Skip to content

Older puppy socializing

Basenji Puppy Pen
  • Anyone have any ideas for me?

    I already have started taking Lance around in the car…and down to the dog park. I was thinking about taking him down town as we have a nice pedestrian area and allowing people to pet him if they ask.

    He's great with everyone...but strange noises are still freaking him out. I don't want TWO scaredy dogs in my house!

    My Collie is nervous enough for the ALL of us! :(

  • I would teach a really strong attention or "watch" behavior. When you go out take a bunch of yummy treats…if he starts to get nervous, ask him to "watch" and reward him. Pretty soon, if he gets nervous he will immediately turn to you. I would also supply the people who are going to pet him with treats. Good luck :)

    A couple great books are "The Toolbox for Remodeling your Problem Dog", by Terry Ryan, and "Click to Calm" by Emma Parsons

  • Thanks. Maybe I should teach "Watch" to my collie too!

  • I don't know how you are handling the situation so this is just general advice for situations of this kind.

    It is human nature to want to comfort creatures who are frightened but saying "it's ok" and petting a frightened dog often leads to the opposite results one hopes for. The dog often considers this as reinforcement of the behavior and they grow worse, not better.

    It is better to ignore any fearful behaviors and instead focus on praising the dog whenever he shows signs of confidence or happiness. I have used this technique with dogs in the past and have found it to have a high success rate.

  • Lexi gets nervous when there are loud noises- fireworks, loud bangs, etc… But otherwise she's a pretty confident girl. Still aloof with strangers, her motto is: You may look but may not touch! ;) hahahaha!

  • How old is your puppy?

    I would say that Caesar is such a good natured basenji for the following reasons:

    fixed at 6months
    went to basic obedience training at 7months old at Petsmart
    started going to off leash dog parks and learned to socialize once a week

    I found basic training to be an extremely fun experience which helped me communicate better with Caesar. He listens, he is social, he is active.

  • @Mantis:

    I found basic training to be an extremely fun experience…

    Boot camp? That's the best idea so far!!!:D

  • Basic Obedience Training, LOL at Petsmart….it is more like basic training for the owner....managing frustration....

Suggested Topics

  • Puppy Food

    Basenji Puppy Pen
    15
    0 Votes
    15 Posts
    10k Views
    DebraDownSouthD
    Rojer, wth? fipronil and methoprene (the ingredients in FRONTLINE, btw) are to kill fleas, it is not a FOOD for dogs and does not help hair and nourish the bones of the dog.
  • Puppy Checklist

    Basenji Puppy Pen
    24
    0 Votes
    24 Posts
    19k Views
    eeeefarmE
    My Basenji doesn't have slaves, he has staff! :) And he lets us know when our work isn't up to snuff.
  • New puppy

    Basenji Puppy Pen
    10
    0 Votes
    10 Posts
    7k Views
    lvossL
    Sophie is one who definately thinks that the standard reads "a goof with strangers". She loves meeting and greeting people and dogs though she has learned how to be dog appropriate and is not a push over. She wags her tail so much it is no wonder is is only a loose single curl, how could it be anything else with it in constant motion. We do a lot to socialize all of our pups so they are outgoing and confident but there is a definate distinction between some of our pups who would probably be considered "Aloof" though they are friendly and like attention from strangers, they always make you feel like you are attending court for royalty and Sophie whose dream job would probably be a greeter for WalMart.
  • Adult Dog Socialization

    Basenji Puppy Pen
    4
    0 Votes
    4 Posts
    6k Views
    jys1011J
    Try to find an animal behaviorist near you…they can definitely help. Check out this website. www.iaabc.org
  • Puppy weight

    Basenji Puppy Pen
    25
    0 Votes
    25 Posts
    31k Views
    lvossL
    L'Ox is on the small side. He is only about 16.5 inches at the withers. He may gain a little more height and will probably continue to fill out for next couple of years but he will always be a small male.
  • Information to find a puppy

    Basenji Puppy Pen
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    6k Views
    BDawgB
    Quercus, I emailed the closest breeder to us: Damara Bolté. Who were the others that you really liked? Thanks so much for your recommendations!