Behavioral Issues

I'm no Basenji expert since I've only had one. And, I don't want to start a dog park argument. I'll just share my experience. Jengo LOVED running free, but he's a Basenji. Can't do that cause... cars. The dog park near our house is HUGE. A big completely enclosed lawn area the size of a football field with towering oak trees. We were OCD about keeping Jengo's vaccinations up to date. He was chipped and wore a collar with contact and rabies tags 24/7. He loved the dog park, but not all the dogs there. He hated any dog of any size that would try to dominate him in any way. He rarely instigated it, but he never tolerated it meaning regardless of size... he wouldn't back down. He also hated if another dog approached him from behind and would snap immediately. My solution was to stay near him and to keep moving. We would walk laps around the perimeter and by about the second or third lap he'd been or had checked out all the other dogs. Then things were good. If I saw that he was getting anxious I'd usually catch it before he reacted and would tell him "Easy". 9 times out 10 that was enough. I'd also make sure that he was aware of dogs in our vicinity so that he wouldn't be surprised if they came from behind. We went to the park for years. He never caught anything that I was aware of. I did pick him up and leave if there was another dog he and/or I weren't comfortable with. And, I also recall walking away before ever entering the park if there was a dog we didn't like already there. I guess my point is that part of protecting your dog and others is knowing and focusing on them without over-reacting at the same time. I don't want to set him off. But, I want to know what he's going to do before he does. You have to read him. All dogs give signals one way or another. Tune in to your dog, not the other people at the park. I liked the other people at the park, but I wasn't there for them. My focus was always on Jengo.

I agree with all the previous comments and would also suggest that perhaps for the first few days to try to block off your hallway so she cannot access it. It’s probably inconvenient for you, but I think it would help her get the message and break her habit while you try to get rid of the odor. My 10.5 yo basenji also has bowel issues (he was never officially diagnosed with any condition) and he has been on an extremely restricted diet for nearly his whole life. When he was younger one rainy winter he started pooping downstairs bc he hates getting wet. We blocked off the stairs while we thoroughly cleaned the area that was very effective. Another suggestion I have if your dog loves food is to use her special kibble as treats. It works v well for us. Good luck!

He stopped doing it so I wonder now if it did have something to do with the storms.

And your wife should be feeding him....not you.....

I am not gonna sugar coat this.... If you are that worried with him around new people or strangers use a soft muzzles, especially when near small children. A cloth muzzle protects you both. It’s seems to settle them down and they are unable to bite. It’s not meant to be used often, the less the better. They can drink, they can open their mouth some, but they cannot bite. I am sure that over time your B will relax with you in your home and around visitors....always fore warn strangers visiting, it might be startling to them but it is better than them getting a bite. I am at the point I use it almost never.....If we go out with my B we use it, when visiting the vet, we use it, when very young children are around we use it"........if we are walking where there is a possibility he will get a startle...I use it. I am sure there will be somebody on here that will disagree, but I do what I have to do to protect me, my dog and people around me Take this as a positive thing so that both of you can be comfortable in all situations.

When we have pups they often have motion sickness when first in the car... some it doesn't bother, others have ongoing issues, but with age it gets better... that said every now and again, one will hurl..... I do make sure that they are fed way before a car ride and water limited... also make sure that they potty before a car ride. Since we go to shows and lure trials, they are in the car quite a lot.... and sleep 95% of the time....

@zande said in Daytime crate stress: I love the way he is guarding the drinks cupboard - and I applaud your choice of Whiskeys ! (That is Jameson, isn't it ?) LOL I was giving the bar a good look, too! Nice setup! Pretty boy and a cool toy!!

@zande thanks I will send you all the info 😊

@buxton-s-dad - Have to say, wire crates are better.... raised Basenjis with wire crates (fold down type) for 30+ years including bitches whelping in them.... remember in plastic crates they really can't see what is going on around them... and he should be fed in that crate. And sorry I don't agree with peeing for attention...

You are taking the right steps. It sounds like you have been very diligent in training your puppy and caring for her especially with a broken foot and quarantine. If you specifically asked the Vet how she did and he didn't say anything until now that's really disappointing - I would look for a new Vet but at the very least I would stay with her through the visits. I agree with Ember's comment. Good luck with the fear trainer.

@rugosab Mku loves to do that but my kid is 49 years old. He still plays with the puppy when he is home. LOL

@marbrisson She is special because she is at least part Basenji. You are special because of the love and care you are giving her. As senses diminish, in her case hearing and sight, others become more necessary - in her case I would suggest touch has become very necessary to keep her confident and orientated. Definitely let her become a bed-dog and try to let her know you are close throughout the day - Keep up the good work ! And good luck to you both -

@donc It got worse. . . the grass became wet and I made him walk through it ! Poor Mku. But you have given us a task for these work-free days. Composing just the sort of legal document, written by the dog, as your lawyer friend wrote. btw - I am just kidding when I use the words 'work-free' - not many of those.

Have you considered the use of dog anti-chew spray on your furniture or personal belongings? Of course, the spray needs to be all-natural, no chemicals and with no side-effects. Is there anyone who has made use of these type of sprays to protect your furniture from being chewed and damaged by the Basenji? I have read that Trixie Knabber Stop Spray is a good product.

@rgk9ruler said in Puppy Painful Biting Nonstop: xylitol, a sugar substitute, is deadly to dogs Thank you for the reminder! I don't do "sugar free" products (which would be obvious if you met me), but I often forget to mention this. Very important warning. Thank you!

@rugosab - Yes! LOL

I think dogs do this for various reasons. Depending on context, it can be "whew, glad that's over!" to "well, that was fun, what's next?". At any rate, not unusual, IMO.

I don't have a leather couch - I have four large leather armchairs. Dogs over the years have always curled up in them (often disputing ownership with me !). Blankets which can easily be whipped off when we have visitors, keep muddy paws at bay. But I am bigger then they are and its MY house. I do not, and never have, tolerated distructiveness and my Basenjis know and learn to respect that !

@tanza I laughed @ “the close enough”! I know my dog is getting old - her face is white and her eyes are getting cloudy - but she will always be my baby. I have a hard time accepting the fact that she is getting older. I am going to have to remind and help her to go outside more often. I thank everyone on this forum for their kind words and comments.🙏🐕❤️🐾 BASENJI STRONG 💪

Yes, a change of scenery will help, and help you too. A walk with new smells is always good, and keeping him on lead will be good for both of you. When your exams are over, or soon in the white stuff you call Winter, enroll him in dog obedience class, and you will get benefit for him and you. It is a good age to introduce him into obedience, you will learn a lot about yourself, and him, with a bit of proper instruction. keep smiling in this stressful time of exams.