Ah yeah though the site that I saw clearly had a picture of a Basenji representing the breed! Your link, they look nothing like Bs
Transitioning
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Hello to all.
Sorry if I have been a bit absent life has just been a little chaotic as of recent. Lycia and I are in very new and interesting circumstances, so I thought I would pick your brains for some advice. We just moved to Paris, and for Lycia this is a rather rude shock compared to the tranquil life she enjoyed in Switzerland. My normally well rounded girl is afraid of everything…and all her little "vices" have become, much much more pronounced.She had a extraordinary well exposed puppyhood, where she was immersed in all kinds of different actives, with different people and places. And while I accredit her confident nature with people to that... I'm at loss at what to do with her recent phobia of any metallic noise, something crashing, or people bustling about with weird packages. Odd objects don't frighten her in the house, but they do on the street. She goes wild and starts pulling on the lead for blocks to run away. I'm a little at loss on how to make strangers with on the street with a ladder, "unscary."
This will be a small blemish on my parenting, but she has always been just barely passable on her ability to walk decently on lead. We worked on it a lot as a puppy, but she never seemed to care, despite the training efforts. And where I lived, some pulling here and there wasn't a cause for concern. Now that we are dealing with hundreds and hundreds of people moving randomly on the streets, it seems the leash manners will have to be cleaned up. We tried doing the turn around and go in the opposite way, and the long leading, and treating for staying by me but she ends up zig zagging and pulling (oh yes she wears a sensation harness) anyway when she is afraid or impatient. ideas??
Finally, because I haven't had to work for the past few months, we haven't spent much time apart. Now that it will be necessary for me to return to work, I'm a little worried about Lycia's reaction to being alone. Ever since she was a baby, she has been a extremely people oriented dog. I started crate training her since 10 weeks and, she was left on average 5 hours a day. After I stopped working, she just started to come along to everything. I noticed she was never bitter about the crate, she would often take her treats in there, but it was never "her place" despite my attempts to make it so, by feeding her inside, positive reinforcements, extra special etc. She never even touched a stuffed Kong or bully stick if I was at work, she just destroyed the bedding and wailed. From time to time she did sleep while I was gone, but I'm sure the neighbors will attest to the fact she howled more than she slept.... can I re-introduce her into spending alone time now she is over one years old? I was thinking of possibly looking into a DAP collar for her..
I know this is long, but I like to give details. your thoughts and comments, and or reading materials are always welcome.
thanks a bunch -
Will she "destroy" the house if you left her loose? Is there an area that you can gate off instead of crating?
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Well Pat, I'm not sure. When I have been leaving her, she hasn't been destroying anything. and I don't really know if its the crate that makes her feel so desperate.
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My 2 b's are not crated, and they sleep on my bed when I am at work.
My boy freaks out in the crate, so we just don't use it.
Maybe she will be ok out??? -
Well Pat, I'm not sure. When I have been leaving her, she hasn't been destroying anything. and I don't really know if its the crate that makes her feel so desperate.
In that case if me, I think I might try just leaving her loose… just make sure you try and remove anything that she could cause serious damage to... I would guess that considering her other reactions.. it very well can be following though to the crate....
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well, we will see how it goes. my roommate has had a taste of her destructive bug when Im HOME.. she will need some convincing… thoughts to the other matters?
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We have pet shops over here that sell stuff called Bitter apple.
Suspose to stop dogs chewing cause it is so bitter.
My dogs don't touch anything I have sprayed, but I hear some will.
Just a thought.. -
As far as your problems out in public… I would say that you just have to keep taking her out.. and trying to make it fun for her.... seems that she has just developed "crowd" fear....?..
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As far as your problems out in public… I would say that you just have to keep taking her out.. and trying to make it fun for her.... seems that she has just developed "crowd" fear....?..
Maybe it's an idea to carry her around for a couple of days? So she can see from above and save in your arms, that it is not that bad..?
You have to pick her up before she gets scared.. otherwise you are telling her that things really are scary..You can also try to bring a nice toy and some treats so you can offer some distraction and, as Tanza says, make it fun for her.
When I bring Tillo to crowded places I always put a 'special' collar on and I use the leash I also use at dog training. He then knows he has to pay some extra attention and pulling/zigzagging isn't allowed. (not that it's always working… but it does help :)) So maybe you can introduce a collar + leash for these walks were she has to pay extra attention?
And I just love, love, love Paris!! It's not as great as London, but it's a good second
When are you planning a trip to Amsterdam
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\Also, when she acts fearful, you should use a light happy tone, what a silly girl you are.
No "poor little dog" tone.
She will take her clues from your tone and body laungage. -
IF you have been walking her with a regular collar, or a chain collar - or a harness - switch kinds - you might also consider trying a Halti or gentle leaders collar - the philosophy is if the head is controlled the dog is controlled.
My point is try something different where there isn't a track record of her wandering around and pulling hear and there. With the security of something around her head (remember mom disciplined her by mouthing her head) she may also feel a bit more secure.
If you want one of these and can't find it where you are - happy to send you one.
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I'm at loss at what to do with her recent phobia of any metallic noise, something crashing, or people bustling about with weird packages.
Well Lauren, I'm a complete newbie regarding educating a Basenji, all the stuff I know I have from reading, so …:o
Some time ago when I was searching the internet for information about showtraining/ringtraining I read about judges trying to test the reaction of dogs when they are on the showtable, by dropping for example a bunch of keys or a canister filled with coins or marbles.
To train the dog not to react on hearing these noises, they suggested training this at home, by dropping keys or a cannister, then acting very pleased and enthousiastic and giving the dog his preferred treat. After a while they will link the loud noise to a yummy treat and the problem should be solved.
So far for DOGS but what about Basenjis :rolleyes:
Well, I don't know if this will work with Lucy but it's worth giving it a try isn't it.
As I said, I don't have any experience at all so if it doesn't work ...Good luck and... Paris is not so far from Antwerp (3 hours I guess) as Lausanne is so maybe, in summertime our "furries" could meet with Buana and Janneke from Holland ! That would be nice.
Greetings from Belgium
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Schouiffy there are a lot of parks in Paris take her there to play with other dog?s when you?re at home drop stuff on the kitchen floor that make a bang then do the same in the stairs outside your home and street. Do not lift her up I know Janneke meant well but that will teach her that there real is something to fear on the ground just short walks around the block and ignore her just keep walking or doing what you were before the noise.
And take her everywhere to the Tabac ,Boulangerie,Metro etc… she will get used to it so don?t give up.And if you could find dogfriends with dog?s that are used to the Parisian life then even better as she can watch how they react or should we say don?t react;)
Paris must be a huge change for her with the sheer amount of people and cars I lived there for a year and loved it but to live there for the rest of my life no.Good Luck
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Are you stressed out? She may be vibing off of you. When things are hectic and you are stressed the pup gets that way too. She may just be acting out based on what she feels from you.
Failing that… try cheese or whatever high value treat you have. Every time you come up to an obstacle, calm yourself and then the pup before you reach it. Once she calms down treat. It works with Indy.
