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Basenji teaches a toddler to walk

Behavioral Issues
  • My first basenji (Sundance Liberty Bell - Bell for short - born in 1976) was such a good dog with kids. My sisters family lived with us for a few months while looking for a house. My niece was just old enough to learn how to walk. Bell was so patient with her - she would let Liz (my Niece) grab onto her pliable basenji skin and pull herself up. Then Bell would slowly walk along with Liz getting her to take her first steps. When Bell had had enough, she would just crawl under one of the soft chairs that had a skirt around it so she could disappear. She never bit any of the kids, but was always patient with them. Just make sure they have some private space to escape to when they have had enough.

  • I thought my guy was the only one who did this! I love how they are just the right size for a toddler learning how to walk.

    Rocky would walk slowly beside my daughter and when she fell down, he'd patiently wait until she got up again. When he'd had enough of it, he'd quirm away and go to his kennel or bed.

    And people say they aren't family dogs….

  • OMG!!! :eek: that is so incredible!!! I pray & pray that one of my dogs will be good with kids. We hope to have them one day & they are so incredibly spoiled with us now…

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    P
    Congratulations on the future new addition. Boy/girl is a good combination. As others have advised let them meet on neutral ground and take them for a long walk together. For every good interaction praise both inordinately. As Curlytails says don't rush it. Keep us posted, please and best wishes to you all.
  • Basenjis that can't stand other basenjis

    Behavioral Issues
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    wizardW
    My previous males never had an opportunity to meet other basenjis (outside their breeder kennel) so don't know if the experience with my current female is "typical" or not. The first time she encountered another, it was a tri-color older female that was a real bitch and instantly got aggressive (now whenever they see each other its "hackles up"). The first time I took her to a lure coursing event, mine was friendly enough until a little blind female came up and bit her. The second time I took her to a LGRA event, a lady came up behind us (while mine was trying to potty) with her tricolor female and her dog attacked mine. So now hackles go up any time another female comes within shouting distance.
  • Walking issues

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    QuercusQ
    I always offer my clients a choice. They can train their dog to heel in the same position each time, or they can train their dog to simply be enjoyable to walk with (to pay attention, not pull, not criss-cross in front, or tangle up) So far every single one, scores of clients, have chosen to have a polite walker, not a perfect one. With my own dogs, the only time we work on 'heel' is when we are training for Rally. In the show ring I want them in front a little bit, and on a walk, I want them on the "fun" side of the trail. Now, they do sometimes forget with the stimulus is overwhelming…squirrel, etc...but usually I can do some attention work with them right away and get them back under control. Those of you who see me walking my dogs at the National will probably laugh...I am bringing my two WORST trained dogs...one is virtually resistant to training, and the other just hasn't had the training time he needs..it will be quite a circus :)
  • My basenji turned on me :(

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    ldortonL
    Makes sense. Thanks.
  • My Basenji training

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    jys1011J
    WOW!!!..Words to live by!! I commend you for all the effort it sounds like you've put into your dogs. I wish people were more like you…and your mantra should be placed on every B owner's refrigerator door :D :D It's all about knowing your dog & KNOWING their limitations. Respect is key and so is a no tolerance policy. At least that's how it is at our house! :) BTW-I went to a Basenji Fun Match...and A LOT of B's are bitchy snarky little fur balls. Rest assured yours are not the exception. Mine are exactly the same way but we work with them every day on this!
  • Basenji Watchdog

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    MantisM
    it is just socialization….my australian shepard was that way with men with facial hair because my dad and brother were always clean shaven....