Basenji or...not?

[HeidiAce]

@dagodingo I'm sorry I have not responded sooner. Since getting Addie, I feel like I have a new full time job. I wholeheartedly agree with having to be at least half as smart...and one step ahead. I'm exhausted at the end of the day... sometimes, the middle of the day. I do feel more and more that she HAS to have some Basenji in there. She's so incredibly smart at what she wants to be smart at and VERY stubborn on things she has no interest in. To answer your question, she doesn't seem to smell like a dog, but I may be biased. Lol. Thank you so much for your time. It means a lot.

[HeidiAce]

@rugosa Thanks so much for your input. I accidentally answered your question in a different response, but I don't think Addie smells like dog at all, but I may be biased. Lol.
We are very blessed to have found her regardless of what she is or isn't. She's been a great fit for our son. They're cuddled up together right now watching the Avengers together. That's all we wanted or could hope for. I appreciate everyone's opinions and encouragement. Thank you.

[HeidiAce]

@debradownsouth Hi Debra. Thank you so much for the offer. I may take you up on it if our progress slows down or stops. Addie was jumping and puppy nipping/biting at our son for the first few weeks we had her. We tried ignoring and turning away and praising when she had 4 on the floor, "no jump", keeping her leash on so he could step on it to keep her down, etc. Nothing was working. One day about a week ago, I had enough and taught her "time out" to go to her crate as soon as she started. And she did. It took 5-6 tries and I think she's broken of the persistent, insistent need to clobber him. Now, do you or anyone else have suggestions, about how to get her to walk nicely? This is another challenge area. If we can get that under control, I feel life with 2 ADHD family members will drastically improve.
Thanks again for the offer to help with therapy training. That's very sweet of you.

[elbrant]

@yodelma IMHO, I don't really "see" a Basenji either... now, a German Shepard Mix - definately! But, like I said, "in my honest opinion".

[DebraDownSouth]

@heidiace said in Basenji or...not?:

@debradownsouth
Now, do you or anyone else have suggestions, about how to get her to walk nicely? This is another challenge area.

Teaching loose leash isn't hard, it just takes persistence. Having worked with feral dogs who had never been on a leash, I promise you can do it. The other things on her page can help your son. Clickers are remarkable for anyone who has issues with timing rewards to mark a behavior. But with you and a clicker, he can teach her most of these. Teaching helps to bond. Mary is wonderful and her instructions very clear. You can do the exercises with or without a clicker, but your son really may love the clicker part.

http://www.clickerlessons.com/index.htm

Lessons on left; behavior things on the right

[HeidiAce]

@debradownsouth Thanks you so much. We'll give it a try.