I've been doing rescue and breeding (not Basenjis, and not for 20 yrs now)... and I have to say that among responsible trainers, rescues, breeders and professional veterinary behaviorists, you won't find any who will say under 8 weeks is okay for any breed... and for many, 10 to 12 weeks is recommended. It is in fact illegal to take puppies under 8 weeks from some states and it should be in all of them. Call a few dozen rescues and ask them how many animals they deal with that have issues started from being placed too young. It is good you are working on things, just hopefully the physical responses won't continue. No breed needs to be swatted or even mildly hurt for training. Basenjis even less so than many. It hurts your relationship with the puppy, and you are punishing a baby for being a baby... there is no "rebellious thing"... just normal behavior you have to patiently train away from.
Puppy Nosework, Week 2
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L'Ox is continuing with his Nosework. This week the boxes are scattered in the kitchen. He is still self rewarding, cheese is just placed in the food box.
Search 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8v65T6HE1Zk -
I love this. He is definitely enthusiastic.
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L'Ox looks to be really enjoying his training.
Now I have a reason to save my shoeboxes.
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Yes, L'Ox loves nosework. I love that it is so easy to work them and I get tired, satisfied dogs even after just a few searches.
I am taking L'Ox's mom, Rio, to a nosework seminar on Sunday. It should be fun.
