How old are your children? Have you reached the point of needing to rehome? Have you talked to the breeder?
Dogs take a dedication, and this breed a lot of dedication. You need to exercise, play, stimulate, crate or watch. That's just the nature of the beast. I always considered dogs a way to teach my child true responsibility. Kid leaves door open or stuff out… replacement of items comes out of their allowance or they do actual real hours of chores to work off the replacement. I promise you a 4 yr old learns to be responsible fast. Did you get the dog for you or the kids? If for them, they have to help... an hour each a day of play or exercise in half hour blocks is not too much to expect! Even if for you, they are part of YOUR family and helping take charge with the dog is truly wonderful training for them too. 
I promise!
As for your daughter being afraid to discipline for fear of getting hit... gotta ask what type of discipline results in a bite? You may need to revamp discipline or work on the dog if any type of correction leads to bite potential.
I understand overwhelmed, really. But you'll be so much LESS over whelmed if you work out a plan, make your kids be involved, and decrease the dog stress. And if you honestly don't want to, then it's time to call the breeder, or if from bad one/rescue whatever... then contacting rescue to help find a new home. Because unless you commit to the changes needed, it probably is NOT going to get better.
Thanks, I know he probably isn't getting enough excercise. It's all I can do to get him a couple of walks in a day. I don't have enough energy to keep up. There is no way I'm able to run w/ him a few miles every day. I'm a single parent trying to keep up and I can't, I really just can't. We have nylabones, ropes stuffed toys and I do get him knuckle bones from the butcher and fill up Kongs w/ peanut butter. It's my belongings that he'd rather have when I'm not paying attention for a second.
Tango just turned a year old.
I am surprised that your breeder didn't "discourage" a pup for you at this point being a single parent with two young children (I am guessing they are young). And I am going to also assume you work full time? Puppies need as much work if not more then our human children…. While I understand that you had a Basenji before... each are different and as lvoss pointed out, physical activity is not going to wear him out (or at least if so for only a few hours), but mental activity is important.
Have you talked to the breeder?
My daughter is 11 and my son is 7. I did get the dog for me, not for them. My daughter is old enough to take the dog for a walk but doesn't often. They aren't here every day of the week either. I did take them to obedience classes w/ me but they were bored and the trainers wanted only one person actively participating so the dog wouldn't get confused. We have been thinking of doing more classes here soon but things are tough all of a sudden financially.
Tango did alot of running after the kids in the beginning and biting at them trying to get them to play. My son is very good at saying no Tango or closing his mouth when he does something he shouldn't be. My daughter runs and cries when he goes after her in play and I've told her she just needs to take his collar and say no, that's it. But she's fearful of him biting…even though he's never hurt her, so she runs and cries.
The thing is we're all trying as much as we can but it's hard to remember all the time to make sure things are up and doors are shut for them (and for me) and things happen and then we're upset and frustrated at each other and him. The other day I looked away and thought he was chewing on his bone and it was my laptop!! I'm just tired of being upset w/ the dog. I can't manage the household when I have to watch him every second and if I spent more time keeping him occupied and worn out then nothing in the house is ever going to get done and I just don't even now what to do other that hiring a maid or a dog walker.
He spent time with the breeder over the summer and was perfect for him. But he had other dogs and the breeder keeping him busy. He does wonderfully w/ him and also with my significant other. When he is here the dog listens much better and doesn't go looking for trouble.
I'm going to call a new trainer today that someone recommended and take him there for a visit. So I'll let you all know what comes of that. I don't see me being able to make many changes on my part as far as devoting more time to him so I don't know how it's going to get better. I just bought a home a year ago, I work full time and barely have enough time for the kids and their activities. I was hoping that I would have been able to stay on a part time schedule when I got him but that's not the case now. I'm running around the house constantly going "Where is the dog" And "What is he chewing now?"!!
Tanza- He did somewhat discourage a pup at the beginning and I went into this wanting an older dog from the start. I got the first B when he was only 8 weeks old and knew I didn't want to do that again. Then sweet little Tango showed up (one of the last to be adopted from a litter they had) And I thought he was so sweet and cute and he was already about four months old and thought I could handle it. The older dog I originally wanted to meet was adopted right before I had the chance to see him.
I haven't had as much contact w/ the breeder lately. He was close to me but moved further away over the summer. I think the breeder is wonderful and I would be leaning more on them if they still lived close by. I'm going to send him and email and see what he thinks. I was going to have him take Tango again for a few days sometime soon to assess him and give us another short break so I can do something fun w/ the kids.
tangokor - you sound as though you're at your wit's end - is it possible for you to sit back and review the situation? REad Ivoss's post about mental stimulation - I totally agree with her that mental stimulation is the way to go.
Your children are old enough I should have thought, to help with this and probably get a lot of fun doing it and wiorking out games that he can play without getting over excited and wanting to nip.
I must say if you had come to me for a puppy in your circumstances I would have said no! A basenji needs a lot of attention while young to enable him to grow into a responsive adult.
Having said this that's past so you have to do your very best to give him the attention he craves.
Many Basenjis will chew no matter what exercise (physical and mental) and never grow out of it especially if the item smells good to them. My oldie (16+)
virtually destroyed my husband's coat that he wears when working with the sheep just last week. My answer - he should have put it out of her way! (HE agrees). Be prepared for this.
I'm sorry that I can't wave a magic wand for you (I wish I could as I feel for you) but there is no easy answer unless all the family are prepared to work at a solution.
It sounds as if both you and the dog would be happier apart then the way it is going now… you don't have time and he needs more of your time! Not to say it can't be fixed but it sounds to me as if you feel you have too much on your plate, if you want it to work out then I agree with Ivoss about mental stimulation and tiring out his mind. Maybe your breeder can give you some suggestions on what he did to keep him well behaved
Tango did alot of running after the kids in the beginning and biting at them trying to get them to play. My son is very good at saying no Tango or closing his mouth when he does something he shouldn't be. My daughter runs and cries when he goes after her in play and I've told her she just needs to take his collar and say no, that's it. But she's fearful of him biting…even though he's never hurt her, so she runs and cries.
If you want to be sure that your children aren't bit, then they should not be encouraged to close the dog's mouth or grab its collar. They should be taught how to be a tree when the dog is going after them in play. Stand still, arms at their sides and look at their feet.
Ivoss- I did have them doing the stand still like a tree thing outside when they were playing and it does work pretty well. But we have this issue where he likes to go after some of her fuzzy sweatshirts and will jump up on her trying to attack it and that when it doesn't work. He keeps jumping up trying to get at it and she gets nervous. That's when standing still still or running, like she does, doesn't work. When he gets mouthy we will close his mouth, but never anything to hurt him. And right now he doesn't do that very much.
I'll go back and read ideas for mental stimulation. I've tried hiding treats in things and hiding toys that type of thing. I guess I need some more ideas. I think sometimes this is more work than having an infant!
Training is also good mental stimulation.
Go to Mat is a nice behavior to work on because it helps reinforce calm behavior. To start training Go To Mat, you need to something to use a the mat. It can be a dog bed, towel, bath mat, etc. Just pick something big enough for the dog to fit on. The get some nice yummy treats and stand in front of the mat. Most dogs orient themselves in front of us especially when they want something like yummy treats. When he ends up on the mat toss a treat on the mat. As long as he is on the mat toss 9 treats on the mat. On the tenth treat toss it off the mat so he has to get off the mat to find the treat. Then wait and see if he will return to the mat. When he does toss a treat to him on the mat. Again, 9 treats on the mat and the tenth off. At some point he may start to offer a down because if he is getting the idea that the mat pays. When he is mostly offering the down make that the new criteria for the 9 treats on the mat.
Keep training sessions short 3-4 repetitions. If you see him laying on his mat on his own, toss him some treats to reinforce the mat and the calm behavior.
Ivoss- Thanks, sounds like a fun exercise. I'm going to get out the yoga mat and give it a try.
They really do need attention, attention, attention, especially when so young. I know the only reason I was able to get Paco (who just turned a year) to be generally trustworthy in the house was because I worked at home and was able to train him and use "leave it" when necessary.
He's still not totally trustworthy. I was working on the computer today, and apparently not paying enough attention to him, so he went and started ripping at the couch cushions. His puzzle ball is a great distractor, as well as chew bones, and I've taught him how to fetch so that I can at least try to sit and work while just throwing a ball for him to bring back, but really, if I could give him belly rubs all day in between long walks every hour, on the hour, that would be his dream world, I'm sure.
It sounds like your son could be a huge help in keeping your b occupied when you can't do it, since he isn't as scared of him. See how interested he is in the obedience classes and if training the pup can be a "project" of sorts for him.
I think you need to stop, take a breath, and reconsider what you are doing and your priorities.
If you want to keep the dog (and it sounds like you do) it will take some effort - there's no miracle instant cure.
You and your children could take 1-5 minutes here and there and do a little training exercises (go-to-mat; sit; stand; hide-and-seek-come; whatever). These little mini-training sessions can be built into your everyday necessary activities as well – for example, don't just put the dog food in the bowl but take 1 minute (or even just 30 seconds) and make him work for some kibble before he gets the rest; while the kids are sitting watching TV they can ask the dog to sit (or lay down or whatever) and give treat rewards (3 times in 30 seconds really will reinforce commands); if the dog grabs something he shouldn't don't get angry, take the item while still in the dog's mouth and say leave-it or drop-it and as soon as he does that give him a reward - he'll catch on pretty quick. If the dog jumps on your daughter, say down or off or whatever and reward as soon as the dog does so. Carry kibble or treats in your pockets so you will always have something available to reward good behavior (I always have little pieces in my pockets - gets kind of funny at the store when I'm trying to pull out a few coins). You might even get some treats that are just for extra special training or extra special behaviors.
Reward reward reward good behavior (but keep the treats small so the dog doesn't blimp out). And really, 30 seconds here and there will add up to a better behaved dog.
We just got a Basenji (he was 9 months old). We too are learning quickly to put our things away. I totally feel your pain. I have found that he stresses when we are gone. We cleaned the kitchen really well and now leave him there with his bed, a chew toy and we have not had a problem since. My kids 5 and 7 help walk, play and train him but always with my supervision ( any dog can bite at any time). By 9 when it is bedtime he is tired and we are getting a very trained dog in the process. He can sit now, come when called, shakes hands and is not so ready to chew when not being watched. This is all in 30 days! I didn't know how smart this breed is and how quickly they can be trained but it takes consistancy. I have also lost 3 lbs walking this dog three times a day ( i find this a benefit!) Hang in there and keep us all posted. I hope you can work this out.
I have to say that anyone on here that said no two are the same are so RIGHT. Jayden was just one on the 31st of Dec and Jaycee was two on the 26th of Dec. Jaycee is fun and for the most part very good about leaving things alone. Now Jayden well he is trouble all time but I still love the little pill. Over the gate to this day Jaycee never went over it. Jayden ate my daughters cell she should have picked it up her loss. Jayden ate my husbands glasses he should have picked them up. I love Jayden for one thing for sure I have told everyone in the house pick up your things and put them were they belong well Jayden is making that happen.
Like today Jayden must have wanted bottled water he took lid off one of the bottles and well the rest is history sure am happy it was in the kitchen. Hang in there lots of love and tons of play time so - so correct a tired Basenji is a excellent Basenji. Good luck let us know how it goes.
Rita Jean
It sounds like he is doing these things to get your attention. Dogs don't differentiate much between 'good' attention, and 'bad' attention…it is all attention. There is no quick answer for this...if you want to keep him, you will need to find a way to pay a lot more attention to him. The seven year old child should not be expected to 'correct' or deal with regular puppy antics. I agree with Lisa, lots of training games every day will get you more results right now than a mile walk. Right now, the dog has developed a habit of being 'naughty' to interact with the humans...you can change that, but it will take quite a bit of time and energy investment.
What about your kids? Are they helping at all with the dog…like taking him for walks (assuming they're old enough...you don't mention their ages)? If the kids aren't old enough to take the dog for walks, then they could play with him in the back yard and help him wear off some of that energy. 100% of the care shouldn't fall on just your shoulders...get those kids involved, too, if they're not already (and that includes making sure their toys and clothes are picked up and the doors are shut...even small children can learn simple tasks such as these).
No truer statement when it comes to keeping the chewing to a low 'tear' threshold! Really, when we went on vacation to the Florida Keys and I KNEW there was not room to run freely and safely, I took Buddy on a run via the bicycle. Keep 'em going til you stop for 'pee' and keep on til he is panting! Then you know the little athlete has had his fill for the time being. Try the bike, it works. All logical safety thinking beforehand: proper lead/collar, timing, bike skills(the kids), etc, etc….....................
We just got a Basenji (he was 9 months old). We too are learning quickly to put our things away. I totally feel your pain. I have found that he stresses when we are gone. We cleaned the kitchen really well and now leave him there with his bed, a chew toy and we have not had a problem since. My kids 5 and 7 help walk, play and train him but always with my supervision ( any dog can bite at any time). By 9 when it is bedtime he is tired and we are getting a very trained dog in the process. He can sit now, come when called, shakes hands and is not so ready to chew when not being watched. This is all in 30 days! I didn't know how smart this breed is and how quickly they can be trained but it takes consistancy. I have also lost 3 lbs walking this dog three times a day ( i find this a benefit!) Hang in there and keep us all posted. I hope you can work this out.
I tried the same thing as you. We have a 13 month basenji boy (tri). He to as well tears everything apart. Mostly couches! Thank god he doesn't touch wires but of course everything has to be out of reach. We keep him in the kitchen and he was good for the first couple of days now he crys, whimpers chews the carpet and goes nuts if we leave him in there while we sleep or go out.
We extended his parameter from the kitchen into the hallway and it worked for sleeping but now when we go out he cries a lot and chews his mat. It seems he has separation anxiety, however, he never had that before when we left him to roam the house. We had to stop with his roaming due to his consistent couch chewing. Its extremely frustrating! If i didn't live in an apartment id crate him at night and during the day while we sleep but he is way to loud and he hurts his nose turns all red from trying to get out of the crate or gates.
Have you thought about putting him in the bed WITH you when you sleep?
Have you thought about putting him in the bed WITH you when you sleep?
He used to sleep with us when we first got him but we had to stop because it would worsen my allergies. Ever since he stopped sleeping with us i'm now able to tolerate being around him.
