New Basenji mix mom...help
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We posted all over social media. We live in an area of many dumped animals. Out in the country away from town and main roads. We did get a local rescue involved. We have had him since early November and he has very protective behavior of me. I decided to not stress him anymore by switching families again. With his love of car rides and his love of lap snuggles, we figure he was either a truckers dog, or an elderly persons. The vet and the rescue agree that he is basenji/blue healer and he is roughly a year old. I wish we could have found his family, but he seems to be settling in nicely here. He is a great play mate for our youngest lab who will be a year on Valentine day. They are always roughhousing and running. Our older labs ignore him, but he tries to herd them all around the yard and the house.
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Herding breeds are often tough... so you have a mix of 2 dogs that need a ton of exercise. Doing a lot of obedience work also will help keep his mind busy. A tired dog ... both physically and mentally, is a good dog (or at least a much better one :) ).
This site has a lot of lessons (on the left side ) and troubleshooting (on the right) http://www.clickerlessons.com/index.htm
Skittishness often is something that must be watched and worked with. A dog that is fearful is more dangerous than one that is simply aggressive. Doing confidence building, but also a Nothing In Life Is Free to help him understand he doesn't get to guard or protect you... that he is not in charge, should help a lot. Unfortunately, dog to dog aggression can be a serious issue and you may need professional help as, at a year, that is only likely to intensify as he matures.
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Btw... PICTURES! I'd love to see him!
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His name is Max or Maxie. He is a sweet little guy who is full of mischief and energy.
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replied to puppymama3537 on last edited by
@puppymama3537 - Very cute, but don't see Basenji
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He is darling. I also have to really squint to see Basenji in there. Might be fun, if you have the funds, to do a DNA test on him through Embark (top one) or another:
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I 100% see aussie cattle dog but not basenji :/. ACD have a reputation for having harsh temperaments. They were bred to work and when they don't have a job they can be known to act out. I have met a LOT of skittish ones and with his unknown background I'm not surprised. The most well adjusted ACDs I know have a job and/or compete in doggy sports/obedience. They are crazy smart and their brain needs something to do!
That being said, I'm so glad you aren't giving up on him. I love the phrase "a good dog in progress". As long as he's not a danger to your family (including your other dogs!) the behaviors you are describing should be fixable or controllable. You might need the help of a professional trainer though. They can often come to your house and asses the situation and help you learn how to train him. It's risky to go it alone when you have a dog with so many issues. He could become worse or injure you if you misread his signals.
I am NOT a dog trainer or a behaviorist though! I work for a vet and have learned a thing or two over the years. I am ALWAYS willing to tell a client when I'm not sure how to help with a behavior issues and recommend a local professional that can help them.
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Thank you everyone for the input. I was listening to vet, but the could have it wrong as well. I think the dNA check may be in order to determine what toexpect from him and to better assist him in behaviors.
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replied to puppymama3537 on last edited by
@I think he's a handsome fella'!! He's also got that look like.... What?? Me?? Ohh noooo ~twas' one of the others who did it! At any rate ~ I think he's just a sweet cutie pie!! I really like the pic where he has his eye's closed, just as you snapped the camera!! lol His eye's are closed & his mouth open just a bit..... looks to me like, he's either getting ready to speak or has just spoken!! I think he looks like a lovable little ole' bear!! I'm glad you were driving at that spot when you all seen & heard him ~ then you saved his life letting him get in the car!! He may be on the ornery side but he's on the lovable side too! Hope he gives you all many years of pure happiness & loads of love!!
