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BIG problems with Jack…

Behavioral Issues
  • @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................

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

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  • @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, we need your comments…
    Please wade in.

  • @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 :)

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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

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    The NILF program is exactly the sort of thing your basenji needs. She has hit teenage time and like human teenagers is pushing authority. In this case, don't push her off the couch or yank the afghan from under her or any of those sorts of manuvers. Start by getting her attention just before she is going to jump onto the couch by offering a treat diverting her attention away from the couch. If she decides to come for the treat, she gets it, and then gets to be on the couch as a double reward; if she decides to complete her jump to the couch instead, she doesn't get the treat. Once she starts to look at you first ("asking permission") before she takes the couch then the reward becomes the couch. And to get her off the couch, use the reverse. Offer her a treat in such a way that she has to get off the couch to get it and click as soon as she decides to get off Once she understands that, add the "off" word. You might have to use treats just for this exercise that she wouldn't get any other time to make this more enticing to her. You might also want to introduce mat work so that she has to go to her mat or afghan or whatever, on the floor, instead of getting on the couch in the first place.
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    Behavioral Issues 5 Oct 2009, 14:12
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    @EskiLovr: Dan, That's super funny. It's like he's saying, "LOOK!!! Nyah Nyah, gotchyer ball!" He's a real clown at the dog park. Makes everybody laugh and wonder how he runs and runs and runs tiring out their dogs.:D
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    How interesting. Makes me want to keep my eyes open when we go to the dogpark..
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    Couple of things: First have his Thyroid Checked. I am not one that thinks thats the answer to every things - but it is easy to test and is a quick fix if that is the cause. I don't think I can post a link here but if you go to my icon and click on my info there is my website - on the basenji info page - there is a link to Basenji Thyroid info. On the off chance that I can post a link here it is: http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/Thyroid.htm Second - I am also in MN and would be happy to help you specifically if you want someone that is 'basenji savy' to give him a look see.
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    Robin, could you email me please rnasto@gmail.com I need to meet later in the day like 1ish would that be alright???? I hope it is
  • Jack is Racist…

    Behavioral Issues 13 Jun 2007, 16:29
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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!!!!