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New Behavior - clacking her teeth

Behavioral Issues
  • Shaye's MomS

    For about a week, Shaye has been showing some odd behavior. For no reason, while sitting around, or sometimes when walking, she will clack her teeth as though chomping at something but nothing is there, and she has not just eaten. It only lasts a few seconds. Sometimes it seems like she thinks she ought to be chomping at something because at the end she'll turn and bite her tail a time or two, but she also does this without further actions. Anyone know what this is? Have you seen it?:confused:

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  • tanzaT

    Bitches will clack their teeth during breeding season, usually after smelling another bitches pee… and will do so, spayed or not... and this is Basenji breeding season

    Can't answer about biting the tail part

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

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  • MacPackM

    Males get 'clacky-teeth' when they smell a female in heat, maybe there is a female around and Shaye smells her perfume!.

    Anne in Tampa

    Chipley, Missy & Lucky

    Topper, Nicky & Eddie in the clouds

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  • Shaye's MomS

    Wow, that is very interesting. I don't know of any females around who are not spayed, and she does it mainly at home, but at least that's a thought. I was afraid it was some sort of seizure or something. Every day we learn more about these B's - they are indeed a breed apart! Thanks, I'll worry less now.

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  • DebraDownSouthD

    Okay that is funny. I have yet to see basenjis do it. I have seen dogs angry or frustrated (other breeds) do it. Will one of you folks PLEASE try to film it so I am not missing in the experience! :)

    Debra

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  • eeeefarmE

    I had a (spayed) bitch that used to do that…...usually sniffed something, then clacked her teeth. She seemed to do it more as she got older. I had forgotten about it until I saw this thread. :)

    In horses it is a sign of submission. Foals do it, and usually outgrow it, but I have a 25 year old mare that will still teeth clack on occasion.......usually when she is in heat and shining up to my gelding! Go figure.....

    "In order to get along with a Basenji, you have to be at least half as smart as the dog!"

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  • C

    strange behavior

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    DebraDownSouthD
    First, yeah they do the flip and butt in face. I see it as invitation to play/chase mostly. Kind of shaking my head here over the rest. You already have a breed known for dominance and protectiveness of property/family with the Boerboel. Basenjis (I assume you mean 6.5 not 65 years old :) ) are not known for tolerating same sex. Sometimes they do, but not a sure bet. Plus, your Boerboel is still a puppy. By age 2 or 3, that compliance with the Basenji being alpha can go down the drain at a drop of a hat. That happens, and he hasn't killed the basenji... you have to keep 2 packs running, ensuring they never have contact. Then you bring in a mixed breed... which is all a Mastador is. No way on earth to know how much it will take after the lab side or the Mastiff. AND it's another male. So now you have potentially 3 dog aggressive male dogs, with 2 of them large enough to inhale the basenji. I am not sure about the breeders who placed the Boerboel, certainly not the owners letting you bring in the Mastador. I want my male dogs to have a chance of a peaceful, unstressful life. I think the chances in your home are already approaching really low numbers, and the Mastador is going to bring that closer to zero. The safety of that poor basenji is beyond precarious. I wouldn't want those 3 males in the most experienced of homes, one already fully ready to and experienced in running separate packs. I sincerely hope you reconsider the Mastador. And no, getting a female won't help. Until the Boerboel is fully mature and you have a handle on what your pack is, adding any dog is going to up the risk of issues.
  • agilebasenjiA

    Poopy behaviors

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    TimesthemythT
    This is an interesting thread. Any afghan owners notice this in their dogs as well? When Beo was younger, back when I was using the crate with him, when he would have a 'poop' accident he would take a blanket and use his nose to encircle said accident, didn't do the same thing with pee accidents….I don't know if it's the same thing or not, honestly I think he just wanted it as far away from him as possible. He still does this mounding behavior with like bones and the like; he'll use his nose and push a blanket or something on top of it, and then further us his nose to bunch it up into a relatively good looking circle shape. He won't have anything to do with dog feces now though ....he prefers to go in the bushiest/covered area he can find, and then wants absolutely nothing to do with it afterwards (I have to literally drag him through public areas where there's a lot of dog poop lying around).... It is kind of funny to see his "wide-eyed, EW! ICK!" reaction when he accidentally steps in some. Seems like it's more common for basenjis to half halfheartedly attempt to bury it, as opposed to take the time to cover it up with their noses?
  • Heinz57H

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    NemoN
    A way to do what Debra is suggesting in a game format is Crate Games, which you can get on DVD. You said this happens when you are getting ready to leave. Pay attention to exactly what you are doing before you leave and then see how your dog is reacting. You should be able to pick up on the cues that your dog is picking up on. You can try changing the pattern of how you get ready and potentially remove the cue to lessen the behavior until you can build the good associations others described. visit BCOA on Facebook. http://facebook.com/basenji.org
  • basenjiprinceB

    Very bad behavior

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    Buddys PalB
    Hey Melissa, How did it go over the weekend? Did you get it to where the enclosed area can be his place while you are at work? I have had a B for 71/2 months now. They are unique on the one hand with some breed specifics, but a dog none the less. Any dog needs exercise and mental stimulation(esp B's! A tired Basenji is a Happy One!) and since they are social animals, they need companionship. It sounds like you are strapped financially like us all, but I can only offer you three alternatives: 1)doggy day care or a sitter, 2)another dog, 3)get him to a home where his needs will be met. It's not to be mean or belittle you, it is just that being fustrated is not healthy for you mentally or physically, nor your little boy.
  • MiaM

    Teeth chatter

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    mauigirlM
    @Andrew: We just said he was speaking African Haha! Love it.
  • youngandtiredY

    Strange behavior!!!

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    P
    I think you should go back to your vets especially as this has been happenig ever since the emergency surgery. It could just be coincidence I suppose, but if she were mine I'd want to check. As Pat says more information is needed before suggestions can be given.