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Questions about biting

Behavioral Issues
  • Joey is fine with the kids unless he is sleeping and doesn't want to be moved. Otherthan that, he doesn't growl at them.

  • Any suggestions on resources for positive reinforcement techniques for Joey? Online? He has been trained by the breeder to do some things like staying at an open door until he is released to go, but not to sit or lay down. I have been to an obedience class with another dog that I had, but I can say that it was more negative reinforcement than positive.

  • @JoeyQ:

    Yikes, have we done something really wrong??? Joey has not been aggresive at all. When we play with him he will "bite" our arms, but not hard. If we say "ow" or "no biting" he stops immediately. Should we not encourage this behavior? or is it ok to do when we are playing which has been the only time that Joey uses his mouth?

    We do the same thing. Alani will put her mouth around our arms but never bite down enough to even leave an indentation.

    However, sometimes she will grab a toy to play fetch and if I don't respond or tell her I don't want to play she will lay the toy across my arm and act like she's chewing on her toy but feel for where my skin is and start pinching it. I know she's doing it on purpose and she thinks she's so sneaky…but I know.

23/23

14 Dec 2006, 18:11

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    Neutering is not going to help - training is. But a good trainer will train YOU to deal with the dog. If a trainer can get him to behave but you can't - there is little to be gained from paying out money. This is something you should never have allowed to happen, but since it has, I think you should deal with it and @JENGOSMonkey has given you a good idea to start you off. Withdrawing treats is a good idea, but also, get up and walk away. He could be biting to get attention and therefore you withdraw the attention at the first sign of a bite, with a firm NO.
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    Behavioral Issues 3 Mar 2022, 14:40
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    There should be space for another half Basenji inside the coat. It should be pliable and you should be able to feel its space between your finger and thumb if you pinch it (lightly, of course !) I measure out the kibble in the morning for the days' ration and the only treats they get are taken from that ration. They think they are getting a treat, but actually it is coming from their daily amount so no extra calories at all !
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    Behavioral Issues 12 Nov 2015, 11:05
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    Saving money sometimes isn't the best route… a full thyroid panel gives massively more information. But a low dose won't hurt, and as Pat said, if it doesn't help, you wean off easily and done.
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    Behavioral Issues 18 Dec 2013, 15:39
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    Full Vet check up is needed before anything… especially a FULL THYROID PANEL... I agree with contacting her breeder and also finding a positive reinforcement trainer as suggested
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    Behavioral Issues 1 Aug 2013, 20:40
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    @eeeefarm: Sounds like transferred aggression to me. He knows not to bite the person, but is annoyed enough that he wants to take it out on something, and his tail is handy. :) I wouldn't worry about it if it doesn't get worse. I also wouldn't provoke it. Avoid annoying him if you can and the behaviour may extinguish on its own. Okay! Thanks for all your help!
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    Behavioral Issues 23 Feb 2010, 14:49
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    Wow thanks sinbaje!