Skip to content
Basenji Forums
  1. Home
  2. Behavioral Issues
  3. Chewing problems

Chewing problems

Behavioral Issues
  • I

    Hello,

    My 10 week old Basenji puppy Aurora loves to chew. She chews everything, including people and it can hurt a bit. Unless she is sleeping or winding down from playing if she can get a hold of your fingers she will. I know lots of puppies chew its a phase a lot of them go through but out of all the puppies i have had i have never had a puppy bite and chew this much. I have just been ignoring her when she does it by putting her back onto the floor and refusing to play with her if she bites. Does anyone have any good suggestions on how to deal with this? Any replies will be helpful.

    Thank You!
    attachment_t_13095_0_my-girl.jpg

    0
  • S

    It sounds like all of us with 10 week olds are having the same problem. Pretty sure we all have to just stick it out. I'm sure it'll pass. Scarab is doing the same thing. x)

    Sheryl Q.

    Oceanside, CA

    owned by 3 Basenjis

    0
  • KipawaK

    @i<3mybasenji:

    I have just been ignoring her when she does it by putting her back onto the floor and refusing to play with her if she bites. Thank You!

    That is one good way to work on the nipping/biting issue. She's attempting to entice you to play, but she has to learn that what she is doing is not the right way to initiate play. How old was your Aurora when you got her? Puppies learn the first phases of bite inhibition with their mothers/siblings. Make sure Aurora gets plenty of exercise and good safe dog toys to chew. And continue what you are doing (the ignoring). If you make a fuss when she bites, she's learning that she is getting attention, which is what she wants. Be consisitent.

    Fran Harder, BAB

    With Barney in my heart

    0
  • tanzaT

    @seaslugg:

    It sounds like all of us with 10 week olds are having the same problem. Pretty sure we all have to just stick it out. I'm sure it'll pass. Scarab is doing the same thing. x)

    Welcome to the forum…. who did you get Scarab from? Many of us are related by our Basenjis, especially here on the West Coast

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

    0
  • I

    I got her when she was 8 weeks old. She has lots of toys and lots of walks and play time. Thank you for confirming i was taking the right approach with this.

    0
  • R

    Basenjis chew,this s a fact of life.
    It might sound like a crazy thing to do,but I bite my pups back.
    It teaches them that I'M THE BOSS !
    It has worked for me for the almost 36 years that I've lived with
    the little beastys.
    You can call me crazy,or wrong
    I don't care
    Works for me,and my dogs all respect me,and love me.

    Kathryn

    0
  • B

    My 10 week old is doing the same thing, constant biting despite ignoring her and stopping play when it happens. I did get bitter apple spray from the pet store and she won't go near anyones feet or ankles when we spray them.

    0
  • I

    I got my basenji Aurora from Beaubri basenji in BC.

    0
  • Shaye's MomS

    @Rocky1:

    Basenjis chew,this s a fact of life.
    It might sound like a crazy thing to do,but I bite my pups back.
    It teaches them that I'M THE BOSS !
    It has worked for me for the almost 36 years that I've lived with
    the little beastys.
    You can call me crazy,or wrong
    I don't care
    Works for me,and my dogs all respect me,and love me.

    Kathryn

    Wow, Kathryn - that's funny! I'm sure you just nibble a little. Their feet smell like Tostitos, so just wondering -does the rest of the dog taste like a snack??? LOL

    0

Suggested Topics

  • I

    Crate Problem

    Behavioral Issues
    13
    0 Votes
    13 Posts
    7k Views
    S
    Yesterday it was three poops on the morning walk :-)
  • B

    Chewing Toys

    Behavioral Issues
    24
    0 Votes
    24 Posts
    9k Views
    MacPackM
    With all this talk about elf, er, elk meat, is it time for everyone to re-read the (yes, true) story of Dogs in Elk??? If you have never read this old 'chat list' discussion, be sure and empty your bladder first. http://www.webtree.ca/tree/keeper/dogs_in_elk.htm
  • I

    Walking Problems

    Behavioral Issues
    4
    0 Votes
    4 Posts
    1k Views
    I
    I am not sure what kind of harness I have and can't find a 'proper' name for it online. This link shows what it looks like although I didn't purchase it from this site: http://www.dog.com/item/adjustable-nylon-harness-black/ . I have double checked and it isn't pinching or pulling them in anyway. It is not really tight, but is a little snug so I don't loose control of them when I am walking them. One dog I have had for awhile and at first she liked it (I actually got it on loan from the rescue where I got her to use and had to end up buying it from them because she got out of all other leads that I had for her - think she just wanted that particular one). After being fine with it for around a month she no longer wants to put it on. I have to lure her into it and put it over her head…once it gets over her head she will sit and lift her leg nicely for you to put it all the way on. The new dog hasn't been here two weeks yet and acts like her about the harness - he too liked it when he came, but now no. Any help would be great - I really lilke the harness because I feel like I am not hurting them too much, can keep control on them, and feel secure that they won't get loose using the harness. I have seen the one's that go all the way around them with the harness clip at the top but not sure if it would be safe to use - they could probably escape? Not sure what to do from here..but they have to walk and will have to use a lead. The gentle leader I feel will not keep him or her secure. I live in an apartment but we are around a lake with tons of land and wild animals. They are always trying to track something and with the surroundings so inviting they will be gone if they get loose. TristA
  • MiaM

    Chewing nails

    Behavioral Issues
    12
    0 Votes
    12 Posts
    5k Views
    RivermoonR
    My first basenji used to bite his nails all the time. He especially liked doing it around 2 in the morning.:eek:
  • C

    More peeing problems??

    Behavioral Issues
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    2k Views
    C
    thanks to all your suggestions. this is the second day/night now and she has peed outside. She has started to go towards the door when she needs to go to do a pee, so i've let her out..stayed with her until she does (which has been very quick, it used to take 5 or so minutes but now only 5 seconds..which is great!! She gets alot of praise when she does and she is quickly allowed back inside. Fingers crossed it stays that way!! Yes all bedroom & toilet doors shut..i learnt not to let her out of our sight as she is very sneaky??? One more question which i find odd..why is there a need for her to clean up after herself after peeing on the floor or her bed??
  • youngandtiredY

    Greeting Problem

    Behavioral Issues
    3
    0 Votes
    3 Posts
    2k Views
    M
    Amen to the leash. That was my salvation in terms of fear of Gibby bolting out or jumping on visitors. After many months of making this the norm, he now sits and waits for the leash to go on and allows people in without immediately jumping on them. Naturally, he is curious after he is unleashed but he doesn't feel the need to jump up to get attention. With B's it sure does take months of reinforcement to get the concept identified but they will respond if you are consistent.