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I'm onto you!

Behavioral Issues
  • I didn't understand at first,
    I thought she was misbehaving.
    Grabbing the toilet paper and dashing out of the room...
    Ripping (bigger) holes in the socks I left by the bed...
    Chewing on the attachment to my hair dryer that never gets used...
    I thought I was just learning about having a Basenji.
    Then I caught her!
    As she turned to look back half way down the hall...
    I'd swear she had a laugh in her eyes.
    With a "catch me if you can!" smirk on her face.
    She wasn't trying to be a bad dog...
    She just wanted me to play a bit with her.
    So I knotted up that old ace bandage,
    And we played "tug of war".
    The material was stretchy,
    Which just made it more fun.
    We played a little bit.
    She didn't need to grab more things.
    Now we understand eachother.
    She was only bored.

  • Yep. :)
    Just like children, you can give them good attention or bad... you are in control.

  • Such a cute story...and so true!

  • It is their boredom that you have to curtail (pardon the pun), not there energy or their spirit. I have four Bs, and they all have different personalities. The bones keep them occupied for a while, and they keep their teeth clean. Their teeth are important.

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  • Destructive behavior…I'm probably just venting

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    I've always had less issues when I have one rather than two, but OTOH, if I was out a lot I would want the second one as a companion. I don't think it is fair to leave them alone for hours every day. (Basenjis are smart enough to figure out that when they do something all they have to do is act cute and let you think it was the other one that did the deed!) :)
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    I've followed this thread with interest and I think both Debra and Fran have pinned it down. I do think that right and wrong are subjective and that those who say that animals feel guilt are anthromorphising. Guilt is a very human feeling. I raise my Basenji to respect me but I also respect them. They listen to me and I 'listen' to them. I see no need for physical discipline. My dogs are taught from the beginning what their limits are. Not to say that they are instantly obedient. They are just normal Basenjis with normal Basenji instincts. Some are unacceptable to me and that is where I draw the line. I believe the tone of voice is very important as is the Basenji's vocalisation. I feel it's good that we don't always agree - after all it would be a very dull forum if we did!
  • Basenji, I'm Overwhelmed…..HELP!!!

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