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Jack has a couple issues…

Behavioral Issues
  • Well, he is exactly 3 months today, we've had him since Jan. 23rd, 2011.

  • And the key to potty training is…. outside, outside and outside... and when he has an accident in the house... it is your fault... take that newspaper, roll up, and hit yourself on the head and repeat... I must not forget, I must not forget.................. because in the end... any accident in the house is your fault... not the pups

  • Hi Basenji Luv… first, welcome to the forum, and more importantly, welcome to BASENJI life ! :) As you are learning.... first, basenjis aren't vindictive. He doesn't pee to get you mad, he pees because 1) he had to, or 2), he thinks he should. :) At his young age, if your mom realizes he's ready to go, she can interrupt his behavior with a loud "Uh Uh!"... or whatever noise she wants.... as long as she's willing to scoop him up, bring him outside, and reinforce, "go potty"... and then when he does, HIGH PRAISES!!!!

    My husband wakes up before the world (4:00 am), and when the house is so quiet, he has trained the dogs to react to the sound of a ziploc bag opening. HELLO? Is that a stupid dog???? No, they know that if they hear that sound, there are rewards for the asking. Don't think that because he's little, he's not thinking... trust me, he is. :)

    With that in mind, positive reinforcement for good behavior. When he squats outside of the pee-zone... scoop him up, bring him to the right place, and reiterate your magic phrase (i.e. "go potty"), until he tries to squat.

    As for the nipping... there are 2 thoughts. First, if he bites you and you react loudly with an "OUCH!!!".... he may think you are a big squeaky toy, and bite again. (That's my girl!). If, when you react, he backs off, then he knows he hurt you and should back off with biting again.

    If he thinks... "Cool, big squeaky toy!"... then you need to move him away from you. Don't make eye contact, don't encourage love. Be cold, if you can. This will send to him the message that good dogs don't bite.

    (But they do go to heaven :) :)).

    Hope this helps!

  • Welcome and i reiterate the advice you've already been given here.

  • Hello all! This is my first post. I had an excellent breeder who started very early with my Basenji "Scarlett" at litter box training…Basenjis seem to take very well to it at a young age. When pups are real young the distance they can handle when they need to go is just a few feet. So litter box training can be key to success with house breaking! Use all the steps you would use for regular potty training but instead of going out use the box. How many times has a dog peed or pooped on the floor as your preparing to get leashes on or a coat and shoes. Later on in life they will progress to naturally growing out of the box method and you can take the boxes away (one in each room when there young), With no box they will let you know they need to go. My girl will walk over to the door sit down and look at me patiently when she needs to go...no training or bells needed! Plus having them litter box trained works well if you must crate them for an extended amount of time...if you get a big enough crate you can fit a box inside. BTW, never use regular litter as for cats, use an all natural non-treated pellet that can be found at any feed store.

  • While I guess it's okay to use a litter box, sorry have had dogs for about 40 yrs, never used one and never needed one… even with basenjis.

  • Well litter box training is a good option when your an apartment living city dweller…like I said it is not ideal but there isn't always one way to raise a basenji. I do not have 40 years of having dogs but I am always open to new ideas and techniques. My girl Scarlett doesn't use the box often now but she has one in her crate at all times and uses it when necessary!

  • @Walter:

    Hello all! This is my first post. I had an excellent breeder who started very early with my Basenji "Scarlett" at litter box training…

    Hi Walter - I believe Scarlett is Kipawa's sister, right? :)

    The litter training worked well for us in the beginning as well. As Kipawa's bladder got bigger and stronger, we gradually did away with the litter box. Sure, we had some accidents, but we gave Kipawa free access to the secure back yard, and he picked up using outside quite quickly.

    Great to have you here - I look forward to hearing more 'Scarlett' stories!

  • Hello Fran,

    Yes Scarlett is Kipawa's little sister…I will post some pics of her soon. I am so glad to be able to chat with someone who has a litter mate of my girl. I must say that Therese is awesome! BTW, Kipawa was originally our first choice but Scarlett's personality was more of a match and we are so happy...she makes us smile and laugh all the time, I know he does the same for you! :D

  • Walter, hopefully we will see you in August at the EBC specality.
    Re housebreaking, routine, and good clean up keep the dog from "re" peeing in one spot.

  • Hello Sharon,

    We have a great routine with Scarlett…I can't remember the last time there was an accident in the house. I take her out at all the usual times needed (wake up, play, eat, etc.). She learned on her own to sit in front of the door (back to door and facing us) of whatever room me and my gf are in and give us the look...she trained us well in when she needs to go!

  • Yes, Walter, its all about learning to "talk" to your pet. Once you have that, it does get easier. Course, Bryan and Laurie do a great job with their puppy's.

  • You'd need a huge litter box to keep a male B from missing the box and hitting the wall or floor around the box…unless you are talking about an enclosed one with a single entrance... Do they make them that big? My male is 28lbs and when he cuts loose on the sofa...it's a 4' line buy the time he's done. He likes to get ALL the cushions in one sitting. :)

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    @buxton-s-dad - Have to say, wire crates are better.... raised Basenjis with wire crates (fold down type) for 30+ years including bitches whelping in them.... remember in plastic crates they really can't see what is going on around them... and he should be fed in that crate. And sorry I don't agree with peeing for attention...
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    Yes, she eats in the crate and we put treats in there randomly throughout the day, as well as meat-stuffed bones chained to the inside (so she can't run off with the bone outside the crate.) She has the run of the downstairs while we are home and sleeps in her dog bed in our bedroom at night. On a side note, when we give her a really tasty stuffed bone or bullystick outside the crate she acts crazy! She runs around aimlessly with it in her mouth while howling. What is with that? It is comical, yet slightly annoying! :) I wonder what she'd do with a bullystick IN the crate?!
  • Smaller issues..

    Behavioral Issues 27 Aug 2009, 19:19
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    That is just to funny having to chase the dog with underware and guests. At least you had something to talk about that night that was different. Rita Jean
  • Major issues

    Behavioral Issues 26 Aug 2009, 20:42
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    When I first acquired my previous basenji the breeder suggested putting paper towels in the bottom of the crate (she can tear them up to her hearts content and even if she eats some if shouldn't cause problems) and to give frozen marrow bones to keep her occupied. There are also lots of interactive toys available that also keep her occupied.
  • Nipping issue

    Behavioral Issues 26 Dec 2007, 21:07
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    Yes that is similar. When EL D nipped my brother it was never really hard (okay so he'll have a bruise) and he backed off pretty quick once he let my brother have it. But it is unnerving because it is unpredictable.