Skip to content

Bedtime snarkyness

Behavioral Issues
  • Several months ago we had a discussion about how some beasties can get snarky in bed (resource/territory protection). After being tossed out of bed (and sometimes out of the room) everytime he acted up EL D started get the message. Occasionally he still does it (especially if I roll over on top of him :eek:). Update on my solution…

    When I took EL D camping I gave him his own sleeping bag (no way was I going to let him take over mine :p), which he thought was great since he likes tunneling in bed. So when we got back I put the sleeping bag (child size) on the bed and discovered it was a great way to help control his snarkyness. There's enough room for him to stretch out in it but because he gets wrapped up, he can't take over my bed :). And even it he does get snarky he's stuck in the bag :D

  • I did something similar, because Jack was being a bit snarky at bed time. I had started by putting him on the floor each time, which is difficult for me, because I am short and have a hard time reaching the floor from the bed anyway.

    Last night, I brought his binki in and put it on the end of the bed. That became his spot, he made a little nest out of it, by pulling most of it to one side so he had a pillow.

  • Definitely sounds like a great solution to what was an issue for you! Plus you cracked me up with "if he does get snarky he's stuck in a bag" LOL :p

  • She-Ra gets snarky but only if the cat moves too close to her in the night. I can usually move her no problem.

4/4

15 Jul 2008, 21:25

Suggested Topics

  • 1 Votes
    4 Posts
    883 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
    24 Posts
    3k Views
    @sarahmiri - I would say no to carrying him.... don't pick him up, but get down to his level as Zande pointed out in her response.
  • 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.
  • 1 Votes
    9 Posts
    934 Views
    Just thought I'd share an update on this. I removed the blankets from the crate and replaced them with a mattress. We have been strict about her only staying in the crate at night. When we have had accidents I have cleaned up, with a dog urine killing spray, and placed her back in the crate. Everything is progressing smoothly, not had any accidents for over a week now. So it's been a rather quick turnaround, lovely to have her properly crate trained again. Thank you all for sharing advice on the situation.
  • Bedtime mischief

    Behavioral Issues 22 Sept 2008, 02:31
    0 Votes
    9 Posts
    3k Views
    gbroxon - that is too funny. Dogs love stinky! Cami has settled down a lot. She was hyper the first few days and has now settled into a nice calm pattern. My other dogs aren't Baenjis, so she is learning that "crazy" isn't going to fly in this household. Cami boxes my old Eskie's head and he doesn't know what to make of it. Being the only male, he gets lots of attention from the girls.
  • Bedtime aggression

    Behavioral Issues 16 Nov 2007, 13:41
    0 Votes
    21 Posts
    8k Views
    Sahara never gets grumpy when she has to move or I move her myself. When she was a puppy I always tried to get her use to being moved, and I just couldn't keep my hands off of her when she was sleeping. Just like a sweet little baby, I just had to sweet talk her and rub her, she looked so sweet and lovable. I still have a had time leaving her alone, hubby too when she is sleeping. She is great, when she is sleeping in my lap and I have to get up, I just say, "Sahara, Mommy has to get up". She immediately gets up and moves and goes to lay down in her bed or in the guest room where it is usually nice and dark (no lights on). I read on here when she was a puppy to get her use to being moved when she was sleeping and I thank this forum for that. I took the advice and Sahara is all the good for that. She still growls and puts my wrist in her mouth when I get in my car, she hates to see me leave. I am still working on this behavior, hope the water bottle stops it for good.:D