Skip to content

Calmness

Behavioral Issues
  • A few weeks ago I met a basenji puppy (4 - 5 months old) that was super calm - way calmer than any other b puppy that I had ever met (and I've met lots). His owner described him as really mellow pretty much all the time.

    So, I was wondering if when a puppy is really calm at that age, do they usually grow into calm adults or do they sometimes turn into Tazmanian devils?

    I know the breeders on here have seen it all so thought they might have some insight. I'm just curious.

  • I think they're probably really calm adults. Medjai is the most mellow basenji I've ever met. No matter where we are, he would love nothing more than sitting with me and getting petted every now and then. Even at the dog park, he's really quite mellow.

  • LOL… then there are my wild two girls... add in Franie's brother Trip and a few other puppies, throw in a couple of adults... and it is one big chase the other for hours on end.. My girls are NOT mellow.. except when sleeping!

  • When other Basenji owners meet our B and comment at how calm he was / is, I usually say and think that it's the calm before the storm. However, 15 months have past and when I think about it, I would like to believe that Kairoe is pretty much like his humans, in a sense that we lead a very chill type of lifestyle.

    I have noticed that since I've been taking him out during my bike rides, he's more apt to running and his energy has gone up considerably, which is more noticeable when we get cooped up all day because of the rain and he can't go out for the one or two hour bike rides. Once, the sun is up and the weather is warm he's just rarin' to hit the pavement and go full out sprinting.

  • I think it varies dog to dog and also situation to situation. L'Ox is usually a pretty chill puppy. He was raised by a pack of adult dogs so he just doesn't tend toward they wild puppy behavior and in fact, way over reacts to puppy antics. He does play hard with his pack but not so much with "outsiders".

  • I don't think I'd like a Basenji who was too calm!!! Mind you, sometimes I wish that Bungwa, who is only ever 'chilled' when asleep, would take a leaf out of a calm dog's book!!

    I agree with Ivoss that it varies from dog to dog, I am interested in what you say about L'Ox - a singleton puppy I bred and hence wss raised in an adult pack (including other breeds) was probbaly the most relaxed Basenji I had.

  • Since owning Shaye, I never realized the words "calm" and "basenji" could ever be used in the same sentence. :rolleyes: I envy you in a way - it's fun to watch my wildchild's antics most of the time, but some of the time she just wears me out - I don't think she'll ever be calm, and walks will always be a challenge since we are overrun with squirrels, rabbits, feral cats here, since her prey drive is always her driving force!!! Enjoy the calm - it may be a lifelong attitude, but then again, it could indeed be the calm before the storm.:eek:

  • @Shaye's:

    Since owning Shaye, I never realized the words "calm" and "basenji" could ever be used in the same sentence. :rolleyes: I envy you in a way - it's fun to watch my wildchild's antics most of the time, but some of the time she just wears me out - I don't think she'll ever be calm, and walks will always be a challenge since we are overrun with squirrels, rabbits, feral cats here, since her prey drive is always her driving force!!! Enjoy the calm - it may be a lifelong attitude, but then again, it could indeed be the calm before the storm.:eek:

    Oh no, no, no. Lol, the calm puppy isn't one of mine, it is owned by someone else. All 3 of mine are superballs. I was just intrigued as I had never met such a calm basenji pup. Lol, my last one (Liyah) is a far extreme to that pup. :rolleyes: I probably wouldn't know what to do with myself if I had a calm one.

Suggested Topics

  • 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
    767 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.
  • Puppy Aggressively Biting

    Behavioral Issues
    10
    0 Votes
    10 Posts
    1k Views
    ZandeZ
    Neutering is not going to help - training is. But a good trainer will train YOU to deal with the dog. If a trainer can get him to behave but you can't - there is little to be gained from paying out money. This is something you should never have allowed to happen, but since it has, I think you should deal with it and @JENGOSMonkey has given you a good idea to start you off. Withdrawing treats is a good idea, but also, get up and walk away. He could be biting to get attention and therefore you withdraw the attention at the first sign of a bite, with a firm NO.
  • 0 Votes
    2 Posts
    3k Views
    tanzaT
    In the US most all dog parks do not allow intact males or females
  • Crazy puppy (1yr) not calming down at all

    Behavioral Issues
    13
    0 Votes
    13 Posts
    14k Views
    G
    Your story is so similar to mine, though mine is two and has not changed. Totally destructive. Even though he has had lots of training, gets mental stimulation, and goes to the dog park every day, he is no longer fun to be around. My brand new wood floors and furniture are ruined, my car is scratched up and dirty and he refuses to come to me. It is cold here, too, and when I took him to the park yesterday (all ice, snow, mud and cold water) he would not leave…even after all the other dogs left. The only way I caught him was that his paws were beginning to freeze and he could only keep three on the ground at a time. It was dark by then, I was nearly frostbit myself. I have had several GOOD dogs in the past. This one has been to the "best" trainers in town, has a great vet and a nice home. I don't think it would be ethical to adopt this monster out, so I am considering putting him down myself and cut my losses, both emotional and financial. I just wrote a note to the breeder to see if they have similar problems with the dogs they sell. I had such high hopes.
  • Pro Pet Calming Spray

    Behavioral Issues
    4
    0 Votes
    4 Posts
    3k Views
    agilebasenjiA
    I know DAP has helped in my household. Zest always goes to the bathroom with me when I shower. When she was little, i'd take her in there with me and give her a bone to chew so that she would not have to be in the crate during that time frame. Now, 3.5 years later she still goes to the shower with me