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Can't help but love me!

Basenji Talk

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  • F

    Can you help with Woody part 2?

    Basenji Talk
    14 7 May 2020, 21:23
    7 May 2020, 21:23
    2 Votes
    14 Posts
    3k Views
    P
    It is the owner who needs to make the adjustments necessary to obtain a desired behavior. Sometimes it is hard to figure out the "work around" and, it is incredibly easy for an owner to unintentionally reward an unwanted behavior. You can't be "sloppy" with a basenji - they train us well! I adopted my b-boy about 3 year ago. He wants to decide which direction we walk. Sometimes, that's okay with me, other times it is not. He puts on the brakes and refuses to budge. At first I dragged him a bit. Not good. Treats don't work. Then, I tried giving a quick jerk/release. Not good. (If you try this, please be careful not to cause damage to your dog's neck!) What works for me is I just wait for him to realize I'm not going to give in (this takes A LOT of patience). Sometimes, while I'm waiting for him, I talk to him about why I want to go in a specific direction and tell him what's in it for him... people walking by think I am absolutely bonkers trying to verbally reason with a dog, but it works for us. Sometimes, he completely refuses to budge, so I pick him up and carry him for a bit. Usually, when put him on his feet, he will walk on. I noticed that if I walk to get behind him, he takes a step forward and once he makes that first step, he's more likely to move forward, When he does, I praise him like crazy. Sometimes, especially in dim light, he will stop, stare, hackle and refuse to move forward - at those times, we simply turn around and walk in the other direction because I trust that he sees or smells something that he finds dangerous. One thing I consistently do that might help Woody is I always feed my b when we get home after we walk. That way, he has something to look forward to (i.e., going home is good!) I'm sorry Woody is taking so long to warm up to your brother. Maybe your brother needs to work with Woody on some very simple command like sit, or look at me, giving her high value treats or her dinner when she obeys. That way, she may begin to see him as more of a leader and provider of treats than someone who scares her. It needs to be brief, daily consistent to sink in. Patience. You might have to let your brother be the sole source of all good things (like treats and food) and only if she makes a step toward him. A trainer once advised my neighbor to smear peanut butter on her husband's arm in an attempt to get their new rescue to like her husband better. It didn't work. I'm so glad to hear you see a difference for the good and that you are learning as much as she is. Yay! Please keep us posted on what works. Maybe you can help me with my stubborn b.
  • L

    I have ''issues'' with my basenji, can you help ?

    Basenji Talk
    33 17 Sept 2014, 02:29
    17 Sept 2014, 02:29
    0 Votes
    33 Posts
    22k Views
    YodelMaY
    Ladybasenji, where are you in Quebec? Montreal? We have a place in Gatineau (Aylmer sector) and one of my dogs might even be related to yours. You're experiences with your girl remind me so much of my first basenji, about 20 years ago–it gets easier, I swear! Let me know if you'd like help with Lady--they're nothing like labs and will never be "obedient" but there are tricks for training them : D
  • eeeefarmE

    Who says Basenjis can't get along?

    Basenji Talk
    9 2 Nov 2013, 15:03
    2 Nov 2013, 15:03
    0 Votes
    9 Posts
    6k Views
    ?
    Cheers , my basenji gets along with just about every living thing…... Well maybe not birds & squirrels Ha I would love to be in a room with all those basenjis crazy, but so cool.
  • eeeefarmE

    "You can't do that with a Basenji!"

    Basenji Talk
    12 2 Aug 2011, 18:36
    2 Aug 2011, 18:36
    0 Votes
    12 Posts
    6k Views
    Anubis's MommyA
    Gorgeous dog and such a great story! I loved reading it…she was something VERY special...thank you so much for sharing!!
  • MantisM

    Awareness can only help….

    Basenji Talk
    35 19 Feb 2008, 16:10
    19 Feb 2008, 16:10
    0 Votes
    35 Posts
    13k Views
    tanzaT
    @sharronhurlbut: Please make sure you strip test your basenjis one a month. If you see a lot of water drinking/peeing, please get the strip tests out and test again. These poor puppymill dogs are not from quality breeders and their health is so much in doubt…. So, strip test, and if you get a puppymill dog get them tested for fanconis. Knowledge is power. For sure everyone should be strip testing.. and better yet, consider doing a DNA Test for Fanconi…. and if you are strip testing... consider doing it more than one day, once a month.. consider doing it 3 to 4 days in a row per month...
  • K

    If I didn't love her so much!

    Basenji Talk
    15 24 Feb 2007, 21:45
    24 Feb 2007, 21:45
    0 Votes
    15 Posts
    5k Views
    K
    That sounds good! I am working with the positive reinforcement, and for the most part it works, just in that instance she goes "deaf". I also "clicker" train Callie, and she loves that!