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New Behavior - clacking her teeth

Behavioral Issues
  • Shaye's MomS

    For about a week, Shaye has been showing some odd behavior. For no reason, while sitting around, or sometimes when walking, she will clack her teeth as though chomping at something but nothing is there, and she has not just eaten. It only lasts a few seconds. Sometimes it seems like she thinks she ought to be chomping at something because at the end she'll turn and bite her tail a time or two, but she also does this without further actions. Anyone know what this is? Have you seen it?:confused:

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  • tanzaT

    Bitches will clack their teeth during breeding season, usually after smelling another bitches pee… and will do so, spayed or not... and this is Basenji breeding season

    Can't answer about biting the tail part

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

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  • MacPackM

    Males get 'clacky-teeth' when they smell a female in heat, maybe there is a female around and Shaye smells her perfume!.

    Anne in Tampa

    Chipley, Missy & Lucky

    Topper, Nicky & Eddie in the clouds

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  • Shaye's MomS

    Wow, that is very interesting. I don't know of any females around who are not spayed, and she does it mainly at home, but at least that's a thought. I was afraid it was some sort of seizure or something. Every day we learn more about these B's - they are indeed a breed apart! Thanks, I'll worry less now.

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  • DebraDownSouthD

    Okay that is funny. I have yet to see basenjis do it. I have seen dogs angry or frustrated (other breeds) do it. Will one of you folks PLEASE try to film it so I am not missing in the experience! :)

    Debra

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  • eeeefarmE

    I had a (spayed) bitch that used to do that…...usually sniffed something, then clacked her teeth. She seemed to do it more as she got older. I had forgotten about it until I saw this thread. :)

    In horses it is a sign of submission. Foals do it, and usually outgrow it, but I have a 25 year old mare that will still teeth clack on occasion.......usually when she is in heat and shining up to my gelding! Go figure.....

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

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    Hmm, didn't realize that she was just spayed, could be end result of surgery and healing… and in that case just a fluke... But keep and eye on it.. as sometimes when they are spay/neutered if the surgery is not done perfectly they have problems with peeing... and they are not able to control it on their own... for myself I have never had that problem with any of mine after spay/neutered, but I know of people that have.