Skip to content

The hunter within

Behavioral Issues
  • Cairo joined our home at 8 weeks old. He was very similar to a baby with his development. He only was introduced to the living room, all other doors were shut….and he began to explore.

    At first the room was too large for him and he struggled to find his puppy training pad in time during all of his oral explorations....

    I believe that at this age he really couldnt see anything at a distance and only could see items in his immediate proximity. I would hold the toys above his head and he just couldnt figure out where they were.

    We would be in the fenced back yard and he would stay close to mom the whole time.

    Now at 11 weeks he can do his Indy Basenji 500 at semi sprint in the back yard. He sees the distance now and will point at the squirells and birds whether through sight or scent, not sure which. I read somewhere in the past that basenjis are both sight and scent hounds which is why they are percieved as challenging at times. They have trouble focusing on what you want because they are taking in everything.

    Cairo has started to do the beautiful pounce dance and that play with his front paws out. He isnt at that double helix run yet, but is developing those leg muscles nicely.

    I was so tickled today when he pointed at a squirell up a palm tree to yards away. His vision is definately longer now.

  • Go Cairo Go! Or is it Grow Cairo Grow? :D

Suggested Topics

  • Vet Visit for Exam and Boosters and Anxiety

    Behavioral Issues
    5
    0 Votes
    5 Posts
    3k Views
    barkB
    @Saving thank you very much for the suggestions!
  • Will not pee

    Behavioral Issues
    4
    1 Votes
    4 Posts
    2k Views
    SavingS
    I don't get other dogs in the yard but I do get foxes, she will sniff but isn't bothered.
  • Newborn/Kids with My Basenji

    Behavioral Issues
    4
    1 Votes
    4 Posts
    846 Views
    eeeefarmE
    It would be useful to know more about this dog. Has resource guarding been an issue in the past? Has he bitten either you or your wife before? (a real bite, not playful nipping). Or anyone else? A dog that isn't used to children may be fearful of their loudness or quick movements. Perhaps you could do some socialization work with him, e.g. hanging around places where young kids congregate to accustom him to their noise and activity. Obviously not allowing any interaction as you are unsure of his behaviour. Dogs react differently to newborns. In my experience bitches are more likely than dogs to be tolerant, but it is very much the individual dog's reaction that counts. People have been blindsided when their supposedly tolerant and gentle dog turns out to be hostile to a young child. Bottom line, no dog should be left unsupervised around young kids, so in any event you would have to monitor his behaviour carefully once your baby arrives. On a personal note, of the five Basenjis I have owned, two bitches were entirely reliable with kids, the other was tolerant as long as they respected her space. One of the males adored children and was curious about them, the other curious but uncertain and would react to fast movements. I did not trust him and controlled any interaction closely. IMO, he would have bitten had he felt threatened. And kids, especially babies, tend to grab and pinch, ears, tails, whatever. Caution is always the safest route.
  • Aggressive towards other dogs

    Behavioral Issues
    17
    0 Votes
    17 Posts
    2k Views
    J
    Sparkle Barkle came into heat in April. Logan went nuts! I was traveling so my wife was saddled with the mayhem. Mayhem doesn't begin to describe the situation. Sparkle should be coming in again within days, I hope, and unfortunately, he won't get any love this time either. He's gonna be a massive handful for at least a MONTH. I'm not traveling this time, so it's all on me. Cross your fingers for Tri females. I want three!
  • Scared of people / crowds

    Behavioral Issues
    24
    0 Votes
    24 Posts
    2k Views
    tanzaT
    @sarahmiri - I would say no to carrying him.... don't pick him up, but get down to his level as Zande pointed out in her response.
  • Started peeing in the crate again

    Behavioral Issues
    9
    1 Votes
    9 Posts
    896 Views
    S
    Just thought I'd share an update on this. I removed the blankets from the crate and replaced them with a mattress. We have been strict about her only staying in the crate at night. When we have had accidents I have cleaned up, with a dog urine killing spray, and placed her back in the crate. Everything is progressing smoothly, not had any accidents for over a week now. So it's been a rather quick turnaround, lovely to have her properly crate trained again. Thank you all for sharing advice on the situation.