Skip to content

Mirtillo meets his 'nephew'

Behavioral Issues

Suggested Topics

  • Why all this talk about 'unpredictable'?

    Behavioral Issues
    4
    0 Votes
    4 Posts
    3k Views
    K
    I got a big 'good' and 'unpredictable' surprise this morning: Binti was chased from view by a german shepherd and didn't come back. Usually they will walk around until we find each other again. This time she went all the way back to the car park, where she sat down next to our car, whining and moaning. I had no idea she knows which car is ours…
  • Do they or don't they?

    Behavioral Issues
    12
    0 Votes
    12 Posts
    8k Views
    P
    I've followed this thread with interest and I think both Debra and Fran have pinned it down. I do think that right and wrong are subjective and that those who say that animals feel guilt are anthromorphising. Guilt is a very human feeling. I raise my Basenji to respect me but I also respect them. They listen to me and I 'listen' to them. I see no need for physical discipline. My dogs are taught from the beginning what their limits are. Not to say that they are instantly obedient. They are just normal Basenjis with normal Basenji instincts. Some are unacceptable to me and that is where I draw the line. I believe the tone of voice is very important as is the Basenji's vocalisation. I feel it's good that we don't always agree - after all it would be a very dull forum if we did!
  • Basil's worse after meeting with behaviorist

    Behavioral Issues
    71
    0 Votes
    71 Posts
    36k Views
    K
    Hello, One of our B's had similar biting issues - she had been raised in a pack with a lot of competition, and she had never learned that a treat or a toy must be released on command. I applied Cesar Millan's approach and it worked beautifully, the first time and within 15 minutes! 1. Show the dog the treat, make her sit and stay, and make eye-contact. 2. As she calms, bring the treat closer and stay in eye contact - she must stay calm-submissive throughout. 3. Put the treat on the ground in front of her - use your posture, body language and voice to keep her calm-subm. 4. Then release her to get the treat. 5. After a minute or so, order her to release. If she doesn't, a little Cesar-prod to the side will help to snap her out of her state of mind. 6. Repeat the whole process, until she releases the treat at first command. 7. Repeat the next day. Be patient and follow through all the way to the end - Binti got it really fast that we wouldn't let up and she changed accordingly. I'm sure you can find videos on Cesar's site or National Geographic with similar episodes - it works! All the best, Kees-Jan Donkers, The Netherlands
  • 'Beavering' problem

    Behavioral Issues
    20
    0 Votes
    20 Posts
    10k Views
    DebraDownSouthD
    My rottie removed the rockers from my rocking chair, lol. But that is very impressive for sure.
  • I'm So Happy!!!!

    Behavioral Issues
    5
    0 Votes
    5 Posts
    3k Views
    jennifereverJ
    i was really worried about taking my new basenji to the dog park this past weekend, because his last owner said he was bad with other dogs, but he had so much fun! i'm proud of him! he even got a girlfriend (and boyfriend!!) (this gorgeous rosey light fawn-greyish colored italian greyhound - absolutely beautiful!) and then this grey male i.g. started humping him, lol.. that's the boyfriend :p . so good job to your basenji! it's so nice to see them get along with others!
  • Ok…I've Had It...It's Muzzle Time

    Behavioral Issues
    16
    0 Votes
    16 Posts
    9k Views
    QuercusQ
    @Mantis: so how is it working? the LEAVE IT command is great. Start with not cat objects you dont want you puppy to play with, say leave it, get the attention and give a tiny treat… you can also encourage this type of response while playing fetch. when the puppy brings back the toy, hold the toy until the pup releases it, say GIVE not participating in any tugging or shaking behavior which encourages the prey drive. i find that a soothing voice and looking the puppy directly in the eye does the trick. they will look away or release the toy. if this is hard, use a tiny treat to encourage the GOOD GIVE after the fact. Leave it is similar. i used to chase caesar around when he wanted to chase the cats....lots of LEAVE ITs and treats, but the give works as well....caesar bled the two commands together.... give is good becuase it establishes your terms to the game and doesnt encourage that shaking behavior if you want to avoid it ( i avoid the behavior in case we have small kids in the house that pull toys from the dogs) leave it is good to establish your own terms.... Great post, Mantis. I totally agree, and great explanation of the training steps!