Got to get that bunny!

Basenji Talk

  • We were all outside this weekend, and Jack was on his little tie-line cable and a little bunny hopped out from under a bush to say hello.

    Well, Jack saw it, and I expected him to go crazy, since the bunny was sitting out of reach, just watching us. And, sure enough Jack ran over to the end of his tie-line, not really straining or anything…..but his tail was wagging, and I can't be sure, but I thought I saw a puppy grin....

    Is it possible that Jack wanted to play with the bunny? I always figured that he would just want to eat it, high prey drive and everything.

    I have no desire to go out and get any small animals and see how they do together- I'm just curious about the tail wagging....


  • Sometimes they wag as happiness or sometimes to release stress…
    I hope it was the former!
    Baby bunnies are the cutest!


  • Oh- no- I don't think it was stress- he looked like he wanted to play! I expected him to want to eat the bunny:eek: :D


  • As crazy as it sounds, if Jack is anything like Shango, he just wanted to play with the baby bunny.

    Shango loves to chase things (rabbits, squirrels, ANYTHING that runs) but when they are babies, he seems to know. We've come across baby birds, rabbits, kittnens and puppies and his behavior changes! It's almost like he knows he can't play as rough with them! It's adorable. He's so paternal.

    Jack probably just wanted to play!


  • Don't forget that the most favorite game to play for most Basenji's is, guess what? Chase games! They love to chase other dogs, and BE chased too. That's the favorite activity for our boy at the dog park. If he can find another dog that understands how to play the 'chase game' he's in heaven! And heaven help you if want to get ahold of him around the house. If I step after him, he immediately darts away and looks back as if to say "come-n-get me" tail wagging the whole time!


  • can't wait to be bale to get that back yard fenced in and he can chase the squirrel, birds and bunnies all over the place!


  • I would have to say… given a chance, he would NOT play with the bunny... IMO... it would become "lunch".... and yes, many times tail wagging is not only "happiness"... mine will "wag" at the lure bags... and it is NOT for play... especially if there is a "real" skin in those bags....


  • Thanks Pat- that was what I was wondering…..I knew he wasn't stressed out, but he looked so happy to see him....was wondering if it was "Oh, lets play!" or "Pass the mustard!"


  • @Robin_n_Jack:

    Thanks Pat- that was what I was wondering…..I knew he wasn't stressed out, but he looked so happy to see him....was wondering if it was "Oh, lets play!" or "Pass the mustard!"

    I would bet "Pass the Mustard!"…. :eek:


  • At our house it would be…."I wonder if you taste like chicken?" ;)


  • @EskiLovr:

    Don't forget that the most favorite game to play for most Basenji's is, guess what? Chase games! They love to chase other dogs, and BE chased too. That's the favorite activity for our boy at the dog park. If he can find another dog that understands how to play the 'chase game' he's in heaven! And heaven help you if want to get ahold of him around the house. If I step after him, he immediately darts away and looks back as if to say "come-n-get me" tail wagging the whole time!

    That sounds just like my boy! He will grab something he knows he isn't supposed to have [i.e. a sock] & make sure that I see him then just start running through the house. If I don't chase him, he will drop it after he notices I am not chasing him. Haha. It cracks me up!

Suggested Topics

  • Looking at getting a Basenji.

    Basenji Talk
    10
    0 Votes
    10 Posts
    1k Views
    tanzaT
    @jordandwilly - Thanks for clearing that up.... 9-5 is just fine, IMO.... I work and have always had to leave mine when I was at work, never an issue. That said, we were able to set up the house that access to the backyard (with 10 to 12' privacy fences) with a doggy door and a dog room in the house for them, Locks on the gates so there is NO access for anyone. Dogs sleep 90% of the day so being at work doesn't bother them... never have mine even when I had a litter in the house (And have been in the breed as owner/breeder for 35+ years). You can hire a dog walker to take them out mid day..which is a good solution. and give them a mid day meal depending on their age. I do not and never have used free feeding, period. Especially if you have more that one... you never know what/who is eating what. And you can set up camera's on line to watch them from "afar".... LOL. Keep in mind people that many of us need to work and have day jobs. The most important thing is the time you need to spend with them when you are home. Example would be, if you have young children and you work... when you get home you are going to spend your time with your human children... NO dog would be happy if left out... they need their time also because they are a family member and need as much time as a human child. Again in my opinion
  • should I get a basenji?

    Basenji Talk
    21
    0 Votes
    21 Posts
    8k Views
    elbrantE
    @lovedogs @eeeefarm said in should I get a basenji?: wait until the time is right, even if you really, really want a dog now I agree... with everyone. Sometimes you just need to accept that (no matter how much you want a dog/car/kid/house) you aren't quite ready for it. I waited 5 years before I brought my Basenji home and it was probably the most adult thing I've ever done. I was still in recovery from a spinal injury and knew that I wouldn't be able to provide (her) the exercise she would want and require. Waiting made all the difference in the world. Whan I was finally ready, the most perfect little girl was ready for me. Don't fret about it. You can read, research, consider all of your options, and really prepare yourself. (Don't look at puppy pictures online! You'll fall in love without even meeting the pup(s) and it will pull at your heartstrings.) Remind yourself that "one day you will have a Basenji", just not today.
  • Getting a new dog

    Basenji Talk
    9
    0 Votes
    9 Posts
    8k Views
    eeeefarmE
    Her face looks Basenji, maybe not the muzzle however. Are they destructive? Can be, don't have to be. I don't like to crate and I never have, beyond the initial puppy stage or with a rescue until I can get a handle on what to expect. I do restrict access to areas of the house that might be vulnerable until I am sure of the dog. Not all can be trusted to have free rein. Be consistent in what you expect or will tolerate, and be very watchful until you understand what behaviour is "normal" for your new dog. Are they really that active? I would say no. She is likely excited to be in a new place and curious about everything. She should settle down. Of course, with a rescue there may well be reasons someone gave up on her, and it's not always immediately apparent if a dog has problems. Hopefully she will fit in well with your family. Invisible fence......likely not a good choice for a Basenji, particularly if there are coyotes in your area. You need to protect her. Coyotes will go after a small dog, and sometimes even a not so small one. I know someone who lost a Jack Russell when he was lured by coyotes and then attacked once he was beyond his master's protection.....and Jack Russells are tough little dogs! However, invisible fence can be useful to back up a physical fence if your dog turns out to be an escape artist. Regarding landscaping.....there are some deer fences that blend well and become almost invisible. Perhaps combined with invisible fence that might be a good option. Otherwise, walks or biking your dog should help, and definitely challenge her mentally. Basenjis are clever and I believe they enjoy learning. I taught my boy to retrieve objects by name.....it was fun for both of us. Good luck with her.
  • Getting off the leash

    Basenji Talk
    9
    0 Votes
    9 Posts
    4k Views
    BorbasukB
    I know what you mean Patty; but I always made sure to do this and it didn't make any difference. It's not every dog I've had that could do this; most can't but once they figure it out the first time they always seem to do it again.
  • Who gets the computer chair

    Basenji Talk
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    1k Views
    P
    What a funny story. I can relate.
  • I got to meet….

    Basenji Talk
    15
    0 Votes
    15 Posts
    4k Views
    nala121498N
    @Basenji_Boy: It's the high mountian air…..cuts off the oxygen.:D Added to the fact that my brain has turned to tapioca….darn kids.;)