Skip to content

Why do they smack their lips?

Behavioral Issues

22/22

14 Sept 2007, 19:28

Suggested Topics

  • Will not pee

    Behavioral Issues 24 Oct 2023, 00:40
    1 Votes
    4 Posts
    2k Views
    I don't get other dogs in the yard but I do get foxes, she will sniff but isn't bothered.
  • Destructive behaviour

    Behavioral Issues 22 Feb 2023, 01:55
    0 Votes
    5 Posts
    1k Views
    I was a little pre-occupied earlier today, and Doodle displayed her displeasure at my constant delays... how? She got up on the sofa and did this little prancing-dancing thing. Like she was saying, "haha, look at me misbehaving". LOL oh yeah.... if that is her "breaking bad", I'm in trouble, she's got my heart!
  • 1 Votes
    4 Posts
    851 Views
    It would be useful to know more about this dog. Has resource guarding been an issue in the past? Has he bitten either you or your wife before? (a real bite, not playful nipping). Or anyone else? A dog that isn't used to children may be fearful of their loudness or quick movements. Perhaps you could do some socialization work with him, e.g. hanging around places where young kids congregate to accustom him to their noise and activity. Obviously not allowing any interaction as you are unsure of his behaviour. Dogs react differently to newborns. In my experience bitches are more likely than dogs to be tolerant, but it is very much the individual dog's reaction that counts. People have been blindsided when their supposedly tolerant and gentle dog turns out to be hostile to a young child. Bottom line, no dog should be left unsupervised around young kids, so in any event you would have to monitor his behaviour carefully once your baby arrives. On a personal note, of the five Basenjis I have owned, two bitches were entirely reliable with kids, the other was tolerant as long as they respected her space. One of the males adored children and was curious about them, the other curious but uncertain and would react to fast movements. I did not trust him and controlled any interaction closely. IMO, he would have bitten had he felt threatened. And kids, especially babies, tend to grab and pinch, ears, tails, whatever. Caution is always the safest route.
  • 0 Votes
    10 Posts
    1k Views
    Neutering is not going to help - training is. But a good trainer will train YOU to deal with the dog. If a trainer can get him to behave but you can't - there is little to be gained from paying out money. This is something you should never have allowed to happen, but since it has, I think you should deal with it and @JENGOSMonkey has given you a good idea to start you off. Withdrawing treats is a good idea, but also, get up and walk away. He could be biting to get attention and therefore you withdraw the attention at the first sign of a bite, with a firm NO.
  • 0 Votes
    9 Posts
    1k Views
    IMO it is a myth that Basenjis cannot have good manners on a walk. Yes, great if you can do off leash, but when circumstances dictate that a leash is necessary then walking calmly without a lot of drama and pulling should be achievable. Personally I do not like long lines or flex leashes. Or allowing dogs to eat whatever they find on the ground, which can in some cases earn you a trip to the vet or worse. Like most dogs, Basenjis are not overly discriminant about what they will ingest. A short leash and being observant can protect them from unwelcome outcomes. Mental exercise will also go a long way with any dog. But one should have a definite opinion about who is running the show, and it should not be the dog....they are quite willing to take up the position should you abdicate.
  • Lip smacking + Drool

    Behavioral Issues 20 Jun 2020, 16:50
    0 Votes
    11 Posts
    2k Views
    When we have pups they often have motion sickness when first in the car... some it doesn't bother, others have ongoing issues, but with age it gets better... that said every now and again, one will hurl..... I do make sure that they are fed way before a car ride and water limited... also make sure that they potty before a car ride. Since we go to shows and lure trials, they are in the car quite a lot.... and sleep 95% of the time....