To…or not to....!

[Janneke]

I think it's very important to always praise your B when he comes to you on walks/in the house. I always have treats with me when we're on walks. Coming to me means getting something to eat Playing hide and seek is a great way to get your b more focused on you.

What I wouldn't allow.. hmm.. Well Tillo isn't allowed on the couch/in bed, but that's a personal thing. I would never say that it's a bad thing to allow your b in bed/couch. At first I thought it wouldn't be smart to allow Tillo to chew on things (pillows/his bed/stuffed toys) but I figured I wasn't going to stop that.. so I make sure he has enough things of his own to chew/rip apart.

Oh.. I know something I don't allow Tillo to growl at other dogs. He was a sweet pup, but as soon he knew he was a man he started growling at some other intact males. That's not done when I'm around. And he knows it! I don't punish him (I feel that punishing him will make other dogs more negative = more growling), but tell him no and we walk away. It works for us

[sharronhurlbut]

I allow my dogs up on couches and beds, as long as they are polite.
If t hey get possesive of the space or person, they go down to the floor until
they are invited up again.

What I would do with a new basenji, pup or adult, is to get it and you into a gentle
obedience class.
This will help you learn to bond with your basenji.
This breed probably won't "pass" but that isn't the point.
The point is to get you 2 to work together as a team in a positive manner.
IMO, you should avoid anything harsh.
I use positive reinforcement…it does work wonders.

[lvoss]

I tend to look at things from the positive side, what should you do to have a dog you can live with.

1. Socialization, get your puppy out meeting people, dogs, seeing sights, hearing sounds. The more you can expose them to as normal when they are pups the more adaptable they are as adults.

2. Name response, reward your puppy every time it responds to its name and practice frequently. Putting the time into this could save your dog's life someday if you really need it to come when called.

3. Positive reinforcement training. Working with your puppy in basic obedience helps to build a relationship between you and your dog and makes sure that you are speaking the same the language. By using positive reinforcement, you teach your puppy that when you are around good things happen which is just what you want for bonding.

Don't let your basenji practice behaviors that you don't want. Set your dog up for success.

[Thana]

Thank you all so much for your useful advice.
it seems that you all follow the same pattern of behaviour and i must say i totally agree.
in class (by the way, I am a teacher) positive reinforcement is the technique i follow with my pupils.
I think that through emphasising on the positive staff, the mind starts to focus on positive and only behaviour.
same for doggies:)
I never allow myself to panic in a difficult situation concerning Mr.Eko. i know he's too young and in time given and with consistency we will succeed!!!

[rnasto]

You should never allow your B to act out in anger.

You should allow him to express himself.

[bellabasenji]

I DO let Bella on the bed/couch… I think in that respect it is personal preference. I can see where it would be handy if you were visiting someone elses house...

I really like all the responses, but especially Lisa's (lVoss).

:)On a lighter note:
-Do always let your Basenji know how much it is dearly loved...
-Don't ever forget how unique, special, beautiful they are...;)

So sorry... I just had to get sentimental here.:o

[Janneke]

@bellabasenji:

..I can see where it would be handy if you were visiting someone elses house…

This made me LOL.. Tillo knows in bed/on the couch is forbidden here.. but when we are somewhere else he always tries to find out if it is also not allowed there Jumping on the bed and challenging me to get him off Smart pup

[Mucky]

In addition to what others have said:

Never allow your B to do something that you don't want them to do, even if it is cute. B's are so smart that once they are allowed to do something once, they will continue to challenge you to do it again.

On this same train, always be consistent and clear with you B. I strongly avoid telling my B no, instead I tell him what I want him to do with discipline commands (off, leave it, enough). He responds very well to those.

[Thana]

I have been noticing that it is true, basenjis need to be 'redirected' instead of being told what not to do..

[bellabasenji]

@Janneke:

This made me LOL.. Tillo knows in bed/on the couch is forbidden here.. but when we are somewhere else he always tries to find out if it is also not allowed there Jumping on the bed and challenging me to get him off Smart pup

Ahhhhh yes… just like a child, challenging the boundries!!!:rolleyes:

[RockysWoman]

@lvoss:

3. Positive reinforcement training. Working with your puppy in basic obedience helps to build a relationship between you and your dog and makes sure that you are speaking the same the language. By using positive reinforcement, you teach your puppy that when you are around good things happen which is just what you want for bonding.

Don't let your basenji practice behaviors that you don't want. Set your dog up for success.

Hear hear! Remember, Basenji's are a BRILLIANT breed and will look to out-think you. It's all about what is in it for them… so make it "their" idea in the first place and praise like crazy when they do it.

Good luck with your new puppy!