Skip to content

Update on Buddy (now 6 yrs old)

Behavioral Issues
  • Re: New 1 yr old Basenji/Lab mix

    Remembered this forum and wanted to pop in and give an update. Buddy is still doing great. As time went along, he began to show some of the more persnickety behavioral traits of some Basenji's . . . independent, aloof, tough to train sometimes.

    He's still not fond of thunder, but doesn't tremble like he used to. He's about 90% on recall, though usually puts his own spin on it ("Buddy come" . . . looks at me, stalls for a second, then trots over).

    He never chewed on anything, never peed on anything, no separation anxiety.

    All in all, very happy with him, and he seems pretty happy with me. My very alpha cat (cody) passed a few months ago and buddy didn't even really seem to notice much, but I took the opportunity to spend some extra time with him and give him some extra treats. He naturally enjoyed that.

    Hope y'all are doing well, and thanks again for the help.
    Jon!

  • Thanks for the update. Always nice to hear when things are going well!

  • Really good to have such a positive update!

  • Sounds like a healthy, decent, civilized B to me!

Suggested Topics

  • Hiperactive 16 month old B...

    Behavioral Issues
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    5k Views
    DebraDownSouthD
    @Muro-Pads said in Hiperactive 16 month old B...: He's 16 months old. I did hire a personal trainer, and accomplish basic training, basenji style with no immediate come, short stay and no heel what's so ever 😜 Lol. But now that you mention it, I haven't been paying much attention to brain stimulation. I will try that. Any games in mind? He won't fetch...not that I expect him to... Well, you should be able to get an immediate come in an enclosed area. Even if you use a 40 ft line and reel him in, it does help. And heeling... they can do it but it's more fun not to. :) My basenjis all played fetch, btw. I start out with them inside, tossing the toy up in the air, playing tug with it... get REALLY revved up...toss off bed. They get it, bring back. Happy reward, more play. Then I work to the hall way. And I had to admit, once outside, it's 20/80 on getting it back more than a time or 2. HOWEVER, I took a lunge whip, tied a toy to it, and can get them to chase it in circles til their tongues hang out. As for mind/senses use. Teach scent games. :) My daughter used peanut butter on treats and went in room, down hall, places in the house, eventually outside. She was 8 working with a rottweiler who has far less ability than our basenji. :) Here's a page with some tips http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/pets/dog-behavior/fun-nose-games-for-your-dog Dog toys that they have to manipulate to get the treat help. I have to admit mine never liked them unless they were so noisy you needed ear plugs. Favorite ever was a freaking heavy wigler milk jug which I could throw a few treats in, toss outside and let the dog knock it all over the yard getting the toy out. But not really that mind stimulating once they figure it out. I keep looking at this one but not sure how well Cara would go for it: http://www.amazon.com/TRIXIE-Pet-Products-Board-Level/dp/B0054Q9TMA/ref=pd_bxgy_199_img_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=1226G4ZQN61BFCV4RSE9
  • Old dog, old tricks

    Behavioral Issues
    4
    0 Votes
    4 Posts
    2k Views
    Patty MP
    Hi Jay, welcome! Did you have your dog posted on Craig's List? I'm grateful that you found our website, and that you are looking for solutions for Trey. Giving him away before addressing his behavior just pushes his issues onto someone else, who doesn't love him like your family does. If Trey hasn't been to the doctor, you may be able to find some low-cost vet options. When the economy gets tough and we all pinch pennies. It's easy to overlook checkups for our dogs, especially when the Dr says, "let's run some tests." :eek: That has $$$ all of it, you know? In Tampa, because the vet offices are slow, they are running great specials to keep busy. Maybe you (or your wife) can call around to find someone who will give Trey a good check up without costing an arm and a leg… I'm glad to hear that your daughter is in 4th grade (versus 4 years old), because she's at an age where she can respect Trey's boundaries. I don't think a basenji would simply chomp on someone without sometime of forwarning... unless he's sleeping, and wakes up grouchy? :confused: If that's the case, as long as everyone knows, I don't see her in imminent danger. Hopefully you or your wife can spend some time reading up on the quirks of a basenji. It's one thing to visit a basenji, and another to live with them. :) Like Anne said, the basenji breed is very smart and common training methods with other dogs don't necessarily work. Does Trey get along with your lab? Are they bonding? It is a lot of change for everyone in the house, including the dog.... mutual respect and love will go a long way. :) I hope it's a happy home for all, even if times are tough. I hope we can help you out!:)
  • Buddy the winter/rain trooper

    Behavioral Issues
    5
    0 Votes
    5 Posts
    1k Views
    BasenjimammaB
    good boy Buddy..
  • 0 Votes
    13 Posts
    4k Views
    agilebasenjiA
    @Jylly18: The only bad thing about the "trade" strategy, is that Tosca learned that everytime she takes something she shouldn't (DVD, Remote, etc) she will get a treat to give it back to me. This has actually reinforced the behavior more! So manipulative :) There are days I'd be happy for anyone to find the remote in this house! Just put it on a "find the remote" cue. (Or just put it up when you're finished with it. - nah)
  • UPDATE on Bitten & Constant Growling

    Behavioral Issues
    24
    0 Votes
    24 Posts
    7k Views
    DukeD
    About the JR type - Duke is probably Basenji-Jack Russell. I'm tellin' ya - I thought he was the craziest puppy on earth! He was about 12 weeks old and didn't know what he was. But thought it would be my advantage to train him young. Darn if all my efforts went down the drain with him. This was not a typical domesticated dog - at all. (More like a devil dog from hell.) But he was mine and thought he was better off with me than anywhere else, 'cause he was going to be trained one way or another with love. Today - he is well trained, but like was mentioned, he typically will respond to commands with the attitude of what it's worth to him. He's now almost 2 1/2 years old - sometimes obedient…sometimes rebelious and way happier since we added Daisy to the family. direy01 - kudos to you for loving Joey. I know the training is hard work - and exhausting - but your perseverence and repitition will be returned with pride and joy.
  • Destructive..why now???

    Behavioral Issues
    5
    0 Votes
    5 Posts
    2k Views
    senjiS
    They do always act up a little when he leaves but usually settle down. They usually just fight more, like they're trying to rework the pack order. This is the longest he has ever been gone. I guess we just hang in there and hope he comes home early…it's tough on all of us. Thanks for the help!!!!!