The NILF program is exactly the sort of thing your basenji needs. She has hit teenage time and like human teenagers is pushing authority. In this case, don't push her off the couch or yank the afghan from under her or any of those sorts of manuvers. Start by getting her attention just before she is going to jump onto the couch by offering a treat diverting her attention away from the couch. If she decides to come for the treat, she gets it, and then gets to be on the couch as a double reward; if she decides to complete her jump to the couch instead, she doesn't get the treat. Once she starts to look at you first ("asking permission") before she takes the couch then the reward becomes the couch. And to get her off the couch, use the reverse. Offer her a treat in such a way that she has to get off the couch to get it and click as soon as she decides to get off Once she understands that, add the "off" word. You might have to use treats just for this exercise that she wouldn't get any other time to make this more enticing to her. You might also want to introduce mat work so that she has to go to her mat or afghan or whatever, on the floor, instead of getting on the couch in the first place.
Help please before there is a problem
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Ditto what's been said but I would also add to ease the transition don't let Indi go to work with the DH every day - wean him off so to speak - so he will get used to separation before the big one happens.
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i'd have DH leave a few "worn" items, simply for a scent if needed. a handful of just worn t-shirts should be enough. IF there's a freakout let Indi sleep w/ one.
as others said, i'd keep the dog busy. perhaps buy some new interactive toys - you can even get one that records DH's voice. "talk to me treat ball" is a decent one. it has a small recorder in it, and it spits out treats as it's rolled. the recording is motion activated too. My dog has gone through 2 of these - but loved EVERY MINUTE of it. we recorded silly stuff.. the cats meowing, his own bark, my voice, my finace's voice, etc… the major stores like petco or petsmart carry them. I think I paid around $15 for it. It's pretty sturdy too, can take quite a beating.
toys like this provide new excitement combined w/ positive reward (treats). other than a new toy or 2, i'd keep Indi busy w/ training, walking, playing, etc...
definitely be calm and relaxed about it, if you are stressed and anxious, the dog will certainly pick up on that.
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Thanks so much for the advice…here we go
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we left our B with his parents once and it did just fine, but the first day was a little leery of the surroundings.
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So on Monday we found out DH is going to Virginia for his job on Saturday. He will be there without us until September 1. Indi (our b) is totally a daddy's boy. He knows when Turin is coming home and waits at the door for him. Only snuggles up under the covers with him. Incessantly walks around after him.
SOOOO since we will be apart for a month…oh and did I mention DH is taking the entire apt with the exception of Indi's kennel and toys with hi...what can I do to ease the transition?
Or am I getting myself worked up about it and then going to effect him. If I act like nothing is going on will he? Its only 3 weeks but I don't know if Indi can understand.
Right now he is 7m and for the last 5 has been going in to work with T almost every day so I think he will be missed?
Any help?
While there may be some issues, one of the best things you can do for yourself and your dog is to take Indi for a good long walk in the morning and in the evening. When I say long, I mean at least an hour or so. This walk will help you and Indi bond more and he will start focusing more on you. I always treat Roo with a few Cheerio's that I keep in my pocket in a plastic bag.
I do not want to beat a dead horse here, but I just cannot say enough about how wonderful long walks are for you and your pet. It improves their behavior and they are much more mellow.
Another thing you can do, is establish a play time for you and Indi on a daily basis. It does not have to be a long one, but it does need to be somewhat regular. We found a bunch of AKC stuffed animal toys at our local Big Lots for $3 each. Our Basenji just loves to play with them. I have heard it said that Basenji's will not retrieve or play fetch, but Roo seems to have no issue with it. One thing Miranda discovered is that Roo likes to chase an ice cube from the fridge around on our ceramic kitchen floor. Of course all of this is up to you.
I personally spend as much time as possible with both Roo and Bonzo. Of course there are always limitations to what anyone can do.
I think if you just plan some things like walks, play times, treats, and cuddle times, everything will work out for you just fine.
Jason
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Jason has some sound advice.
Let us know how its going. -
Jason,
Thanks for the advice. Indi and I started a running program called Couch to 5K and we are both loving it. I will difinetly set up a daily play time for us, I got him some puzel toys we can play with together.
Thanks so much for the advice and support. I really needed it.
Rachel
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Hey Rachel-
It gets really hard….I know how it can be...with DH gone so much....I think that the couch to 5K will help you deal with him being gone as much as Indi. Let me know if you want to meet at a dog park and comiserate
R
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Meeting at the dog park sounds like a smashing idea. When? We will be here until August 31
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I am up for this Sunday. I have to go to a (non-dog friendly) party on Saturday, so Jack will be cooped up in his crate, so I will owe him a fun trip. Do you want to do sun morning, afternoon?
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Sounds like a plan.. how about Sunday morning. When is good for you?
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How about 10:00 am?
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I'll be there! With the boy of course
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kiro and i moved 3 times this year…... and we broke up with her original daddy (of 5 mths)..... but i took over the MAMA dog role..... I find that training is fun for both and good for the dog.... learn to teach tricks..... one at a time... it takes about a week for one but after a month or 2 think how many you will have down!!!
I guess what im saying is maybe a doggie school would be good for bonding and you both..... good luck mama dog
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Robin, could you email me please
I need to meet later in the day like 1ish would that be alright????
I hope it is
