Simba the Basenji mix

[pacoparrot]

This is Simba…

He is approximately 3-4 years old and according to my vet, is a basenji mix. His past is a little mysterious. I found him with some friends while driving back from Binghamton, NY one night. He was pretty much starved with ribs showing and dirty fur. His collar was way too tight, which leads me to believe he was out there for a while. My friend kept him for a few months but it didn't work out so he came to live with me. He is one of the family here and he's my stuffed animal when I sleep, lol. Very playful. He almost never barks, mostly just howls and yodels. He also has a very strong mouth and can destroy pretty much any dog toy. I also have been having a bit of trouble training him some commands. He behaves for the most part but I would like to train him a little more. I have had him for over a year now. Thanks everyone!

[eeeefarm]

Welcome to the forum. Simba looks like a happy fellow, and sure sounds like he has lots of Basenji traits. What training methods are you using? I have found clicker training effective for teaching new behaviours. Which commands are giving you trouble? Coming when called can be a challenge for Basenjis.

[pacoparrot]

He's got coming to his name down path, but he will only sit or lay down if I have a treat to lure him into position. He's also making progress with bringing his toy back instead of running away with it and leaving it somewhere. I haven't been using my clicker but I think I will start!

[eeeefarm]

@pacoparrot:

…..he will only sit or lay down if I have a treat to lure him into position. He's also making progress with bringing his toy back instead of running away with it and leaving it somewhere. I haven't been using my clicker but I think I will start!

Yes, you can fix all this with the clicker. I am not a fan of luring, as you can get "stuck" with the dog expecting a bribe and not bothering to do the behaviour otherwise. You want to fade the lure as quickly as possible, possibly using your empty hand as a bridge, but really, sometimes lures get in the way of the animal actually understanding what you are requesting. Clicker training make things much more clear to the dog, IMO. If you haven't used a clicker, or have any questions as to how to proceed, there is a lot of information on line. This link has an interesting article on teaching sit and down with a lure, and how and why to fade the lure:

http://www.clickerlessons.com/sitdownstand.htm

I actually prefer to "capture" the behaviour, rather than luring it, and since you have been luring it might be good to change your approach. More information here:

http://www.clickertraining.com/node/598

As far as retrieving, I prefer to start by teaching "pick it up", so that my dog understands that means pick up whatever object is indicated. You can proceed from that to naming the objects, and eventually to having him bring you the thing you request.

[Patty]

Welcome to you and Simba - you'll find plenty of help here with your training.

[Moth]

Welcome to you and Simba…