I have found that with my "problem child", it does help to crate him a little more when he's in destructo mode. I don't mean 23 hours a day, of course. Just when he starts ramming around LOOKING for trouble, sometimes it's better for him AND me to give him some nice crate time. Then I'm not fuming. So when I have time for undivided attention, I'm relaxed and he knows it.
It would seem that when he's high energy, the crate would be the worst thing in the world. But it doesn't seem to be the case. He DOES need activity, don't get me wrong. But he also needs less opportunity to get in trouble.
My "well-behaved" basenji child wouldn't yet be able to handle being unattended for hours while I'm at work. She would be lonely and insecure and eat my shoes. And she's three!
So I'm not sure if I'm being reassuring or not. I am one who believes in crates. Like real belief, like FAITH. 
It's not giving up on discipline. It's helping your household have some routine and regulation.
When I'm away (for several hours), these are the instructions I give to family members. "Feel free to hang out with the dogs. When they come out of the crates, please give them a chance to pee. Enjoy them as long as you want. When you are ready to do something else, please put them back in their bed so they can be safe. The crate is the default unless you can give them your undivided attention." Why? Because I know my family. They will say to themselves… "aaawwww, the poor widdle puppies, they shouldn't be TRAPPED in the CAGE of DOOM" and let them out and play with them for 30 seconds before leaving them to their own devices for four or five hours and THEN complain that the dogs ate their gameboys and all the Doritos.
Crate is the default when I'm away. 
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This SO bears repeating! What an awesome way of explaining a great training technique! Thanks for clarifying why crates help humans and dogs be better partners!
I really agree with the crate also. Cali is crated while I am at work and other times that I can't give her my undivided attention. I havent had her destroy anything valuable, but she is a chewer and if left unattended for just a few seconds will find something to get into. Some of my friends think I am cruel for crating her while I am at work, but they complain when they go home and their dogs have detroyed furniture, clothing, etc.
Sometimes Cali will go to her room(crate) and just stand there expecting a treat, it is so funny to see. Basenjis are so smart and unpredictable. Even though I use her crate for time out she doesnt see it as a bad place. I have crate trained every dog that I have owned and I am sure it has saved me a lot of money from potential damages to my belongings.:)
tlbuddy
I think Basenjis are JUST LIKE two year children.
They act up when they are tired or feeling in need of attention,
if I don't want something played with I put it away,
and I would never leave one running free and unsupervised in my home!
I think Basenjis are JUST LIKE two year children.
They act up when they are tired or feeling in need of attention,
if I don't want something played with I put it away,
and I would never leave one running free and unsupervised in my home!
Yup, can't be said more clearly
I think Basenjis are JUST LIKE two year children.
They act up when they are tired or feeling in need of attention,
if I don't want something played with I put it away,
and I would never leave one running free and unsupervised in my home!
That's funny, I was thinking of coming back to this thread and posting exactly that.
Last week, my sister and I were talking: my basenji boy was figuring out the childproof (haha) locks on the kitchen cabinet – and her two-year-old human girl was found peeing in her dad's shoes in the closet. Yep, they are JUST like two-year-olds.
Of course, we can't crate the human ones...
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Oh....we can't?.....(quickly looking around to see if anyone noticed son in crate) 
Actually I have seen people at dog shows put their small kids in a large crate to keep them safe and contained while they were in the ring. My mom about had a heart attack (those kids are in a DOG crate!) ...but I thought it was an awesome idea!
We all have our opinions, but I want you to know that my Sahara is very important to me. I would never do anything to permanently hurt her, we love her so much. My electric device has 10 settings, and one is just a loud sound, I am only going to use this device when nothing else works, Ok, and it will never be used on the highest setting, and never to much. Jessi, I have been to classes with Sahara, and they cost plenty, this was a last resort as I stated. We all know our Bs better than anyone else, they all have different temperment, Sahara is the most loving dog I have ever had the priviledge of owning, and if I don't like the device I will not use it no matter the cost.
<< but I want you to know that my Sahara is very important to me. I would never do anything to permanently hurt her>>
Youngandtired,
I have no doubt you love and cherish Sahara. I have never stated or implied that you don't love her very much. I am only trying to give you an educated opinion about electric training devices….do with it whatever you want. The fact is, for those devices to work you have to shock the dog at least once...and most people are not experienced enough with them to only have to shock the dog once.
It is hard to say nothing else has worked, as we don't know what all you have tried. But usually consistancy with any one method is more effective than trying them all. Again, good luck with whatever you decide to try....
Wow - I thought Duke's house manners have been exceptional and good during all the days I've been reading this thread. But this morning, Duke failed me. He dug a 4" hole in the sofa back cushion . . . the cushion that is not removeable unlike the bottom cushions. Yeah - the stuffing out and you can see it. He must have done it in a matter of 20 minutes!! The time he was alone in the family room while getting ready for work. WAHHH! How am I going to fix it? It's a $1600 sofa! :mad: Even though he is a 9 mo. old neutered male, could this change in behavior be due to "that time of year" for the girl basenjis when the boys have frustrations? Or just plain old bad behavior?:eek:
Just got home from work. He was in his crate as usual when nobody is home. He went crazy on the comforter that I put in there. Pulled out the stuffing in one corner. From reading the behavioral posts, I am going to assume he is having a "relapse". He was doing so well, that I thought I had the best Basenji~~~guess he is no exception. Back to the bare bottomed crate. I just hope he doesn't figure out how to slide out the pan like some already do. That's why I asked in the above post if it's "that time of year". Or it's just behavior typical of a young "teen-age" basenji? Any how, we're back to the puppy basics. We're not going to trust him for awhile. Gosh, we were even experimenting leaving him free if we were only gone an hour or so. He was a perfect angel every time. Duke can just forget it now. He goes thru and destroys his chewys so fast, I think that because he doesn't have any right now, he might be frustrated? So it's my fault for not shopping for him ~~~ geeesh!! This guy is the most expensive dog I've ever had with the treats, toys and "clothes"! He certainly acts like a spoiled little two year old - like I read in a couple other posts. I feel like I'm being taken for granted, by a dog no less!! OK - I got it all out - I think I'll feel better tomorrow. WHEW!
lol Jill.. you crack me up! I think it's typical bored basenji behavior. remember… a TIRED dog is a GOOD dog. or a crated and occupied dog can also be a good dog... so you may need to provide some new toys. I rotate my dog's toys (tough toys that last, like KONG, Squirrel Dude, nylabones, treat ball, etc...) then when I change it up - he THINKS I got him a NEW toy, when in fact, I've just hid it for 2 weeks. This method keeps a bit of $ in my wallet.
also, your dog is 9 mths... he's entering what I lovingly call "the idiot phase". they act up, act out, get into trouble, test you, and conveniently "forget" their training... just stick to your guns, provide outlets (toys & exercise), and be consistant with training (this includes crate training and verbal training).
some quick things around the house that make GREAT toys... paper towel tubes... fill w/ kibble, bend the ends inward to close tube - let dog destroy it to get kibble. Carrot sticks are also GREAT (and healthy) chewies and they help to clean the teeth too! empty tissue boxes make fun "treat dispensing cubes". I found it satisfies the need to chew, destroy, and play... and keeps the sofa safe.
I hope this helped.
Thanks Jessie76 - I'm doing my best to keep a sense of humor. These are good "cheap" tips for keeping his toys interesting. They're like the box kids play with most, even though the big toy that was in it sits alone in the yard. I have to get more creative here, it makes sense. Sometimes, things have to be repeated, don't they? Funny how Basenji humans are the ones who have to learn their lesson. I know some people who wouldn't put up with it. The dog would be gone! (I couldn't do that, my heart would break.) I also take this training as a challenge. It takes discipline on our part so they do their part. OK - I'm ready . . . stick to my guns!
Ohhhh Jill…Im so sorry bout your sofa.. im just waiting to come home and find something like that destroyed...I know it must be devastating. Sandie is still acting up i sometimes think maybe its because the weather has changed here and is kinna chilly outdoors...I noticed most her energy is since the weather began to chill and the rain...i hope she chills... soon or this will be a long winter..
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Yes and No (Sorry about your couch!) Yes, because he could be feeling hormonal and strange due to it being the season...but that is more likely to express itself with interatctions with other dogs and people rather than couches. And No because it isn't bad behavior....it is DOG behavior. He doesn't know that you value your couch...he just knows it is something fun to dig in.
He has shown you that he can't be safe by himself for even 20 minutes (unfortunately it was a costly lesson for you); you have to protect him from himself.
And you are so right about many people not wanting to put up with this kind of behavior. So many people want their dogs to act like little humans...they think the dog understands "being a good dog" without them putting any effort into training the dog...well with basenjis, so many never even care what "being a good dog" is....that is why so many end up in rescue. Those of us that stay with the breed usually all have horror stories of things being destroyed, food being stolen...dogs behaving "badly"...but that is part of what we love about the breed...That is why so many of us say "Basenjis aren't for everyone"
I am glad you can still smile....you must be a basenji person
And No because it isn't bad behavior….it is DOG behavior. He doesn't know that you value your couch...he just knows it is something fun to dig in.
Thanks Andrea! I agree it is dog behavior. I know he wouldn't do anything to hurt me because he "loves me and he trusts me. He's just a youngster, the way I see it. He must have been bored. We have been busy lately with son's hockey and yes, the DETROIT TIGERS! Duke really hasn't had his due attention. Walks are back on the daily list, and he has a fresh supply of toys. I can't forget he is not a lazy old dog. I'm already thinking about the next sofa. Until then, I'll invest in a sofa cover. I will try and sew up the hole by hand tomorrow.
I had alot of problems with Buddi also. We started crating him very soon after realizing what that little puppy could do while we were gone! But my dog is a little Houdini… he figured out how to get out of his pet carrier. It was horrible!!!! On top of being bored, I believe he was mad at me, because the house was a complete wreck. Atop of the mess I soon found out that I couldn't use my computer because he ate through all the cords... Had a few occurances with that. Anyways we had to put a C-clamp on the corner of the carrier where he broke the plastic. He is a very interesting and smart dog!!!!! Good Luck!!!
Zahra ate my laptop cord and I don't know when. I don't let them out of the crate unless I am watching them but she is sneeky and all of a sudden my laptop would not go to ac power. Hmmmmmm, maybe I could figure out a way to use some of that energy from the B500 to power up my laptop!
I have been pretty lucky, Zahra has not damaged too much in our house. Our Puggle has actually done more damage then her, although Zahra loves to dig in the couch, our bed and blankets.
Well the reason we had to start crating Buddi is because he ate through the bathroom closet wall and when I came home he had two puncture wounds on his side where he fell on nails. Called the vet and he said to give him childrens benadryl. He is a handfull, to say the least. But we love him very much!
LOL….Cleaning up the mess and toys around the lounge room last night after Bandit and Alfie had gone to bed.... I thought ran through my mind... I'm still picking up after kids.... but this time it's my darling kids with 4 legs....LOL
I too, give Bandit cardboard tubes, empty tissue boxes which he spreads all over the place.
The other night my daughter gave Bandit and Alfie a Happy Birthday balloon she had finished with. It still floated up to the ceiling when let go... so we had some fun with Bandit and Alfie.... you should have seen them trying to catch the balloon..... gosh it was funny!!! When they got hold of the balloon, they ran along the floor and each time the balloon would try and float away!!!
