Skip to content

Odd behavior (for a human)

Basenji Talk
  • The other day I had Gossy at the nearby city park, which also has the ball fields. We we walking quite a distance from the ball game spectators (Gossy doesn't like crowds) when suddenly this lady (maybe in her 30s) comes running up to us. "I want to see your dog!" It took me by surprise - most people if curious walk up and ask either to pet the dog or ask about the breed. So her comment gave me pause - it made me very uncomfortable. I said "Why" and she just repeated "I want to see your dog - it's a basenji right?" I was now thinking either she thinks this is her lost dog or she wants to grab it. I said "You can see her from where you're standing". She kept persisting but not coming closer (she was at this point only a few feet away) with that same comment, "I want to see your dog." I told her "I don't think so, I don't know you and I don't know what you want with my dog". She finally said she loved dogs and then said good day and finally left. Normally I'm quite happy to let a person pet my dogs and glad to answer questions. Maybe I was too paranoid about dog snatching but no one has ever acted this way before.

  • How weird! For whatever reason that lady approached you and Gossy as she did, you just never know what would happen so I think being cautious and following your instinct was a good move. I also tell people that my dog doesn't like strangers and that usually keeps them at bay.

  • I have a cousin who is labled "emotionally retarded". This is totally something she would've said and done. She's in her mid 40s. Maybe the lady was a bit off????

Suggested Topics

  • Out smarting the human!

    Basenji Talk
    9
    0 Votes
    9 Posts
    2k Views
    eeeefarmE
    Once in awhile when my guy is getting impatient for me to go out, he voluntarily brings me his Kong to fill. He gets that and his roller ball when we go out, so it is pretty much a statement "when are you leaving? I'm hungry!".
  • Response to bad behavior

    Basenji Talk
    9
    0 Votes
    9 Posts
    3k Views
    Buddys PalB
    @Kananga: I know negative reinforcement is the wrong way to deal with Basenjis (or any dog for that matter), but even when I simply say "No!" in a firm tone, my B thinks it's all a game and turns extremely playful, usually doing his play bow and running around. I just think it's comical, and truthfully I think he knows that, and that's why he does it anyways. I'm trying to curb his jumping/nipping at times. Normally I ignore it (so he doesn't equate that with getting attention), but he nipped me when I wasn't watching so it caught me off-guard, instinctively thought to be firm with saying "No". I thought it was a strange response and wanted to know if this is a common response from Basenjis. Such clowns they can be sometimes. :rolleyes: Ok, I have stopped laughing now!!! Yes, be glad you have a clown! Sounds deft but, an unanimated Basenji is only a sad or sick Basenji! The rest of the replies I ditto! It is common from all the reading I have had and experienced with my first when he was younger (But a clown is so cute! as long as it is not aggressive in context-but reallly!!! too funny):eek:
  • The Humanization of Dogs Part 2

    Basenji Talk
    44
    0 Votes
    44 Posts
    12k Views
    KanangaK
    @AJs: Body language is important. Learning how to use eye contact and tone of voice is important too. For instance: If you speak to your dog in a high pitched tone, it indicates excitement and that your are pleased with them…If you lower your tone, especially when they've done something you are unhappy about, they recognize this easier than the words themselves. At least that's been my experience. Dogs (and cats) use so many communication methods...it's a matter of working with your own dog (or cat.) There are other subtle methods I use and AJ seems to respond to my cues rather well. Again, I have different requirements than other pet people. Zest's person could probably help too, having looked at her agility trials. Ah yes, they really do respond well to a higher tone and lower tone when speaking to them. Whenever Kananga has done something naughty, I don't even need to motion anything, I just say his name in a low tone and he instantly responds to it knowing he has done something wrong. The ol' whippet ears go into action. I always use a higher tone when he's playing so he understands the difference. Seems to work.
  • The Humanization of Dogs Part 1

    Basenji Talk
    14
    0 Votes
    14 Posts
    4k Views
    etzbsederE
    Although I sometimes treat Medjai as a kid person, I find that type of stuff ridiculous. Dogs have a much better purpose than to replicate babies. Medjai's main purpose in my house it to keep me company, and chase the birds out of the back yard when he feels like he didn't get enough running out at the dog park, or walks around the neighborhood.
  • Random Behavior

    Basenji Talk
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    2k Views
    tanzaT
    @JazzysMom: But honestly, I think most, if not all, Basenji behavior is somewhat "random" LOL You are SO right ;)
  • Health or Behavior Problem :confused:

    Basenji Talk
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    3k Views
    QuercusQ
    Sometimes picking them up in a "there is no other choice" manner is less coddling than stringing them along with treats. Don't get me wrong, you know I love to use treats for training. But sometimes when you spend a whole lot of time and effort trying to coax the dog to cooperate, they are getting some reward out of that. A lot more reward than they would get if you just picked them up, and made them cooperate….(kinda like toddlers!) But does sound like there might be more going on. I hope you find some answers. The reluctance to go out at 6 am (gads!) might get better as the weather warms up :)