbey immediately behaves.

@lvoss: Mine our always wound up when we return from a trip away. I have never felt that it was anger or spite just excitement. It is also really hard for them if you are going right back to work the next morning. We really try to schedule our trips so we have a day with them before going back to work, it gives them enough time to burn off that extra energy boost they get from you returning to home. +1. I went away on Saturday. True to form, yesterday the dogs were off the wall…even with 2, 3+ mile walks. It is just pent up energy and excitement IMHO.

I've always taught my dogs the give command. I usually teach it to them with a toy while playing, and then move on to taking bones from them, etc… When I teach the give command I usually have to use fingers to slightly open the mouth to get the toy out, which does desensitize them to that. I've definately had to use this to get pieces of plastic etc out of his mouth at times...

It could very well be due to her cycle. In a lot of species, especially cows, it's typical for females to mount each other when they are in estrus and ready to breed. Happens in dogs too. lol Those hormones are taking over. Mounting is also a dominance behavior, so time will probably tell what's going on with her. As long as it isn't causing any major flare-ups, you can let them sort it out themselves. Keep an eye on things though when she's visiting new dogs. Some might take offence to her raunchy behavior. :)

Glad you liked the class! Not many basenjis do that 5 minute down-stay with owners gone!

We have a pair of 3 years olds… brother & sister, that sleep with us. Once in a while the boy will howl in the middle of the night. Although it wakes us up, it is quite comical. Both of them will take the occaisional "walk" while napping as well.

I use "cow knuckles" from the butcher, these keep them amused for a couple of hours. You need to examine their poop though. Some basenjis will get the trots. If this occurs- bad idea. My youngest will gather all of them up and hide them in my bed. Icky. My first Basenji would hoard and bury them. Amusing. She would have one out and if the other 2 took it, she would simply go dig a fresh one up. The grab bag at second hand stores have stuffed animals. This kept my first 2 amused. They would eviserate them. I had one of those "magic cubes" that you stuff treats in and when it knocked about the treats fall out. That lasted about 2 weeks. They figured out that if they broke it all the treats came out. One of those big yoga balls with peanut butter smeared on it kept 2 of my 3 amused for a couple hours. [image: attachment_p_62677_0_dscn0165.jpg] [image: attachment_p_62677_1_dscn0161.jpg] [image: attachment_p_62677_2_dscn0162.jpg]

Makes sense. Thanks.

Thanks for the help. You have given us a few ideas to try. We were a little worried because most of the time we have been walking five minutes before she stopped and she would just stare at us so we didn't know if that was unusual or not. I am glad to here that she will grow more accustomed to walking. I often forget how young she is. Thanks

My B chews her paw sometimes too..doesn't last long and its like she is cleaning herself so we just ignore it.

i'm feeling your pain on this one. dan and i broke up a few months ago so i moved home and mia went from sleeping with rocky and maggie on the couch to sleeping in bed with me. if i'd go out at night, my mom, instead of crating her would let her sleep in bed with my parents. (because she cried and mom felt bad) then dad told mom he didnt want her in bed with them so mom would sleep in a spare bedroom just to keep her from crying in her crate! (typical grandmother.. she spoiled her rotten) Now dan and i are trying to work things out so i brought mia with me last night to stay over and he keeps maggie and rocky in the laundry room with their beds and they are content with that, but Mia was NOT having it. she sat at the gate and cried for a good 2 hours. They aren't allowed in the bedroom because he got new furniture, so she has to get used to it i guess.. Only time will tell i suppose.. but uggh that crying.. its enough to make you wanna pull your hair out. im hoping when the 3 warm up to each other again she'll stop..

@sharronhurlbut: Re car rides, this is going to sound odd, but it does work for me and my 2 dogs. Even if you have walked your dogs before a car trip, I find the excitement of the "get into the car" and going makes there guts act up. So, here is what we do. We take the dogs a lot on vacation when we go by car. We walk the dogs in the am, feed and water. Get them into the car. Drive about 2 miles and stop and let them out to walk. Both always pee and poo when we stop. Once back in the car, they settle and are quiet. About a hr or so into the ride, they start to get "ACTIVE" again…we stop at a rest area, they go, and then they sleep the rest of the way. Could be the excitement of leaving home, the motion of the car or whatever, but these stops, even tho you want to get going...make the trip much easier on all involved. Give it a try. All you can lose is a bit of time... Sharron…I've had friends use that method as well...so I think you (and them) are on to something. Wizard...It is a tough road, separation anxiety. I never had much success with the DAP - spray or plug-in...and I used both for about half a year. I finally gave up on it. Although, my vet and the pet store I bought it at said they knew of people that had had success with it. Good for you for working with a behaviorist...they definitely will have better ideas about things to try. The second beastie was the golden ticket for Ruby though...and seriously, I've found that 2 b's are so much easier than one. So much so that I'm thinking of adding another either this year or next...and for that I might need my head examined.

I haven't used a crate since my B was here and learned how to potty outside. I have underground fencing and a doggie door, and she does just fine. Just make sure there is nothing left out that they may get standing on their hind legs, they are masters at this. All the things she has gotten has been while I was home, just to get my attention to chase her.

Get you dog a coat for outside and a sweater for inside. My 2 live in the Sally Wallis sweaters in the winter. Its not snowing outside usually but the damp cold isn't fun for my 2 so I make sure they have the sweaters on them when the temp drops.

get the Control Unleashed book, do the exercises in order, pay careful attention to the Look At That game.

Does Tana have a pituatary tumor which is inoperable or does he have an adrenal tumor? Some adrenal tumors are operable and after removal the dogs can recover and return to normal cortisol production. You may have to seek a specialist but it may be worth looking into.

Couple of things: First have his Thyroid Checked. I am not one that thinks thats the answer to every things - but it is easy to test and is a quick fix if that is the cause. I don't think I can post a link here but if you go to my icon and click on my info there is my website - on the basenji info page - there is a link to Basenji Thyroid info. On the off chance that I can post a link here it is: http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/Thyroid.htm Second - I am also in MN and would be happy to help you specifically if you want someone that is 'basenji savy' to give him a look see.