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Basenji teaches a toddler to walk

Behavioral Issues
  • My first basenji (Sundance Liberty Bell - Bell for short - born in 1976) was such a good dog with kids. My sisters family lived with us for a few months while looking for a house. My niece was just old enough to learn how to walk. Bell was so patient with her - she would let Liz (my Niece) grab onto her pliable basenji skin and pull herself up. Then Bell would slowly walk along with Liz getting her to take her first steps. When Bell had had enough, she would just crawl under one of the soft chairs that had a skirt around it so she could disappear. She never bit any of the kids, but was always patient with them. Just make sure they have some private space to escape to when they have had enough.

  • I thought my guy was the only one who did this! I love how they are just the right size for a toddler learning how to walk.

    Rocky would walk slowly beside my daughter and when she fell down, he'd patiently wait until she got up again. When he'd had enough of it, he'd quirm away and go to his kennel or bed.

    And people say they aren't family dogs….

  • OMG!!! :eek: that is so incredible!!! I pray & pray that one of my dogs will be good with kids. We hope to have them one day & they are so incredibly spoiled with us now…

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    Behavioral Issues 20 Feb 2009, 05:37
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    I am not sure what kind of harness I have and can't find a 'proper' name for it online. This link shows what it looks like although I didn't purchase it from this site: http://www.dog.com/item/adjustable-nylon-harness-black/ . I have double checked and it isn't pinching or pulling them in anyway. It is not really tight, but is a little snug so I don't loose control of them when I am walking them. One dog I have had for awhile and at first she liked it (I actually got it on loan from the rescue where I got her to use and had to end up buying it from them because she got out of all other leads that I had for her - think she just wanted that particular one). After being fine with it for around a month she no longer wants to put it on. I have to lure her into it and put it over her head…once it gets over her head she will sit and lift her leg nicely for you to put it all the way on. The new dog hasn't been here two weeks yet and acts like her about the harness - he too liked it when he came, but now no. Any help would be great - I really lilke the harness because I feel like I am not hurting them too much, can keep control on them, and feel secure that they won't get loose using the harness. I have seen the one's that go all the way around them with the harness clip at the top but not sure if it would be safe to use - they could probably escape? Not sure what to do from here..but they have to walk and will have to use a lead. The gentle leader I feel will not keep him or her secure. I live in an apartment but we are around a lake with tons of land and wild animals. They are always trying to track something and with the surroundings so inviting they will be gone if they get loose. TristA
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    Behavioral Issues 11 Jun 2007, 18:04
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    it is just socialization….my australian shepard was that way with men with facial hair because my dad and brother were always clean shaven....
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    I agree with Catherine, socialization is a must, but it depends on the personality of the individual dog. When we had 4, they all slept on the bed together and ran together and rarely did we have any problems. We added a puppy and things were still going ok, just really crowded. However, one day our youngest girl decided she was all grown up and didn't want to be bossed around anymore by our 'wanna-be' alpha. Neither of them was a true alpha. We managed to defuse the situation, but a month later it happened again. The girls could never be together again. In fact, the tri developed a predjudice against all red girls after that! Both girls were terrific with people and with Basenji males and even with males and females of other breeds. I had 2 intact males, brothers, who stayed together with absolutely no problem for almost 4 years until one went to another home. They even got along during season. Terry