A Basenji, a Volcano & a Clown Car
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So we're still enjoying Logan... a lot. He'll be 2 on Dec 13, so he's still a young guy. For some reason he's chosen me. Follows me anywhere on the property. I get on the couch; so does he. I go out the back door; so does he. I go into a room and close the door; he let's me know he's not happy. I sit down at a table; he plants himself under it till I get up. If my wife or son call him; he seeks my approval before going to them. I didn't do anything special. He just decided on his own. He's also a really affectionate dog. Thinks I'm a popsicle. Or, perhaps he thinks I'm a slob and wants me to be cleaner? He licks me constantly. I redirect him after a few seconds and he always stops. I've never been a fan of disciplining dogs with force. I haven't seen him be destructive at all either in the house or in the backyard. Really good manners.
One thing I still love, that is so foreign is that he will not set foot out the front door until I do. I praise him every time to reinforce this. I still won't open the door unless he's leashed or I have a firm hold on him. His prey drive is off the chart. There's an area in the county park near us that we've named "Logan's Run;" or "Squirrel Hollow." There are ground squirrels a go go there. They chirp when they see us coming and that sends Logan into orbit. Next thing is him reaching the end of the lead and pulling hard, standing up on the split rail fence and then turning to bite the leash. "Lemme Go Stupid Monkey!" This happens split second fast; although I'm always ready now, and he cannot control the urge. So... Mr. Logan will NOT be allowed off leash at all anywhere. Too bad. So sad.
Meanwhile we fixed all the bird feeders in the backyard and filled them with new seed. He get's a kick out of seeing the birds in the yard. He's starting to spend a little more time out there by himself, but usually I have to go out there with him. Like Jengo, Logan doesn't like closed doors. Prior to coming home with us, he's always been with a pack. This is the first time he's been on his own for this long, so we're being sensitive to that. Basketballs really bug him. Hates the sound, but also doesn't like seeing them either. We've brought one in the house and are trying to desensitize him. We don't want to torment him though, so we're going pretty slow.
One thing that he did that I LOVE LOVE LOVE was he exploded one day and started running full speed laps through the house. He accelerates quick, is fast at speed, has great traction and corners really well. Hope he does that again and often.
We've been taking two walks a day, but he and I did a 5 mile hike yesterday. He did really well, but I could tell he was a little tired once we got home. I brought water and snacks for him, tied a wet bandana around his neck and we stopped often. He's a really good walking/hiking partner with good manners... until he sees something he wants to chase. Not a complaint. He's doing what he's suppose to do. It's just really important to keep a good grip on the leash. Even with all the walking/hiking he's managed to pack on an extra .4 pounds.
Logan tunes in to a squirrel chirping from within it's burrow...
Astarte CH Logan's World (Ferrari show dog) all decked out during his hike through the dirt.
He's seen dogs, horses, squirrels, deer, sheep, goats, Blue Herons and lizards. Probably more, but those are what catch and hold his attention...
Taking a break on the trail...
Back at the barn lounging at home while making sure nothing slips by out the front window. A Basenji's day is busy!
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**@jengosmonkey said in A Basenji, a Volcano & a Clown Car
“One thing that he did that I LOVE LOVE LOVE was he exploded one day and started running full speed laps through the house. He accelerates quick, is fast at speed, has great traction and corners really well. Hope he does that again and often.”FYI - it’s called the The Basenji 500!
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@jengosmonkey Why all that heavy harness ? Even if you are not going to teach him recall or let him off - a simple collar and lead should suffice. He looks kitted out to do heavy duty weight pulling as they do in Sweden !
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@zande That's a good question! We used a choke collar made of nylon webbing for Jengo, who in his prime was a terrific puller. He always wanted to get someplace fast.
Over the years, Jengo wore all the fur off the front of his throat from pulling hard. He wasn't a show dog, so we didn't think much of it. When we brought him home from the vet and had to teach him to walk again they sent us home with a harness like the one you saw on Logan. We could support his weight by holding onto the harness while he regained control of his rear legs. Also, he'd had a trach tube while in an induced comma, and the harness didn't put any pressure on his neck allowing his throat to heal. We wished we'd been smarter and started using one on him when he was much younger. It just never occurred to us. The collar couldn't have been too good for his neck and throat over the years. Definitely took all the fur with it.
Logan pulls just as hard when the prey drive hits. So, we're using the harness to protect his fur, neck and throat, but looking at the picture of Logan in his harness... it needs to be loosened up a tad at the mid section.
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That is exactly why I advocate a Gentle Leader. NOT a No-Pull.
A Gentle Leader exerts no pressure or rubbing on the fur (which I abhor anyway) and allows the dog to enjoy his exercise without coming to any harm.
But another thought occurs to me. Have you never thought of training your Basenji to walk nicely on a lead and not pull ?
It is not that difficult.
Mine have always been trained to run free and come back when called - 38 years of them. I counted the graves at the bottom of the tennis court the other day - a great many since we had up to 8 at a time. Individually, they were all fine on a lead too.
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@zande said in A Basenji, a Volcano & a Clown Car:
But another thought occurs to me. Have you never thought of training your Basenji to walk nicely on a lead and not pull ?
It is not that difficult.
No, it isn't but requires patience, especially with a dog that has been used to pulling (which flexy leads quite efficiently teach them to do). If you have a dog that generally walks nicely but can get excited at times, I find a wide martingale collar works well when you need control and does not harm the neck. Mine was 3" wide at the front, and padded. I teach my dogs to walk on a slack leash by refusing to move forward when the leash is taut. After awhile most dogs figure out that it is not rewarding to pull! But there are those moments then some major stimulus causes the dog to leap ahead, and the martingale collar makes this easy to control.
Harnesses, IMO, are not very useful and it is difficult to control a dog when you don't have control of his head. In a worst case scenario with transferred aggression, your dog might turn and bite you in his frustration and with a harness you may very well not be able to prevent it!
"In order to get along with a Basenji, you have to be at least half as smart as the dog!"
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@eeeefarm said in A Basenji, a Volcano & a Clown Car:
but requires patience. . .
You mean there are aspects of life with a Basenji that don't. eeeefarm ?!?!
@eeeefarm said in A Basenji, a Volcano & a Clown Car:
Harnesses, IMO, are not very useful and it is difficult to control a dog when you don't have control of his head.
Exactly - control of the dog's head is all-important and with a Gentle Leader you get it. Get the dog trained properly and then you can move on to a Martingale - or a straight forward Whippet collar with the wide front.
When I started out in Basenjis, harnesses were rarely seen. They seem to have become a substitute these days for proper training. I applaud the loose lead idea too. It is the way I have always shown my dogs and so out on the roads they became accustomed to just walking along - until a distraction arrives ! In which case, like you, I stopped. Slack lead and forwards again. Not until though !
These days my back would not tolerate a pulling dog and Mku is super, on and off the lead.
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@zande said in A Basenji, a Volcano & a Clown Car:
That is exactly why I advocate a Gentle Leader. NOT a No-Pull.
A Gentle Leader exerts no pressure or rubbing on the fur (which I abhor anyway) and allows the dog to enjoy his exercise without coming to any harm.
I'd never heard of a Gentle Leader until you mentioned it. I looked it up, it seems really easy to use and less than $20. I think I'll pop for one and give it a try. Logan walks really well with me and if he does get ahead of me he stops right away with a small tug. It's mostly the squirrels that send him into overdrive and that's when the pulling gets hard. Although, he seems to want to chase a sheep too more so than a goat. But, you're right... I really should spend more time training him to stay with me.
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@eeeefarm said in A Basenji, a Volcano & a Clown Car:
@zande said in A Basenji, a Volcano & a Clown Car:
But another thought occurs to me. Have you never thought of training your Basenji to walk nicely on a lead and not pull ?
It is not that difficult.
No, it isn't but requires patience, especially with a dog that has been used to pulling (which flexy leads quite efficiently teach them to do). If you have a dog that generally walks nicely but can get excited at times, I find a wide martingale collar works well when you need control and does not harm the neck. Mine was 3" wide at the front, and padded. I teach my dogs to walk on a slack leash by refusing to move forward when the leash is taut. After awhile most dogs figure out that it is not rewarding to pull! But there are those moments then some major stimulus causes the dog to leap ahead, and the martingale collar makes this easy to control.
Harnesses, IMO, are not very useful and it is difficult to control a dog when you don't have control of his head. In a worst case scenario with transferred aggression, your dog might turn and bite you in his frustration and with a harness you may very well not be able to prevent it!
Thanks. I really do appreciate the coaching. I'll try your slack leash method.
I admit that training hasn't been a strength or of tremendous interest to me. But, Logan is really responsive, and wants to be around me constantly. So, I've been thinking he might be a good partner to train, and I think he might enjoy it. Obviously I need to get trained more that Logan. I've begun looking into Agility Training, possibly Lure Coursing, or maybe I just need to start with basic obedience training. I've looked at some info on AKC's site, BCOA's site and the Basenji Club of Northern California's site, which have been helpful. I'd really like to talk with someone local to find out how to get started, but it's a bit unclear who to reach out to. Any suggestions?
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@jengosmonkey - You might reach out to Lisa Voss, Kinetic Basenjis. You can find Lisa on FB. She does some OB and Rally... as far as coursing, NONE around here, the clubs are OK with putting them on however the locations are NOT...sigh. Lisa is in the Sac area... I am in Pleasanton and do coursing when we have them...
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@jengosmonkey said in A Basenji, a Volcano & a Clown Car:
I admit that training hasn't been a strength or of tremendous interest to me.
A well trained dog that knows the parameters set for it, knows its proscribed limits, will always be a happier dog and a better companion. I figured from your posts that you were not engaging in any training, and hadn't with your previous Basenji. The other activities are great, but do get hold of basic training. Then when you meet up with lots of other Basenjis and their owners, you will be in complete control of your own dog.
Spend the $20 and watch that training video until it is engraved on your memory. I just did, even though I am well versed in the use of a Gentle Leader as a training tool. It is helpful and should be watched by everyone who had a pulling dog they need to control.
It will start you off on the use of a slack lead too.
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@tanza Thank you very much for the referral. I'll definitely reach out to Lisa.
@zande I ordered the Gentle Leader. It'll be here Monday. As much as I enjoy watching videos of Lure Coursing and Agility... they scare me. I don't have any confidence that I can control a dog in a situation like that. I envision much ensuing mayhem and the dog shrinking to a dot in the sunset as it disappears forever. I'm just not sure how to train myself to train the dog if that makes sense. Videos will get me started, but I learn much faster through doing and getting feedback. Again, I do appreciate your guidance.
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@jengosmonkey said in A Basenji, a Volcano & a Clown Car:
As much as I enjoy watching videos of Lure Coursing and Agility... they scare me. I don't have any confidence that I can control a dog in a situation like that.
Which is why you need to gently build up your confidence. Once you are sure of yourself, the dog will gain confidence in you and you will both be more relaxed.
Start with using the gentle leader around the block. Get him used to it in the way shown on the video. Put it on and off a few times and give him a small piece of kibble as a treat - as I have explained many times, I portion out the day's kibble ration and then use that as well for treats and rewards. This means the dogs get no more than their daily ration of food but think they are getting a treat. . .
Then take him for a short walk, letting the lead go slack when you are not actually steering the Basenji around a corner. As you both gain confidence, go for longer walks and then unhook the nose piece and clip it back. You will still have control of his head because of the configuration of the lead.
Always start each walk with the nose piece on just until you are sure you are in control (of yourself as much as anything else !) and throw away the harness and use a light leather collar with the gentle leader.
I always stress that part of any training exercise is the use of voice. Talk to the dog, encourage him and praise him when it is due.
It needn't be long before you can progress onto a whippet collar, nicely padded in the front of the neck but don't throw the GL away. Use it once in a while to reinforce the training. Keep the boy reminded of what you expect of him.
Next progression will be sauntering nonchalantly around among a pack of other Basenjis at a coursing event, secure in the knowledge that you trust your dog and he trusts you !
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It takes time. Work with him. I take my rescue b to a dog park where we walk on trails. He was 3.5 yrs old when I adopted him and we worked on recall. After 3 years, we are at the point where he walks well on leash (even a flexi leash!) and off leash (but never in an unfenced area). He stays near me in the park off leash and comes when he is called even when other dogs are getting aggressive. It is such a joy to whistle for him when I can't see him, and he comes racing towards me at full speed! It's beautiful to see.
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@tanza I had my wife reach out to Lisa Voss via FB and she responded! Again, thank you for the referral. I will treat your kindness with respect.
@Pawla, @Zande, and @eeeefarm. I tried the slack leash training a bit today. Yes, it will take some patience that's for sure. He responded some, but stimulus sets him off and I like to walk him where there is plenty of that. So for training I'm going to have to change locations that's for sure.
I love the flexi leash because I want my dog to be able to satisfy an urge now and again. What I'd really like is for him to wait for permission to take the line. I'd love for him to walk slack, see a squirrel, look back at me, and wait for me to say go, or not. It's a dream. I like working with him though and he seems to want my praise, so maybe...
Meanwhile, I've noticed the longer the walk, the more confidence he is at home. Noises and people walking into the room don't startle him if he's been on a long walk.
New collar is here Monday. Still, I like that he's happy...
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@jengosmonkey said in A Basenji, a Volcano & a Clown Car:
I love the flexi leash
DO be careful with a flexi. I hate them and will never use them. Too much potential for damage if the dog runs fast out to the limit and is then abruptly brought to a stop.
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@pawla said in A Basenji, a Volcano & a Clown Car:
It is such a joy to whistle for him when I can't see him, and he comes racing towards me at full speed! It's beautiful to see.
Isn't it though !!! I took Mku out for a proper walk yesterday for the first time since knee replacement surgery.
He met lots of canine friends and escorted them along their journey for a while but as soon as I whistled, back he came, sprinting flat out. Utterly gorgeous sight and well worth all these weeks (pre- and post-op) of pain.
Paul and Sue, a neighbour, have been taking him by turns while I wasn't able to and Paul has him on his own again today (I did a little too much yesterday. I did about 1.5 miles of woodland trails through the forest and over tree-roots - Mku covered much more ground) but from tomorrow I will be walking my own Basenji again - nothing can be nicer !
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@zande I'm glad to hear you're recovering from your surgery and get back to dog walking duties. Don't overdo it!
I realize most people hate flexi leashes, and I understand why. However for me I can make it work. I used to walk 3 basenjis on flexies. If you're not extremely and constantly vigilant, it can be a disaster. It also depends on where you're walking and whether or not you have the kind of flexi that has the thick Ribbon or the tiny, thin leg cutting cord. I have scars behind my knees from when I was a beginner. I'm sure this has already been discussed ad nauseam on this forum and I don't want to beat a dead horse. That being said, most people should not use a Flexi.
@JENGOSMonkey When I first adopted my b, he was super reactive to stimuli like other dogs and animals. He would spin like Linda Blair in The Exorcist. You have to be quick to stop him before he reacts. Even with the Gentle Leader.. Be proactive and anticipate what could happen. Make him look at you, sit or whatever you can do to get his attention off the other thing and on you. Believe it or not, he will improve. It just takes a little time, patience, consistent, gentle leadership and pawsitive reinforcement. Work on the recall. I can't say that enough. If you see a squirrel before he does, head in the other direction, call his name, make him come to you and make a big deal out of how good he was to come to you. When walking past other dogs, make a negative sound like tsch or unh unh and command him to "walk nice". Try to catch him walking nice and tell him what a good boy he is. "What a nice walk!" Try to catch him doing well and praise the desired behavior. My Moj literally strutts when I praise him for walking nice. It's so cute.
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@pawla You and I speak the same language ! I too have managed with three dogs on flexis - and even 7 on varying length normal leads (pictures on my website) while progressing down the road and eating an apple. The flexis were short-lived though. I found a rock-solid re-call was much easier on me and on the dogs !
And yes - they positively purr when praised for doing the right thing -
Am just about to put the boots on and take Mku out !!! Whoopeeeee !
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The Easy Leader showed up yesterday, a day early, but it was the wrong size. I used their weight based sizing chart, but the nose strap was much too short. Replacement will be here Wednesday.
@Pawla You're coaching tips are great! I really appreciate you including common commands too. For instance, we taught Jengo Pee Pee. Tried that command on Logan, but he just looked at me and whined. "I don't know what you're telling me!" Talked to Stella and she said the command was Potty. Used that and Bam! We're in business, or at least he's doing his, which is what we wanted. I started using "Walk Nice", planting myself when he reaches the end of the lead, and lots of praise. I also found a treat bag with a belt clip that I had tucked away and filled it with some rewards. He really does well with the praise and an occasional treat. I just need to get consistent with the commands and be more clear about what I want him to do. He got keyed up on a squirrel this morning, I reeled him him, put him on a sit and made him look at me. He started to settle so I gave him a treat and then he was fine. Did the same when we came up on another dog. I've got feelers out for some local coaching, but so far this forum is really helping. Thank you!
