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Benny bit the neighbor!

Behavioral Issues
  • nobarkusN

    It doesn't help to rule out anything physical going on to start with. I would still have his thyroid checked just to be certain. Then go from there. Andrea is correct in that he's too overwhelmed right now. Bringing in a stranger that's holding him down on his back really makes him much worse. When I first got my my red and he was on the couch and I needed him to go out I never forced him or tried to pick him up as he would have tried to bite or fight. I always called him off and let him have some self determinism in getting him to do what I need him to do. He'd get right off the couch and go out without any battles. I would praise him right away. After a while I could pick him up because he trusted me. It takes time and patience.

    Buddy, Paolo and Dan

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  • BennyB

    Yeah, I'll make sure I get the thyroid checked asap. We're scheduling an appointment today. Benny had no problem letting me pick him up last night, but he didn't like it when my girlfriend and my mom tried to. He might just love them more than he does me, so that really shocked me, especially with my girlfriend (who is his mommy).

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  • QuercusQ

    Okay, try this school. Hopefully they are close enough to you. I have talked to Ed, and he seems to be a really great trainer…I haven't actually met him, nor observed him train...but according to their website, and the feedback I have gotten from him, I agree with their methods:

    www dot northcoastdogs dot com

    Andrea Walters

    Quercus Basenjis

    NW Ohio

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  • QuercusQ

    @Benny:

    Yeah, I'll make sure I get the thyroid checked asap. We're scheduling an appointment today. Benny had no problem letting me pick him up last night, but he didn't like it when my girlfriend and my mom tried to. He might just love them more than he does me, so that really shocked me, especially with my girlfriend (who is his mommy).

    It doesn't really have to do with loving someone more or less…try not to put human emotion into equation. He wants to keep the things he values, and he is going to try to control the situation any way he can.

    Where did you get him again? I think you said, and I can't recall.

    Andrea Walters

    Quercus Basenjis

    NW Ohio

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  • nobarkusN

    @Benny:

    Yeah, I'll make sure I get the thyroid checked asap. We're scheduling an appointment today. Benny had no problem letting me pick him up last night, but he didn't like it when my girlfriend and my mom tried to. He might just love them more than he does me, so that really shocked me, especially with my girlfriend (who is his mommy).

    I forgot to mention that Ringo also had physical things going on too which made him very irritable. When I corrected that he was much calmer. So it was a combo of both mental and physical. Benny may not have anything physical going on but it doesn't hurt to rule it out. Don't give up as with your help Benny will get through this.

    Buddy, Paolo and Dan

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  • QuercusQ

    @nobarkus:

    I forgot to mention that Ringo also had physical things going on too which made him very irritable. When I corrected that he was much calmer. So it was a combo of both. Benny may not have anything physical going on but it doesn't hurt to rule it out.

    It is possible that there is something physically wrong…but he is about the age where behavior problems start to become apparent...and he is pretty much too young for a failing thyroid (although it does occasionally happen in a very young adult). It NEVER hurts to rule out physical problems when behavioral problems occur.

    Andrea Walters

    Quercus Basenjis

    NW Ohio

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  • BennyB

    @Quercus:

    Okay, try this school. Hopefully they are close enough to you. I have talked to Ed, and he seems to be a really great trainer…I haven't actually met him, nor observed him train...but according to their website, and the feedback I have gotten from him, I agree with their methods:

    www dot northcoastdogs dot com

    That is within an hour from home, I'll give them a call.

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  • nobarkusN

    I think we're getting Benny on the right track here. It's nice having this forum as you can get good help from experienced people like Andrea.

    Buddy, Paolo and Dan

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  • BennyB

    @nobarkus:

    I think we're getting Benny on the right track here. It's nice having this forum as you can get good help from experienced people like Andrea.

    I really do appreciate everyone's help. We have an appointment with the vet this Thursday at 11:15 am to get some bloodwork done.

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  • agilebasenjiA

    The training school that Andrea gave you has a Sarah Kalnajs seminar. I have not seen her in person, but her videos are really worth watching! You may want to look at attending. Look at the topics for Day 2.

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  • lvossL

    I have seen Sarah Kalnajs in person and her seminars are great.

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  • S

    Where did you get him again?

    Sharron Hurlbut

    BRAT, basenji rescue

    Evergreen basenji club

    Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue

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  • BennyB

    Pet Land (pet store)

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  • AJs HumanA

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    AJs HumanA
    I like the idea of me taking responsibility for being the grouch. Truck drivers are a rather thick lot. When I tell them my dog is not good with other dogs, they almost inevitably insist on bringing their ratty, filthy, scruffy mutts over to spread the mange wealth around to AJ. They almost always say the same thing: "He won't do anything to my dog. My dog can play with anyone." Yeah, but what if I don't want my Basenji to catch mange, fleas or cooties from your dog? Unfortunately, that wasn't the case last night. That Basset was really sweet…with people. She just came in a bit too aggressively for AJ and I didn't give him anywhere to go. With the information I've received here, I think I can be a bit more proactive and confident with him. That will be good. Thank you to everyone.
  • BennyB

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    QuercusQ
    Also, I would recommend "Click to Calm" by Emma Parsons…and just about anything by Patricia McConnell. You can find these books at dogwise dot com You CAN learn to change Benny's behavior yourself, but it would really help to have a behaviorist help you. You wouldn't really have to risk a lot if you learn exactly what techniques you prefer to use, and then interview people about their preferences. After you do some research, it should be pretty easy to tell who is thinking the same way you are, and whether or not they can help. Did you try Northcoast Dogs? their website is that name then dot com
  • I

    A little bit of this and that

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    tashaT
    Sounds like that is his personality. No different than my beagle/dalmation mix who does not like to have his feet touched. If he doesn't like it, let him not like it. My cat does the same thing now that I think of it. She'll plop herself on my foot and as soon as I touch her with my other foot she takes off.