Skip to content

Why is my 8 month old digging?

Behavioral Issues
  • Hi all. We recently adopted an 8 month old Basenji from a shelter. We brought him home a few days ago and he's lovely. But whenever we leave him alone outside, he digs. When we see him and come outside to tell him to stop, he'll run away and dig somewhere else. He's already dug a hole under our fence to get to our neighbor's yard, and they have a husky, which worries me. I don't want him to get hurt and I don't want him digging up our yard. We've already tried cutting access to the areas he likes to dig, but he finds new ones.

    We feed him, give him fresh water, play with him, but he still digs. Is it a showing of disrespect? Is it boredom? What can I do?

Suggested Topics

  • 0 Votes
    20 Posts
    2k Views
    eeeefarmE
    I am not up to date on current rabies vaccines for dogs, but I know that in the past there was more than one formulation, as my next door neighbour's dog had an anaphylactic reaction when vaccinated and the vet made a note to use a different formulation for the next annual shot. In future the dog had no difficulties. There are known side effects to most vaccines. Aggression is not one I am familiar with, however, with rabies vaccination in countries that require it there isn't much choice. It would not be my first thought with an 18 month old dog showing aggression. Especially a Basenji objecting to being moved from a comfortable place.
  • 5 Month Old Puppy Fear Aggression

    Behavioral Issues
    6
    1 Votes
    6 Posts
    2k Views
    M
    You are taking the right steps. It sounds like you have been very diligent in training your puppy and caring for her especially with a broken foot and quarantine. If you specifically asked the Vet how she did and he didn't say anything until now that's really disappointing - I would look for a new Vet but at the very least I would stay with her through the visits. I agree with Ember's comment. Good luck with the fear trainer.
  • 9 months and suddenly scared of everything

    Behavioral Issues
    10
    0 Votes
    10 Posts
    4k Views
    ZandeZ
    @rugosa said in 9 months and suddenly scared of everything: They feel more confident when you exhibit confidence Very well put ! Quiet, firm, confidence - a Basenji reacts to voice, and if he/she senses uncertainty, that is what it will react to !
  • Hiperactive 16 month old B...

    Behavioral Issues
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    5k Views
    DebraDownSouthD
    @Muro-Pads said in Hiperactive 16 month old B...: He's 16 months old. I did hire a personal trainer, and accomplish basic training, basenji style with no immediate come, short stay and no heel what's so ever 😜 Lol. But now that you mention it, I haven't been paying much attention to brain stimulation. I will try that. Any games in mind? He won't fetch...not that I expect him to... Well, you should be able to get an immediate come in an enclosed area. Even if you use a 40 ft line and reel him in, it does help. And heeling... they can do it but it's more fun not to. :) My basenjis all played fetch, btw. I start out with them inside, tossing the toy up in the air, playing tug with it... get REALLY revved up...toss off bed. They get it, bring back. Happy reward, more play. Then I work to the hall way. And I had to admit, once outside, it's 20/80 on getting it back more than a time or 2. HOWEVER, I took a lunge whip, tied a toy to it, and can get them to chase it in circles til their tongues hang out. As for mind/senses use. Teach scent games. :) My daughter used peanut butter on treats and went in room, down hall, places in the house, eventually outside. She was 8 working with a rottweiler who has far less ability than our basenji. :) Here's a page with some tips http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/pets/dog-behavior/fun-nose-games-for-your-dog Dog toys that they have to manipulate to get the treat help. I have to admit mine never liked them unless they were so noisy you needed ear plugs. Favorite ever was a freaking heavy wigler milk jug which I could throw a few treats in, toss outside and let the dog knock it all over the yard getting the toy out. But not really that mind stimulating once they figure it out. I keep looking at this one but not sure how well Cara would go for it: http://www.amazon.com/TRIXIE-Pet-Products-Board-Level/dp/B0054Q9TMA/ref=pd_bxgy_199_img_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=1226G4ZQN61BFCV4RSE9
  • Do Basenjis behave better as they grow old?

    Behavioral Issues
    39
    0 Votes
    39 Posts
    14k Views
    A
    we don't have a problem with the trash, but we no curtians left as Chaos thinks they are her personal chew toys.
  • Aggressive 13 Year Old Male

    Behavioral Issues
    39
    0 Votes
    39 Posts
    15k Views
    W
    Thanks for the advice. It may be worth a try.