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BIG problems with Jack…

Behavioral Issues
  • gemurrayG

    If you have the National Geographic channel, check out the Dog Whisperer (you can also find some clips on youtube). He is a behaviorist, but as many times as there is something to correct with the dogs behavior, there is also some behavior that the humans need to change as well. I've been working with our Samantha to get her from trying to lunge at cars. When she is walking along in the calm submissive state she has no problems with the cars - and is a lot more pleasant to walk. Being a basenji, she is of course a little more independant minded, but she still behaves according to the pack rules that all other dogs respond to. The dog whsiperers name is Casar Milan (http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/)). I've seen him make a huge difference in a very short period of time. Having seen him at work, I would whole heartedly recommend a behaviorist for a problem as significant as this.

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  • tanzaT

    @gemurray:

    If you have the National Geographic channel, check out the Dog Whisperer (you can also find some clips on youtube). He is a behaviorist, but as many times as there is something to correct with the dogs behavior, there is also some behavior that the humans need to change as well. I've been working with our Samantha to get her from trying to lunge at cars. When she is walking along in the calm submissive state she has no problems with the cars - and is a lot more pleasant to walk. Being a basenji, she is of course a little more independant minded, but she still behaves according to the pack rules that all other dogs respond to. The dog whsiperers name is Casar Milan (http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/)). I've seen him make a huge difference in a very short period of time. Having seen him at work, I would whole heartedly recommend a behaviorist for a problem as significant as this.

    Sorry there are many of us that think that the "dog whisperer" is a crock…. I would suggest that anyone find are real behaviorist... if you look at Casar and compare to Victoria Stilwell, that is seen on Animal Planet... I would certainly call her first................

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

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  • tanzaT

    By the way, her show is called "Its me or the dog"….............

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

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  • QuercusQ

    <

    Andrea Walters

    Quercus Basenjis

    NW Ohio

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  • QuercusQ

    @tanza:

    Sorry there are many of us that think that the "dog whisperer" is a crock…. I would suggest that anyone find are real behaviorist... if you look at Casar and compare to Victoria Stilwell, that is seen on Animal Planet... I would certainly call her first................

    You go, girl….I can't comment, because I have banned myself from this topic ;)

    Andrea Walters

    Quercus Basenjis

    NW Ohio

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  • S

    Andrea, we need your comments…
    Please wade in.

    Sharron Hurlbut

    BRAT, basenji rescue

    Evergreen basenji club

    Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue

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  • QuercusQ

    @sharronhurlbut:

    Andrea, we need your comments…
    Please wade in.

    Thanks Sharron :) I can't keep a level head when the topic of the dog whisperer comes up, so I just have decided to stay out of it. I will be happy to offer up positive, reward based solutions whenever I can though :)

    Andrea Walters

    Quercus Basenjis

    NW Ohio

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  • gemurrayG

    I apologize for nearly inciting a riot over the dog whisper thing - I just starting watching the show a month ago, and he seemed to do some pretty incredible things. But after reading many of the comments posted on the forum, I can see that there are better ways. My main point though, is that many times there is behavior that needs to be modified on both sides, and in a situation like this, if it were me, I would certainly bring in a behaviorist.

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  • UnluckyDrabBearU

    So I'm joining this conversation really late (I really should check the forum more often!!!)… here's my two cents.
    I understand completely about not being able to afford a trainer for Jack. However, if you would like I can put you in contact with someone who I am pretty sure does payment plans. His name is Peter and I use to work with him at the aquarium. You may have actually seen him at the park with his giant polar bear looking dogs! He use to be a sea lion trainer and really knows his stuff when it comes to training animals (I mean, when you initially deal with 700 lb. creatures you kinda have to!;) ). He now owns his own dog training business.
    I am sorry this situation has occurred for you! Jack really is a wonderful B and it sounds as though he is having a rough transition.
    I understand completely having to live with a "problem" dog and struggling over wether or not to give them up. I have to say though that I am really glad we toughed it out. Sophie (who you may know) has a history of biting people at what seemed random times (as well as not being socialized, has leash aggression, etc.). We have been really patient with her and have worked hard to get her to where she is but the finished product is astounding! Tears actually well up in my eyes when I think that I almost let her go because she seemed too much for us to handle. Patience and knowledge seems to be the key words. Do try to find out as much as you can about kids and dogs living together.
    Again, if you would like Peter's number then I am happy to get it for you. Also, if I can help at all please let me know. Sophie and Stick would love to take him to the park with us for a big B romp.:D
    Kiss the baby and pet Jack for me!
    Audrey

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  • MaxBooBooBearM

    Audrey–that's so nice of you to offer to Jack to the park--I bet Jack's family could use a little break from time to time. I think there's a separate thread where they've decided to keep Jack and did find a trainer who is helping them.

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  • Capt_Jack_our_BasenjiC

    Again, if you would like Peter's number then I am happy to get it for you. Also, if I can help at all please let me know. Sophie and Stick would love to take him to the park with us for a big B romp.:D
    Kiss the baby and pet Jack for me!
    Audrey

    Id LOVE LOVE LOVE to meet up at the dog park thats EXACTLY what Jack needs. You tell me the night before what time your going to be there and Im THERE!!! (depending on the weather because i have the baby, lol) But i KNOW Jack would LOVE to go to the park!! Let me know

    Oh and the trainer we have been meeting with is doing well…Jack has been around some visiters recently and did GREAT we had NO problems!! But its still early so, im hoping for the best!!:p

    Kira, Aiden & Baby Bean on the Way!! & Our Perfect Basenji Boy, "Maverick" I Play for Keeps!!!![](images/smilies/biggrin.png "Big Grin")

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  • KipawaK

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    @Therese: I avoid calling him dominant because that word seems to draw fire in the dog world with new training methods and I don't really know that describes what he is. Sober is also a therapy dog and exceptionally good with small children and the tiniest of dogs. He completely respects me and my husband and without much formal training is probably one of my best trained dogs. That said he (who Kipawa is very much like) is very strong willed. When Fran took Kipawa we warned her consistant fair ongoing training would give her a Sober in her house, but letting him take over or encouraging it will likely give him license to challenge situations. I think she and Darrell understand this and are doing a great job. I think continuing what they plan will be great and they will have an amazing adult dog when he is finished. Kipawa is out of a line that matures very slowly and for his health and well being we believe in his case it would be good to wait to neuter him when he is fully mature. I think the key is changing the behavior, by peeing Kipawa out (maybe only a dribble will remain as would with my boys) it will likely not cause as much embarassment or damage while the behavior is corrected. If Kipawa has his dad's bladder (which he did when he lived here) he can pee quite a lake if left to his own.Therese I am so thankful, Therese, for you and Kevin guiding us with Kipawa. As you mention Sober's peeing ability, Kipawa is definitely the same. He does have a healthy, big bladder. He gets a good pee right before we go to bed around 10:30 p.m., and upon rising at 7:30 a.m., he is not interested in going out right away to pee. He needs/wants his 'loves' in the morning. We do that 'within' our morning routine. I have a coffee first, at which time he sits with me, and after that he goes out for his first morning sniffs of the day and a pee. Then he is fed. We are using the technique of 'peeing him out', and that is really working for us. After about 4 good long leg lifts, he usually only has drops left. Then when those go, the problem of peeing on people is 'eliminated'. Kipawa is also going to be a therapy dog like his Dad Sober (meet and greet paraplegic and quadriplegic folks). He is very loving to any human he meets. We are working very hard on the 'good neighbour' requirements and we have accomplished many of them. And we have decided to leave Kipawa intact until he is fully mature. Over the last week I have spoken to and read so much information on the detriments of neutering. As Therese said, being fair and firm lets Kipawa know who the leader is. Perhaps that is a better word than dominant - just indicate your dog is a 'lead dog'.
  • J

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    Have you discussed this behavior with his breeder? Have you tried a behaviorist? And are you sure it was the full thyroid panel, not just the one part that is done with Vet's regular blood work?
  • I

    Walking Problems

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    I am not sure what kind of harness I have and can't find a 'proper' name for it online. This link shows what it looks like although I didn't purchase it from this site: http://www.dog.com/item/adjustable-nylon-harness-black/ . I have double checked and it isn't pinching or pulling them in anyway. It is not really tight, but is a little snug so I don't loose control of them when I am walking them. One dog I have had for awhile and at first she liked it (I actually got it on loan from the rescue where I got her to use and had to end up buying it from them because she got out of all other leads that I had for her - think she just wanted that particular one). After being fine with it for around a month she no longer wants to put it on. I have to lure her into it and put it over her head…once it gets over her head she will sit and lift her leg nicely for you to put it all the way on. The new dog hasn't been here two weeks yet and acts like her about the harness - he too liked it when he came, but now no. Any help would be great - I really lilke the harness because I feel like I am not hurting them too much, can keep control on them, and feel secure that they won't get loose using the harness. I have seen the one's that go all the way around them with the harness clip at the top but not sure if it would be safe to use - they could probably escape? Not sure what to do from here..but they have to walk and will have to use a lead. The gentle leader I feel will not keep him or her secure. I live in an apartment but we are around a lake with tons of land and wild animals. They are always trying to track something and with the surroundings so inviting they will be gone if they get loose. TristA
  • C

    More peeing problems??

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    thanks to all your suggestions. this is the second day/night now and she has peed outside. She has started to go towards the door when she needs to go to do a pee, so i've let her out..stayed with her until she does (which has been very quick, it used to take 5 or so minutes but now only 5 seconds..which is great!! She gets alot of praise when she does and she is quickly allowed back inside. Fingers crossed it stays that way!! Yes all bedroom & toilet doors shut..i learnt not to let her out of our sight as she is very sneaky??? One more question which i find odd..why is there a need for her to clean up after herself after peeing on the floor or her bed??
  • Capt_Jack_our_BasenjiC

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    @etzbseder: as far as I know, my B isn't racist, but he deffinately doesn't like any american bulldogs that he has ever met. and he wants to eat any and all pomeranians and chiwawas. Remember small "fluffy" dogs look like prey!!!!