Skip to content

Why Won’t My Basenji Poop for Me

Moved Basenji Health Issues & Questions
  • I have a 7 yo Basenji who is very attached to me and has lived with me since 9 weeks old. Lately, he refuses to poop when we go out for walks. He goes right away if my father or friends walk him. Since I live alone, it isn’t always possible to get someone else to take him out so he ends up just farting for hours. Changing or repeating locations or schedules seems to make no difference. Any advice?

  • Has something happened that makes him think you don't want him to poop? It's not unusual for Basenjis to be difficult about defecation, but this situation where the problem seems to be confined to you seems odd. Did he perhaps have an "accident" in the house that you chastised him for, or something of that nature? Alternatively, did something happen on a walk with you that frightened him just as he was "finding the right spot"?

    You could try matching him (use a paper match or similar to stimulate the anus) and perhaps get him back into the routine of pooping when you are walking him.

  • Basenjis can be kind of odd about pooping. Some are fine, although most seem to dislike rain so they don’t want to hang around and poop if it’s raining.

    Out of my three dogs, my latest one will not poop on a walk unless he knows we are headed back to the car. He will hold it until we turn around or he is sure that we are headed home. Kind of odd really, but they do have their quirks.

  • If this has only just started after all this time. I would think that somehow you've given him the message that you don't approve. Are you able to identify any incident?

  • How long last your walks?

  • I just have to say that I am glad to find out that Basenji's are ones to not poo on command. :) Mine can hold it and hold it and HOLD IT which I always found strange. Now I know it's "normal". He also likes to be discreet about it. They certainly are quirky but I wouldn't have any other breed!

    And just to comment on the rain - he's a not normal Basenji! That's when he walks the longest and farthest, I figure it somehow brings out the hunt instinct in him. I know any time it's pouring, I'm in for an hour walk. :umbrella_with_rain_drops: On a bright and sunny day, it's out the front door - survey the surroundings - back inside. Go figure!

  • Basenjis can also change their mind, even when they have "found the spot" and "assumed the position", if something distracting comes along. I have witnessed poop starting to appear, only to be sucked back inside because my dog spotted something disconcerting or interesting. Basenjis can be very frustrating at times! (usually when one is in a hurry to get things over with) :-)

  • @eeeefarm said in Why Won’t My Basenji Poop for Me:

    Basenjis can also change their mind, even when they have "found the spot" and "assumed the position", if something distracting comes along. I have witnessed poop starting to appear, only to be sucked back inside because my dog spotted something disconcerting or interesting. Basenjis can be very frustrating at times! (usually when one is in a hurry to get things over with) :-)

    It is a remarkable talent for sure!

  • You aren’t walking him far enough. He will go if you extend your walk. Also keep a treat in your pocket to reward him after he goes.

Suggested Topics

  • 0 Votes
    20 Posts
    3k Views
    A
    Fast and Sneaky great names for a pair‼️ Happy to read that all is well.
  • Freaking out at her own poop!

    Behavioral Issues
    10
    0 Votes
    10 Posts
    2k Views
    chenkeC
    Teki would act like that when her anal glands were bothering her or something like a hair’s stuck also
  • 0 Votes
    8 Posts
    6k Views
    O
    I mix a little pumpkin into my B's food several times a week. Most dogs like it, and it's good for their digestive track. I buy organic when it's available, but you can always find Libby's 100% pure pumpkin (no sugar) and it's often on sale for $1 a can. The OP hasn't returned, so I hope that's a sign that the sick little guy is doing better.
  • Carsick Basenji

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    4
    0 Votes
    4 Posts
    2k Views
    eeeefarmE
    My first girl got carsick. I used Dramamine (Gravol) for her. Luckily she outgrew the problem, because every time I had to pill her the neighbours thought I was killing her. She screamed her head off! (and of course spit out the pill). She did best riding loose in the back seat. That was in the '60s, and we didn't worry about such things…...
  • Basenji in Alaska

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    22
    0 Votes
    22 Posts
    9k Views
    wizardW
    I saw that you have a sewing machine – its not hard to make your own coat. I made one for my previous beasties with fleece and wool. I made it with a high colar (for the backside of the neck) and an indentation for the tail and a big belly and chest band (I used snaps at first but then switched to velcro). It worked pretty good for our single digit temps (and the occasional below zero walks to the corner). My current beastie refuses to go out the door with a coat on, however. When the outside temps are below 10F she won't stay outside any longer than necessary to go potty - the squirrels can run around all they want then! With respect to booties, mine will at least tolerate them when we go for walks but it's more for the road salt. However, the good pair I bought this year leak somehow (maybe through the stitching?) and she doesn't like them with they get wet inside. Nevertheless be sure you get the best you can find.
  • Itching Basenji!

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    15
    0 Votes
    15 Posts
    8k Views
    nobarkusN
    It's most likely a yeast infection. They get it in the ears quite often. Buddy has a yeast infection right now on his stomach.