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Kismet learned to lay down!

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  • 0 Votes
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    Agree with @elbrant and I'd like to add, when you return be very matter of fact, do not make a big fuss, particularly if she is excited and effusive in her greeting to you. Sure, acknowledge her if you must but don't make any sort of big deal out of it. Go about your business, e.g. if you've been shopping, put your things away before spending any time with her. Your goal is to make your absence just part of a normal routine, nothing to be excited about. I've had two separation anxiety dogs, and you know you have won the battle when the dog just glances at you in an "oh, you're back" way and doesn't bother getting off the couch! Yes, people like it when their dog greets them and makes a big fuss, but if you feed that behaviour you give too much emphasis to your absence and that can grow into anxiety in your dog.
  • Learning not to pull

    Basenji Talk 25 Mar 2019, 18:18
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    I like wide martingale collars. They can't back out of them and the collar gives you more control without risking damage to the neck if they do pull. Look for Whippet or Greyhound collars. The one I used is three inches wide and tapers to the back. But bottom line, the reason dogs pull is that it is rewarding to them......they get closer to whatever is attracting them. So stopping until the leash is slack will work (if you have patience), changing direction every time the leash tightens will work, targetting will work. Many roads lead to Rome. You can experiment and find out what works best for you, but it isn't good to let the dog reinforce the habit, which is what makes it difficult to sort this problem out when you also need to give him exercise! One solution is to give him exercise with one harness or collar and practice your loose leash walking with another, until he "gets it". IMO, retractable leads teach the dog to pull. They are also dangerous. Ask a vet. They treat many "hit by car" injuries suffered by dogs that were on a retractable when the owner didn't react quickly enough. There is also the potential for injury when the dog wraps the leash around a person or another dog. And in many places they are illegal, i.e. the leash laws specify 6 foot maximum leash length.
  • 0 Votes
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    @Shaye's: Just give your boy his space, gently try to pick him up and quit when he resists, rub his belly any way he will let you, and eventually, he'll calm down for you probably. I would respectfully disagree with quitting when he resists…....you are then reinforcing the resistance. If you can anticipate and release before you get resistance, that would be best, but if he starts to resist best to wait a moment and release as soon as he is quiet, which tells him what behaviour will get him what he wants. Reward profusely when he doesn't resist. When you know they don't like something, look for a tiny bit of success and build on it gradually. When you do get acceptance, don't insist on maintaining the position for very long. :)
  • 0 Votes
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    I thought hydraneas were poisonous to dogs?
  • 0 Votes
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    I've decided on the name Faithful. It's the name of a cat in one of the series by Tamora Pierce, great read btw if ya like young adult fantasy type. Just didn't want a name bunches of pets might have like Mojo.
  • 0 Votes
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    It's good to hear that your boys are getting along so well. When you do have internet access then you can post more pictures and stories. I'm excited to hear about basenji's on boats.