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Nipping?

Behavioral Issues
  • JodieJ

    I am a relative newcomer (adopted Lillie - 3 1/2 months ago) and need some advise. Lillie is a very sweet girl, however, usually around late afternoon/early evening, Lillie gets alittle "frisky". I'm not sure if this is her "sign" that she wants to play. She will try and pull on my shirt and nip me. I have found the only way to stop her (at that time) is to spray alittle water on her. Am I handling this correctly? She does this to everyone in my family. It usually does not last long but I am not sure what the reason is or if there is a reason. Has anyone experienced this? If so, how have you handled it? I appreciate any advise.
    Thanks,
    Jodie:confused:

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  • DukeD

    Daisy does this in the early evening too. I think she's trying to spike some play. I would suggest having a rope toy or something handy to have her nip on and/or play fetch with. Both of mine have a B500 race just before bed time too.

    Jill

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  • JodieJ

    Thanks - I don't feel so alone now. Lillie has a gazillion (sp?) toys. I usually will throw her a ball, which she absolutely loves. I found her this ball (soft, furry and it squeaks) in the pet store for $ 1.00. Funny, with all the toys I have bought her (some not so cheap), she absolutely loves this ball! I'll try re-directing her when she starts the nipping.

    Jodie

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  • MantisM

    Caesar used to do this around 1-1/2 yrs old. The trainer told me to ignore it, that it was negative attention he wanted. I quickly found out that if mom walks away from basenji. Basenji gets to bite her butt! LOL.

    My answer was Basic Obedience training. Not only to communicate better, but burns that energy. I also found a 15min walk did the trick as well.

    You can use Cheerios as a treat and spend 15min on tricks for indoor play, or do like most of us do and multiply…..

    Basenjis seem to need more play time than basenji parents have once you get home from work, clean up, settle down, make dinner, and clean up again. Multiples will burn that extra energy but the basenji 500s never end....:D

    Caesar and Cairo….the boys

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  • tashaT

    @Duke:

    Daisy does this in the early evening too. I think she's trying to spike some play. I would suggest having a rope toy or something handy to have her nip on and/or play fetch with. Both of mine have a B500 race just before bed time too.

    LOL!! I have to laugh because when I go to bed Corky jumps on my bed, jumps down, runs to the other side and does is all over again about 10 times before he settles down. Poor boy doesn't realize that all that running and jumping costs him the best spot on the dog beds. :(

    He and his brother buddy (dalmation/beagle mix) run their laps right around 8:30 or so. It sound like it's pretty normal to me. :)

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  • JodieJ

    Multiples? I don't know how I would handle 2 Lillies :) I have an extremely hectic life with a lot of running around to do. I don't know if I can handle another dog. All the dogs I have owned in the past have been solo. I think it would be too hard for me, besides I don't think my husband would go for the idea. I think I'll try re-directing Lillie and see if that helps with the nipping.

    Jodie

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  • nomrbddgsN

    Just remember if you play with her like you're a dog you become her buddy. Your hands will also become play toys. If your husband or you rough houses with her you may need to stop to change the behaviour.

    Arlene, the Basenji Brats with the Boxenji![](images/smilies/biggrin.png "Big Grin")

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  • luzmery928L

    I'm going through the same thing with my B. The trainer I'm using did say we have to direct his nipping to something else. Save one particular toy that you use only when he nipps and let him bite on that. Also if you start with the simple commands your B will learn to listen to you and follow what you say. Whatever you do be consistant and try to nip this in the bud (we need to keep our sense of humor or we'll go nuts) soon so or else you will have a tougher time later.

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  • tanzaT

    Exactly, if behaviors that are unacceptable are not corrected and they are not redirected to positive behaviors it will only get worse. They don't understand that these are really not acceptable.. this is how it would work in a pack situation, especially the mouthing, dogs "talk" with their mouths… and if you have ever seen a litter of pups and watch the interaction, you will seen how they react to biting with each other... and other adults.
    And remember if she gets a reaction to the nipping, as in you begin to play with her, she will think that is acceptable.

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

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  • MantisM

    Multiples? I don't know how I would handle 2 Lillies I have an extremely hectic life with a lot of running around to do. I don't know if I can handle another dog. All the dogs I have owned in the past have been solo.

    I remember thinking basenji owners must have a screw loose to even contimplate multiples…..I was 100% wrong....

    now that I have had 2 I will never have just 1 again....they take care of each other and play together all day!!!

    Caesar and Cairo….the boys

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  • luzmery928L

    I'm trying to convince my husband about that. No luck

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  • MantisM

    honestly, you really have to see it to believe it…

    if you want to borrow Caesar and Cairo, just call me!! LOL:D

    Caesar and Cairo….the boys

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  • luzmery928L

    thanks, now i'll be happy with a demo..lol

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