My boy is a real escape artist, and I mean real - Julius K9, loads that people have recommended as being for 'Houdini dogs'. He also chews through leashes, including a beautiful, very expensive leather and brass….which he neatly chewed into 8 inch lengths when I was foolish enough to leave it below 6 feet up....the only thing I trust my boy to be tethered in is his current harness - a Ruffwear Webmaster. For walking, yes, a martingale (and oddly enough, Butu has never worked the trick when slack), but I'd definitely not trust him tethered. I'd get him one of these, and probably a chain and trust him in an open stall where he can see you and you can chat....I'd make the chain long enough that he could stand in the entrance, but could go inside the stall if he wants a sleep, drink, food from his bowls....do not let him near tack, horses feeding stuff, horse's anything - and I'd be cautious about hay too.... Chealsie508 - have you tried these (Ruffwear Webmaster?) If this hadn't worked I was going for a Ruffwear Doubleback, which costs a serious amount of money (but when I think of the number of useless harnesses I've bought..) but is the nearest thing I've seen to a doggie straitjacket - it's used by those people who drag labradors rock climbing....
http://www.ruffwear.co.uk/dog-gear/harnesses/doubleback-harness
New puppy Riley is a Basenji Mix…
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Thank you all for your suggestions and insight. I thnk I could definately make things work with Riley, especially since now I know how to "get" to him! Treats are the way to go, and lots and lots of praise! He is slightly hand shy, and I am thinking that only negatives were used with his previous owners, unfortunately. Not knowing about the breed, you can make lots of mistakes, since they are so different.
Is Leslie's book recommended for owners, or specially geared to trainers?
I just wish I could have him see how much better things would be if he could leave Uma alone. I guess that's why you all are recommending a behaviorist? It IS bad, he just becomes unreachable when he can get to her, oh, and I didn't mention the mounting, which is constant with her (he mounting her, that is, although, she will mount him if he's muzzled; she senses his dissadvantage)
So, you think it sounds like he is more Basenji than Lab? Therefore train him like one, right?
I will look into clicker training; never read much into it before.
I will try to get him out more w/ excercise-he loves when the kids play Chase Me! with him! Is a Martingale collar the one of choice? He has only a regular one so far. He just chewed his Halti the other day, that seemed like it was going to work well, maybe I will just get another of those…
So many many questions! Thank you all so so much for your patience and please keep the ideas coming! OH! Is tug play advisable with a male Basenji? I know w/ some breeds it isn't...I will update after the weekend! Wish me luck! -
Positive reinforcement behavior modification is an effective training method for all breeds.
Control Unleashed is for owners and there is an new DVD out to accompany the book. Both are available on Dogwise.com
A behaviorist will be able to observe your dog and help you develop an individualized plan to work on the specific issues.
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Hi Sharon,
Riley sounds interesting, but poor Uma
I didn't know you could have a DNA test to determine the breed mixes. We have a cross breed thats 11 1/2 stone, he's supposed to have whippet in his make up. Somehow i dont think so
Please post a pic when you can. -
Common, am I the only one REALLY wanting to see a pic of this mix?
PLEASE, post us a picture!
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Hi Sharon,
Riley sounds interesting, but poor Uma
I didn't know you could have a DNA test to determine the breed mixes. We have a cross breed thats 11 1/2 stone, he's supposed to have whippet in his make up. Somehow i dont think so
Please post a pic when you can.Whole Dog Journal (June 2009 issue) had an interesting article on DNA tests for mixed breeds if you're interested. As a cautionary note, you can get different results depending on which company you go with as they may use different genetic markers to identify the certain purebreeds in the mix.
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Ok, here's our Riley! I hope I did this right!:D
BTW, bought a clicker tonight…
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Common, am I the only one REALLY wanting to see a pic of this mix?
PLEASE, post us a picture!
LOL Nerdy! I was thinking the SAME thing as I was reading through the thread!?!?!? Thanks! Sharon - very cute!
Love the coloring! -
Thanks for the info Nemo, its a fascinating subject
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Thanks for posting a pic Sharon, he's realy lovely
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what a cutie!
and if you haven't used a clicker before, i'd start with 101 things to do with a box.
http://www.clickertraining.com/node/167
just have fun with it -
Well, so far Riley is doing pretty well with the positive training-he's a darn little pro with his commands! So, as long as I get him out for a good game of ball and a nice SEMI controlled walk, he's doing somewhat better…except the problem with Uma persists. So, I am having a behavior consult on Friday. I gave her a very thorough run-down over the phone and she's going to do some research prior to her visit. It's just so weird, considering they are opposite sex.
Well, I will post updates, and I want to extend my thanks again to all of you-off to cruise the Forum!
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He's so adorable!!!!
Good luck with your consult.
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Great job your doing. Good luck and looking forward to updates.
Rita Jean
