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Major issues

Behavioral Issues
  • What happens if you just leave her loose when you are gone?…. Have you tried that?... is there a way you could leave her in an area that is gated off from the rest of the house... ?....

  • I had a similar situation with Cody when I first got him. One of the things that helped was that I put an old sheet in his crate that smelled like me. I slept on it for one night before putting it in there.

    I don't have to crate him regularly anymore, but I still put it in there (wash it once a week, sleep on it for a night, the put it back in there). I also still put his favorite treats and new toys in there instead of giving them directly to him. Now he willingly goes in his crate when he needs some alone time away from Moe (or my family :) ).

  • We got chill pills from the vet too. they did not change the personality( although the first time we dosed it was too strong so we lowered it and that was ok) it is about 20 cents a pill and we give one a day. It was AMAZING the difference it made. we started out with 3 a day and it was way too much … went to 2 a day and now are down to one a day. just helps them be very much calmer and less anxiety. sometimes i think i would like one too.lol but it really helped..... was not expensive and made the worry much better.

  • @tanza:

    What happens if you just leave her loose when you are gone?…. Have you tried that?... is there a way you could leave her in an area that is gated off from the rest of the house... ?....

    Oh no I don't think we will ever try that! I think our couch or entertainment center would be chewed on. In this apartment we have a small laundry room but we have never tried to leave her in there. We are at the point we will try anything.

  • @crystalncody:

    I had a similar situation with Cody when I first got him. One of the things that helped was that I put an old sheet in his crate that smelled like me. I slept on it for one night before putting it in there.

    No we haven't tried this either but I think she would rip it into small pieces. BUT we will try it as well.

  • @jonny:

    We got chill pills from the vet too.

    Chill pills wow that would be nice for everyone! But does your dog like being it his/her crate?

  • Just an update– Today when my husband leaves he will block off both doors so she can't make her way to the carpet.Hewill also put some wood down on the floor so maybe she can not move as easy as on the tile. Also, I started training her with another crate we have. last night she eat meal #2 in front of it and will do the same for meal #1.Wish us luck!

  • @AC~Akeyla:

    No we haven't tried this either but I think she would rip it into small pieces. BUT we will try it as well.

    Cody put holes in the sheet, too, and he still does it, but it's his to shred at will, and it keeps him from getting ahold of anything that he's not allowed to shred or chew. (He also prefers shredding jeans. He seems to like the nice, loud ripping noise that they make ;), so he has an old pair of jeans in his crate as well.)

  • @jonny:

    We got chill pills from the vet too. they did not change the personality( although the first time we dosed it was too strong so we lowered it and that was ok) it is about 20 cents a pill and we give one a day. It was AMAZING the difference it made. we started out with 3 a day and it was way too much … went to 2 a day and now are down to one a day. just helps them be very much calmer and less anxiety. sometimes i think i would like one too.lol but it really helped..... was not expensive and made the worry much better.

    "Quiet Moments" is available over the counter, and it's a calming pill as well. I think it works pretty well. It doesn't change their personality or make them act "drugged".

  • Sounds like you have several good new things to try. I will keep my fingers crossed that today is a better day.

  • When I first acquired my previous basenji the breeder suggested putting paper towels in the bottom of the crate (she can tear them up to her hearts content and even if she eats some if shouldn't cause problems) and to give frozen marrow bones to keep her occupied. There are also lots of interactive toys available that also keep her occupied.

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27 Aug 2009, 13:26

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    IMO it is a myth that Basenjis cannot have good manners on a walk. Yes, great if you can do off leash, but when circumstances dictate that a leash is necessary then walking calmly without a lot of drama and pulling should be achievable. Personally I do not like long lines or flex leashes. Or allowing dogs to eat whatever they find on the ground, which can in some cases earn you a trip to the vet or worse. Like most dogs, Basenjis are not overly discriminant about what they will ingest. A short leash and being observant can protect them from unwelcome outcomes. Mental exercise will also go a long way with any dog. But one should have a definite opinion about who is running the show, and it should not be the dog....they are quite willing to take up the position should you abdicate.
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    @buxton-s-dad - Have to say, wire crates are better.... raised Basenjis with wire crates (fold down type) for 30+ years including bitches whelping in them.... remember in plastic crates they really can't see what is going on around them... and he should be fed in that crate. And sorry I don't agree with peeing for attention...
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    Behavioral Issues 11 Jun 2012, 13:17
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    I agree. It upsets me to see people walking with Flexis and their dog attacks some other dog because they're not paying attention, or don't know how to work the trigger mechanism properly. I've come to think that maybe people in cities just shouldn't use them because errors will inevitably occur…humans will be humans. I live in the country though, and there's no one around where I walk my dog. The long Flexi is the best choice for me because I like to let my dog explore some on her own when we're on walks, and she can run here and there while still not being able to take off. Not every situation is the same for everyone. If I were in the city or around people and congestion I'd probably use a 5 or 6 ft. fixed lead.
  • Biting Issues

    Behavioral Issues 20 Feb 2012, 20:57
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    You aren't likely to find a Basenji specific trainer. You need to look for someone in your area. Perhaps some other forum members know of someone. Any good trainer can probably help you, but it would be advantageous if they have worked with the breed. Best way to find out is by referral from someone else with a Basenji, but otherwise check out what you see on line, and phone them and ask. Whereabouts in Michigan are you located? Ah, Pat, you beat me to it! :)
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    Yes, she eats in the crate and we put treats in there randomly throughout the day, as well as meat-stuffed bones chained to the inside (so she can't run off with the bone outside the crate.) She has the run of the downstairs while we are home and sleeps in her dog bed in our bedroom at night. On a side note, when we give her a really tasty stuffed bone or bullystick outside the crate she acts crazy! She runs around aimlessly with it in her mouth while howling. What is with that? It is comical, yet slightly annoying! :) I wonder what she'd do with a bullystick IN the crate?!
  • Smaller issues..

    Behavioral Issues 27 Aug 2009, 19:19
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    That is just to funny having to chase the dog with underware and guests. At least you had something to talk about that night that was different. Rita Jean