Skip to content
Basenji Forums
  1. Home
  2. Basenji Training
  3. Growly when picked up?

Growly when picked up?

Basenji Training
  • BarklessdogB

    Basenjis hate surprises. Our never liked being picked up or startled. Let a Sleeping Dog Lay is a valid rule with basenji's. I always tell them I'm going to pick them up first. They still grumple depending on the situation.

    0
  • bunniculaB

    Mine does it in two situations, neither of which are surprises. If he's tired and laying down in a comfy spot and I move like I'm about to pick him up, he'll growl at me. When this happens I usually just pick him up anyway and he gets over it. If he's actually sleeping and I wake him by picking him up, he doesn't care and just snuggles right up against me. The other times he's done it, it's been because he's nagging the other dog in our house (a 12-year old dachshund) to play with him and the dachshund is getting upset so I pick him up to intervene.

    I really don't want this to progress to aggressive behavior. Anything else I can do?

    0
  • eeeefarmE

    Under what conditions does he growl? Most Basenjis will resent being moved when they are comfortable, and may vocalize about it. Routine picking up should not evoke growling.

    "In order to get along with a Basenji, you have to be at least half as smart as the dog!"

    0
  • dmeyD

    thats exactly what I do.. just pick him anyway and he looks at me funny and gets over it.. I think if you pay to much attention to it yo makey it worse. He has to know you don't really care if he growls..

    0
  • eeeefarmE

    The one thing you want to avoid is letting him think growling will get him what he wants (to be left alone). Ignoring it will usually work. However, it is unwise to provoke a reaction you might not be able to control. With my guy, I will be diplomatic if he is comfortable. I might sit beside him and complement him, stroke him, then pick him up. Usually that defuses his annoyance. If I do start to pick him up and he growls, I just go ahead with what I am doing. The snarking is usually only momentary. But be smart and keep your face away from his, just in case!

    "In order to get along with a Basenji, you have to be at least half as smart as the dog!"

    0

Suggested Topics

  • eeeefarmE

    Know when to walk away....

    Basenji Training
    3
    1 Votes
    3 Posts
    8k Views
    elbrantE
    Let's also consider that when you chase your dog, the dog thinks it's a game and will run away from you. Like... "you can't catch me!" Man, Basenji's can bolt! On the other hand, when you are the one running away, the dog instinctively joins you because you are part of the dog's family/pack. This is not to be confused with a learned command to chase an assailant, in Police work, for example. That would be a totally different game of chase.
  • eeeefarmE

    Learning from nature

    Basenji Training
    3
    5 Votes
    3 Posts
    7k Views
    tanzaT
    @eeeefarm - Totally agree with both of you, while I don't do the "restrain the pup", but if it works great and in a pinch it does work for me if really needed. When we have pups (babies) and Mom is tired of them and puts herself in a position that they can't reach her, they turn to the next adult in the house.... same thing will happen if they get over excited and yes, I have seen Basenji Moms, pin the pup to the ground and/or other adults in the home.... so it is something that a pup understands. Walking away works for me... or I try to change up the "game" by turning to working their minds and getting them to think about other things. In the Basenji Breed this is another way of teaching them that the prior behavior is not acceptable. They learn pretty quickly. Thanks for posting this thread eeeefarm... well needed...
  • sanjibasenjiS

    Hunting Dog Training

    Basenji Training
    17
    0 Votes
    17 Posts
    11k Views
    sanjibasenjiS
    @sanjibasenji Looks like you said that difference in your second post, so we are on the same page.
  • J

    Communicate to come inside

    Basenji Training
    23
    0 Votes
    23 Posts
    13k Views
    J
    Sarge uses his cell phone and calls me.....seriously, it depends on the door. One he can open himself by pulling down the handle the others he just scratches.
  • italeighaI

    The Art of Basenjis in the Rain

    Basenji Training
    48
    3 Votes
    48 Posts
    20k Views
    KembeK
    @binkobongo said in The Art of Basenjis in the Rain: ….. I usually have to bring an umbrella and hold it over her (meaning I get soaked) @binkobongo What we do for our basenjis!😆🥰🐾❤️
  • N

    Trainers in San Diego

    Basenji Training
    33
    0 Votes
    33 Posts
    15k Views
    senjisillyS
    @klangill I asked in the Facebook San Diego (CA) Basenji Meetup group about trainers. A member recommended Crewsn K9 Academy. https://www.crewsnk9academy.com/ I posted early in this thread about checking with the local breed club, South Coast Basenji Fanciers, for advice.