Love my basenjis
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Have you done any obedience training with Hunter? A good positive reinforcement class is a great way to do some relationship building and develop a way to communicate. You can use the obedience foundation to redirect a confrontation before it gets to the fight stage.
I also highly recommend the DVD The Language of Dogs to help better read the subtle signs that dogs give each other before a fight begins. This will help you to diffuse situations early.
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I have just started Beginning Home Obedience with Hunter. He does well at the training facility but horrible at home. I am working with him a little every night.
I guess, too, because he is a rescue, that I feel more compassion for him. He wasn't abused or neglected, just ignored and left in a tiny verikennel all the time. He is enjoying his freedom and I think he is truly happy to be living with us.
I will look up the DVD too.
Bandit did have a bad tooth, that was just pulled out on Monday. That might not have helped. She is getting back to her old self and feels a little better every day. A bad tooth equals a grumpy basenji!
Thank for the advise and I'll keep you posted.
Vicki
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Here is a link to the DVD at Dogwise.
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Sounds like you are on the right track for Bandit and Hunter to live in harmony.
I wanted to wish y'all a big welcome to the forum, it is a wealth of knowledge, fountain of information and whirlwind of amuzing pictures, videos and antics..again Welcome.
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Have you tried a DAP?
Also, how bad are the fights? Injuries? or just lots of nasty noise?
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For the sake of sounding ignorant, what is a DAP?
The fights are noisy and that sound really, really bothers me….I can't imagine people watching dogs fight, but that's just me. Anyway, there has been just one case of one drop of blood on Bandit.
At the moment, both dogs are on the bed with me enjoying a chew hoof with no animosity. They were actually playing for a bit in the living room earlier. I am really hoping that part of the issue was Bandit's cracked tooth. I try to give them equal love, even though Bandit knows I love her. This may sound silly but I do want Hunter to feel loved and that he is part of our family and that he's not going anywhere.
He really is a precious pup!
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If they get along most of the time then maybe there is something that one or the other just doesn't like. Learning to read their behavior to find out can be important; the suggested DVD and your training should help. It will just take a little time for the adjustment.
And kudos to you for rescuing Hunter. -
Thanks for the suggestions. I also consulted with the obedience school trainer. She gave me some tips too.
Like, discipline both dogs. Usually, if one is growling, the other is doing something to antagonize the other. She was right. I have been watching them both and Hunter will glare at Bandit and stand so she can't get by. She then growls and it goes from there.
Can I just say how much fun the first squirt from the water bottle was? :D:D Oh my gosh, I almost fell over, I was holding my laughter in! Hunter was antagonizing and Bandit was reacting and I squirted both of them, dead on, in the head. They both jumped straight up in the air and ran, it was hilarious! :D:D Later, they came back together and Bandit was licking Hunter dry. Awww, precious moment. :o
They are both getting along a little better every day. The trainer also told me that they might never like each other but they can be trained to tolerate each other. I like to think that they already do like each other and that they are still getting used to one another. It's only been less than 4 months.
Hunter is coming along with his training. He sits pretty good and is working on stay but down is a hard one for him. I am using treats as a reward, for now. I try to work with him every day. That seems to be helping too.
Again, thanks for the tips!
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Welcome to the forum Vicki, sorry you lost Congo, but realy happy you have rescued Hunter. Hopefuly the two dogs will get along soon.
I must admit to having a giggle over your description of the squirter :D -
Hi Vicki - I love your name. ;)
Welcome and I hope to see more of your postings.
This is the best site for help, advice, and friendship.I, too, use the squirt bottle and always keep a cup of water on the counter for more drastic intervention. My two will go at it, then clean each other up once they are wet. It is funny.
