@rocky1

Whilst I agree that the breeder was not responsible and I was not prepared for what I was getting into - coming onto a forum for help and having someone rub it in my face isn't exactly helping at this point.

My breeder has completely removed himself from any responsibility - and whenever I called for help he always made it seem as though I'm being bothersome and gave me no help at all.

I came here for advice because this situation is significantly effecting my well being. I cannot take care of myself nor my dog adequately if I am not even able to go to work to earn a living or go to the store to buy food without the risk of having my house wrecked, my dog injured, or my neighbours taking action against me for the constant crying.

I am working very hard to make this work and I will not accept anybody telling me otherwise. I've been looking around for help around where I live but we don't even have a behavioural specialist around. This is the 3rd trainer I've started sessions with, and I've literally contacted all doggy daycares around the area but til now I've only found one willing to take him in and with most they are fully booked and with others I found that as soon as I mention his aggression towards male dogs, I am brushed off.

I am trying my best out of the limited resources and support I am finding and it has not been easy at all which is why I sent this post for some advice....

I've been through the same experience with my B and his separation anxiety. He did not respond well to Prozac, it made him very sick so I never gave him again. I tried consulting with a trainer, my vet, looked up desensitisation training, rescue remedy, pet cameras..... I haven't achieved any success so far BUT I have to admit I have come to a point where I stopped trying - apart from occasionally going out and staying behind the door for around 5 minutes, then going back inside and carrying on with my housework (to show him that its totally fine if I go out - I will come back).

The best solution to me was finding a pet sitter close by - I drop him off there before work and pick him up on my way back. I find that he enjoys going there as he gets to play with other dogs and stays active. I know it isn't the best solution but I feel like its made my life much easier as I was going through a really stressful time in trying to deal with his anxiety before this - even half heartedly considering rehoming him.

With regards to crate training, I have found it impossible - although I feed him inside his crate, the second I close it whether I am home or not, he freaks out....and also managed to break one. My approach in all this is that I want him to feel safe and comfortable at home while I am away - and not scared and confined.

I hope you manage to find a solution that works for you!

Blu is a 2 year old male. He has not yet been neutered but is scheduled for the procedure in 3 weeks. He has a very strong personality, needs a lot of attention and companionship of other dogs, which unfortunately I am not able to give him.

He has very typical Basenji traits. He is extremely affectionate, can pick up new tricks very easily, loves to play with other dogs and humans and will steal your heart. On the down side, he nips when he is excited or when he is asleep and someone wakes him up, so is not really good to be in a household with small children. He may be aggressive to other male dogs, but is not always so. In fact I take him to doggy day care, where he meets and plays with several dogs of all sizes.

He is fully up to date with vaccines and has no health problems.

Located in Malta, Europe.

Reason for rehoming: My working conditions have changed and I am out of the house very often. Blu gets very anxious when left alone, bored and hence destructive. Getting him another dog is not an option for me. He will settle in nicely in a household with other Basenjis.

@micheleland where are you located?