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.
Random aggression problem
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sounds like resource guarding. i haven't read it, but if i were you, i'd try a booklet called Mine!
http://www.amazon.com/Mine-Practical-Guide-Resource-Guarding/dp/0970562942
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Are you able to take Shep to obedience classes? Besides resource guarding (you are the resource) he sounds dominant and he needs to learn that you are the leader and there to protect him, not the other way around. My boys are neutered and usually dislike intact males!
Good luck, a big dog that is aggressive to you and your family is not a good thing.
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Yes, he needs to get into a gentle obedience class and you need to work with him on bonding and bounderies.
How much exercise does he get?
Most young dogs, no matter what breeds, need at least one hr walk 2 times a day.
Good luck.
Let us know how it goes. -
He gets alot of exercise, so i know thats not the problem. Ive taken him to obedience classes and he did fine…is there a specific kind of obedience class for this type of problem?
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and another annoying problem…when anyone comes to hug me, he runs up and starts humping my leg...is that him saying "shes mine" ....?
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and another annoying problem…when anyone comes to hug me, he runs up and starts humping my leg...is that him saying "shes mine" ....?
I assume he is neutered? And if so, yes that would be dominance towards you… If not, I would suggest neuter .... and even if not neutered that behavior most times would be considered dominance and resourse guarding
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yes, he is neutered. How much would it help the problem if i get our other dog neutered too? and another thing, when a dog shows his belly isnt that a submissive behavior? because he does that…i just dont get it O.O
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yes, he is neutered. How much would it help the problem if i get our other dog neutered too? and another thing, when a dog shows his belly isnt that a submissive behavior? because he does that…i just dont get it O.O
I would get the other neutered, as unless you are a breeder there is no reason to keep in-tact (yes I know that this is a taboo subject for those not in the US)
And as far as showing belly, depends on the situation. Sounds to me like a behaviorist would be a good solution to bring into your home and see the situation.
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where do you find a behaviorist? is that expensive?
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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.
