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Basenji Talk

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  • F

    Can you help with Woody part 2?

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    PawlaP
    It is the owner who needs to make the adjustments necessary to obtain a desired behavior. Sometimes it is hard to figure out the "work around" and, it is incredibly easy for an owner to unintentionally reward an unwanted behavior. You can't be "sloppy" with a basenji - they train us well! I adopted my b-boy about 3 year ago. He wants to decide which direction we walk. Sometimes, that's okay with me, other times it is not. He puts on the brakes and refuses to budge. At first I dragged him a bit. Not good. Treats don't work. Then, I tried giving a quick jerk/release. Not good. (If you try this, please be careful not to cause damage to your dog's neck!) What works for me is I just wait for him to realize I'm not going to give in (this takes A LOT of patience). Sometimes, while I'm waiting for him, I talk to him about why I want to go in a specific direction and tell him what's in it for him... people walking by think I am absolutely bonkers trying to verbally reason with a dog, but it works for us. Sometimes, he completely refuses to budge, so I pick him up and carry him for a bit. Usually, when put him on his feet, he will walk on. I noticed that if I walk to get behind him, he takes a step forward and once he makes that first step, he's more likely to move forward, When he does, I praise him like crazy. Sometimes, especially in dim light, he will stop, stare, hackle and refuse to move forward - at those times, we simply turn around and walk in the other direction because I trust that he sees or smells something that he finds dangerous. One thing I consistently do that might help Woody is I always feed my b when we get home after we walk. That way, he has something to look forward to (i.e., going home is good!) I'm sorry Woody is taking so long to warm up to your brother. Maybe your brother needs to work with Woody on some very simple command like sit, or look at me, giving her high value treats or her dinner when she obeys. That way, she may begin to see him as more of a leader and provider of treats than someone who scares her. It needs to be brief, daily consistent to sink in. Patience. You might have to let your brother be the sole source of all good things (like treats and food) and only if she makes a step toward him. A trainer once advised my neighbor to smear peanut butter on her husband's arm in an attempt to get their new rescue to like her husband better. It didn't work. I'm so glad to hear you see a difference for the good and that you are learning as much as she is. Yay! Please keep us posted on what works. Maybe you can help me with my stubborn b.
  • BarklessdogB

    Our dog can open our doors now!

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    BenkuraB
    @renaultf1: I too have started using carabiners though (the real climbing ones that have the barrel lock on the outside…need the double protection with her!)...haven't seen her figure those out yet. At least I'm putting some of my old climbing equipment to use :D:D :rolleyes:! That's too funny. :D Give her time and she'll have sussed it!! ps hope this works. Trying to use Quotes but never done it before!! :o
  • K

    Is my dog a Basenji? Can you help me figure it out?

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    TuckerVAT
    Rudolph has a read nose!
  • VanessaV

    I Can't Believe My Ears

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    supermanS
    @sharronhurlbut: My basenji girl always shows me up. When I am walking the dogs, folks come over and say "oh, are those the barkless dogs?" My girl ALWAYS gives one of her warning BARKS when they say this. Laugh. I tell the folks yes, they are barkless, except for my girl! So, then discussion starts, and I explain how they are not MUTE. But my girl gets me everytime! That's so funny considering we have the opposite experience. Manny baroooos like crazy at home but when we're in public and we want him to do it, he doesnt. Go figure. They have a mind of their own.
  • MantisM

    Awareness can only help….

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    tanzaT
    @sharronhurlbut: Please make sure you strip test your basenjis one a month. If you see a lot of water drinking/peeing, please get the strip tests out and test again. These poor puppymill dogs are not from quality breeders and their health is so much in doubt…. So, strip test, and if you get a puppymill dog get them tested for fanconis. Knowledge is power. For sure everyone should be strip testing.. and better yet, consider doing a DNA Test for Fanconi…. and if you are strip testing... consider doing it more than one day, once a month.. consider doing it 3 to 4 days in a row per month...
  • red and white fureverR

    You can pick your pets, but not your family - A Vent

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    S
    I think most of us animal lovers are very hard on ourselves. I believe that our beloved critters are looking down on us, saying "Hey, you did the best for me when I was well, and we will be together again, one day, so lets remember the good times!". Major hugs to all you folks. I think your all wonderful!