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Basenji is waking up screaming in the middle of the night?

Behavioral Issues

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anp1107
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I got him at 10 weeks old from a local shelter. I was told that there was no abuse or neglect from the previous owners. They were an elderly couple that didn't have time to care for 4 puppies. He is 4 now and I'm not sure what he is mixed with. For the last 6 months he randomly wakes up screaming in the middle of the night. It is normally between midnight and 3:00 a.m. When I mean scream it is not some light yelp. This is a full out terrorizing almost human noise. The first time it happened I thought my neighbor was being attacked. It happened 6 times in the month of June and then stopped. The next time it happened was Thanksgiving weekend and then again last night. One night he woke up twice. It's not every night. It is completely random. He does not shake, convulse, or have his eyes shut when it's happening. He just sits or lays there. Most of the time he looks scared and aware that it is going on. One time I heard him yelp and I woke up to him jumping into bed with me and he started screaming. It takes normally 30 seconds to a minute to calm him down. He then wants to cuddle under the blanket. He sleeps on a dog pillow and blankets on the floor next to my bed every night.

I took him to the vet and he is completely baffled about what could be going on. They did bloodwork and xrays. He ruled out epilepsy. He tells me to just keep a log of when it happens. We have not changed his food. He hasn't experienced any new changes recently like a move, or new family member so I'm not sure what could be stressing him out. He does not do it when he naps. He could nap for hours on the couch and never make a peep.

Has anyone ever experienced anything like this? Or have advice on what could be wrong and how to help him? Could this be night terrors?
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I am not up to date on current rabies vaccines for dogs, but I know that in the past there was more than one formulation, as my next door neighbour's dog had an anaphylactic reaction when vaccinated and the vet made a note to use a different formulation for the next annual shot. In future the dog had no difficulties. There are known side effects to most vaccines. Aggression is not one I am familiar with, however, with rabies vaccination in countries that require it there isn't much choice. It would not be my first thought with an 18 month old dog showing aggression. Especially a Basenji objecting to being moved from a comfortable place.
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@Kananga:

I agree on the last post about playing vs. walking. I can take my Basenji on a walk for a solid hour and he won't be very tired. Encourage a few B-500s and play a few games with my B and he'll be napping in no time.

I think the short bursts of high intensity exercises become more effective at wearing these guys out. Just my opinion though.

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Spaying is not usually the answer so don't expect miracles! Please don't neglerct to follow advice given on the site.

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I feel for you, and you'll do what's best for you and your pup…My ex bf had adopted a bullmastiff/shepherd mix from the animal protective league, we were told he was dominant, difficult to walk on a leash, not well behaved in the home..what fools we were for believing all this..he was great in the home, great with humans, and great on a leash..in the back fenced in yard, until he saw another dog...he wasn't dominant, he was viscious..one particular day Max bent the gate door, and he bolted..right for a shepherd walking with his owner..scared us all, the police were called and we were given a warning..we paid their vet bill, and worked with Max...You could tell his previous owners had him properly trained..he listened so well, so well..until he saw a dog...we had taken him to many ball parks where my son was playing, children would climb all over him, he loved it..but with another dog, we held the leash tight, and kept him close..One unfortunate night, at a ball park, Max broke the leash out of my ex's hand and tore for a toy poodle, took it in his mouth..it was horrific..he did not kill the poodle, cut his ear up though...I think there is a difference between viscious and aggressive...

Anyhow, after speaking with several, and being advised this behavior would not change, he was older and his blood lust was deep, my ex chose for the safety of others, we could not keep him.

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I had spent many nights crying over this pup...but he's mine, and I'm his...

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Aw, what lovely photos…of lovely subjects! Happy belated birthdays to all!

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Basenji is waking up screaming in the middle of the night?

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