Skip to content
Basenji Forums
  1. Home
  2. Behavioral Issues
  3. Basenji is waking up screaming in he middle of the night?

Basenji is waking up screaming in he middle of the night?

Behavioral Issues
  • A

    My basenji mix is 4 years old and I got him when he was 10 weeks old from a local shelter. He has always been a happy/healthy pup. He is mixed with a shiba inu and lab.

    Earlier this summer my basenji mix was waking up in the middle of the night doing a very high pitch scream. He looks scared and disoriented and then wants to cuddle afterword. He does not twitch, jerk, or move his legs at all. He is awake and just laying in his bed. This scream is the most awful noise I have ever heard come out of a dog. The first time I heard it I thought someone was being murdered! He sleeps in the same room as me on the floor on a bed with blankets. It normally happens between 12:30 am-3:00 am. It has never happened when he's been taking a nap during the day. It happened about 6 times in June. Then suddenly stopped. I took him to the vet and they did blood work to see if his thyroid levels were off and if he had epilepsy. They ruled out both. My vet is baffled. Well now this past week he did it 3 times in one night and 2 other times later in the week. He has never had more than one "fit" in a night.

    Does anyone know anything about this kind of behavior? I have no idea what to do. Could these be nightmares?

    0

Suggested Topics

  • A

    Night Howling

    Behavioral Issues
    16
    0 Votes
    16 Posts
    6k Views
    DebraDownSouthD
    Sleep in your bed or not, sleep under the sheets or own cover or between sheet and cover...two issues only. Your personal choice and if it causes behavioral problems. As for " alphas"..nothing has done more to cause more harm to training than that outdated wrong concept. This is a nice article explaining how we got into the alpha stuff, and the way to think that will really help with how you see and train your dogs. https://www.thelabradorsite.com/dog-dominance/
  • D

    Basenji and Baby

    Behavioral Issues
    5
    0 Votes
    5 Posts
    3k Views
    tanzaT
    You need to get a professional to come to your home and observe... and give suggestions
  • BarklessdogB

    Basenji packs

    Behavioral Issues
    6
    0 Votes
    6 Posts
    3k Views
    eeeefarmE
    For what it's worth, I have noted that in households with a strong human leader/boss/alpha/disciplinarian (pick one!) there are less squabbles among dogs, at least when the human is present. My neighbour has Rotties, had two bitches that hated each other and would fight, but they didn't do it when she was around. She did have to be careful that they could not get together in her absence. ;) Interesting anecdote: If my mare is bothering my old gelding and I notice it, I can break it up by yelling at her out the window! Guess I am "alpha" in that herd.
  • Ashley loves HarleyA

    Whining at Night

    Behavioral Issues
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    5k Views
    NerdyDogOwnerN
    I would go back to the basics and leave the crate in the bedroom. And once he is calm, start moving the crate towards the door. Then outside the room (still in view to see you) and so on, gradually moving to the desired spot you want him to sleep. Patience is key. My B, Gizmo (is 1 years old) will very often sleep in my bed. But if I want a break, he will happily sleep in his crate. The loose stool/pooh, could be a result of him being so uneasy/nervous. It does not take much for puppy's to get loose pooh.
  • G

    Waking up Badly

    Behavioral Issues
    18
    0 Votes
    18 Posts
    6k Views
    tanzaT
    @Patty: Spaying is not usually the answer so don't expect miracles! Please don't neglerct to follow advice given on the site. Well put Patty. While I agree that she should be spayed, it is not the end to end problem solver… the suggestions regarding training are just as important and maybe even more so. You might even want to look into a behaviorist to come to your home and work with you and her.
  • BarklessdogB

    My Basenji training

    Behavioral Issues
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    3k Views
    jys1011J
    WOW!!!..Words to live by!! I commend you for all the effort it sounds like you've put into your dogs. I wish people were more like you…and your mantra should be placed on every B owner's refrigerator door :D :D It's all about knowing your dog & KNOWING their limitations. Respect is key and so is a no tolerance policy. At least that's how it is at our house! :) BTW-I went to a Basenji Fun Match...and A LOT of B's are bitchy snarky little fur balls. Rest assured yours are not the exception. Mine are exactly the same way but we work with them every day on this!