well, just as soon as it started it has stopped, he hasnt chewed on himself for two days and his wounds have scabbed over. the most likely answer was that he is allergic to some form of vegatation around my house. He slipped his collar and ran off briefly the day before all this happened and when i finally tracked him down he had a unpleasant odor. I quickly gave him a scubbing of a lifetime assuming he just got into some underbrush. The odor went away but the chewing began and lasted about a week or so. now he acts as if nothing ever happened.
Thank you all very much for your input, and suggestions. I plan on visiting a vet as soon as possible anyway for preventive measures. and hope to god this never happens again

My boy has suddenly taken to chewing his own skin and fur, and it has started to leave some pretty bad spots on the inside of hind leg and right above his tail. at first we thought it might be fleas because i found a few, but they are long gone now and he is still going strong. it started about a week ago, but he had never done it excessivly before that. i have tried cortaid spray and other anti itch shampoo and gels and nothing seems to work. please help i cant stand to see him do this to himself and the closest vet that has any knowledge about Basenjis is far away

nothing is working.he is hurt bad this morning. I feel like i have failed him miserably. I dont know what to do

no blood this morning but his nose is still very red, and looks sore, but that could be left from yesterday. i will keep trying and see if i notice any more signs

hmm. i could try that and it makes good sense. usually that last thing i think about when i wake up is a high energy running session, but that is a very good idea, and i will try it tonight

I just picked put a solid black cat from the humane shelter for my four year old daughter. She decided to name her Sunshine. Ugh!

excellent idea about the gradually training. my main problem comes from that me and my girlfriend both work midnights, so there is no one in the house from 10pm til 7am. i tried leaving him out but we all know what this breed does to a house when they get mad you left them alone. he ripped up a 1500 dollar couch. he does really well during the day while i sleep. i leave the crate in my livingroom so i can leave the TV on for him. that seemed to calm him a bit.

Ripley has never liked being put into a crate for the night, and always chews up anything in the crate with him, and he also urinates to show his disgust. lately though he has been chewing on the bars and using his nose and head to bend the bars so he can escape.it isnt a cheap crate either. it is actually bigger than the recommend size for a full grown Basenji and has welded metal bars. now this morning i noticed a bit of dried blood in his nose and i am really scared he is going to hurt himself seriously. I have tried everything to make him realize that the crate is not punishment, including giving him treats and praise when he goes in and the same for when he comes out, plus i leave it open during the day so he can go in and out as he pleases. I think the problem comes from the time he spent at the humane shelter, but i am at a loss to figure this one out. Please help

one time when we came home my girlfriend walked into the house while i was getting the baby out of the car. she came running back outside. yelling at me saying "You cant kill him, you just cant!". I walked in to find the most ungodly mess you ever seen. but i can honestly say that i have never lost my temper with him, just got very frustrated

Ripley bites, kicks, claws, snores, even runs in his sleep. Is that Sandie in the picture by your name? If so she is completely adorable. I really wish i knew Ripley when he was that young.