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    ComicDom1

    @ComicDom1

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    Best posts made by ComicDom1

    • Part 2: Training methods,Our Story, Our Experiences…Warning long post...

      Continued from Part 1:

      Refusing to Conform:

      I guess I am just one of those people that can be stubborn just like a Basenji. After reading that Basenjis do not like water I wanted to put that to a test. So what did I do? First I filled the bathtub when Roo was about 10 weeks old. I had to give the dog a bath anyways, and what better way to test his ability to swim. Of course he did not like the water at first, but he did allow me to keep him in it and because his legs were so short, showed me he had the ability to swim.

      Since we are part of the local Sailing Association at our lake, we hoped that we would be able to take Roo and Bonzo with us on our Sailboat. Off to Petsmart we went to get both of them lifejackets to help ensure their safety. Roo wears his just fine, but Bonzo just hated it and fought to get it off. We decided that Bonzo can stay home because of the lifejacket issue. We also cannot get Bonzo to wear a sweater to keep warm even in the dead of winter in sub zero temps.

      The next thing we had to find out is if Roo would adapt to being in the deep water and get comfortable with swimming. For this I bought a 20 foot lead and drove to the lake with Miranda, a bunch a towels, treats, Roo's lifejacket, and Roo. I walked out into the water carrying Roo and placed him in the water. Miranda sat on the dock and called him. Roo did just fine although I think he was scared at first. He did not whine but he also did not panic. The more he swam, the better he got. Previously we noticed that when he is afraid or scared his tail will uncurl. After spending some time in the water swimming, we noticed his tail was staying curly. To us, this meant he had adapted. A picture of this can be seen in my gallery under ComicDom1. Roo has been swimming under the same conditions, several times since. We always treat him after a swim, dry him off, and allow him to warm up in his crate in the car on the way home.

      Roo the Sailing Basenji:

      Next came taking Roo out on the sailboat. Our sailboat is a Melges MC Scow which is only 16 feet long, but has a 26 foot mast, and a very large sail. We do not sail flat, and the boat angle changes as we change course. This is no different than putting a Basenji on a wobble board during an agility competition. As I suspected, Roo adapted quickly, and soon decided he would take a nap during a Triangle Club Race we were involved in. He climbed under the hull, and went to sleep on my life jacket and our dry bag. As you can see from the pictures in my gallery under ComicDom1, Roo is more than comfortable being on deck when we are heeling the boat. We did put Roo in our boat on dry land prior to taking him out on the water so he could get used to being in the boat.

      Roo the Biking Basenji:

      Roo now has his own trailer that is pulled behind my recumbent bike. It is 6 miles to the park where we walk so in order to save a little gas money, Roo convinced me to buy him a trailer. Roo seems to ride very well in the Burley branded dog trailer aptly named the "Tail Wagon" Pictures of this are also contained in one of my previous posts.

      Socialization:

      Miranda has four words for you…. Dog Park and Petsmart!

      I would add walking as we do in the regular park where we encounter other people as well as others with dogs. When Roo was little we took him to Petsmart on almost a daily basis for the first two weeks. Where we live, there are very few places you can take your dog inside. To go to the dog park Roo had to be at least 4 months old so we had to wait and did not have a lot of options on where to take him for socialization skills.

      To this day, Roo has not met a person or dog he has not been able to get along with. We also make sure when he is not running loose in the dog park or house, that he is securely on a leash and we are in control. We also do not put him out on a tethered line unless we are out there with him, or close enough to monitor him and his activities.

      Miranda and I feel that sometimes people do not understand that what they consider a bite or nip from a Basenji is a result of the dog attempting to let you know he wants to play and as they touch you with their mouth it is a normal reaction for children as well as adults to pull their hands away which can result in a scratch or breaking the skin. Puppy teeth are brutally sharp and the sharpness changes as adult teeth come in. Certainly there are times when a dog that is constantly teased, backed in a corner, pestered, protecting their territory or family, or otherwise harassed will bite. I believe this is true of any breed. An animal in fear, pain, or who has been traumatized in some way will bite if they feel it necessary to protect themselves. But it is just as likely with a young dog that they are just trying to play with a human, in the same way that dogs play.

      When Roo was 8 weeks old, we put our hands in his mouth, and pressed down firmly with our fingers on either his top jaw or bottom jaw and told him firmly "no biting." We have always done this in a firm, calm voice. This seemed to do the job and we do not have a biting issue at the current time. Also you can take your hand away when they start biting or nipping, and direct them to a toy, or if they are really wound up and want to play, just get up and walk away. Do not go back to your dog until they have calmed down. If they learn that they will lose your attention when they do something unacceptable to you, then they will eventually get the message and the behavior will disappear. Basenjis are very smart dogs and learn very quickly. They are also great manipulators and will push your buttons if allowed and eventually end up training you instead. OH, and lets not forget their persuasive power of the FACE! This is why it is so important, that you take a firm hand with your dog from day one.

      Crate Training Take 2 the Final Frontier:

      As many have discovered, once you let a Basenji run free, they do not like to be crated. Give them an inch and they will take the whole house. This includes your bed, your favorite chair, your couch and pretty much everything else. I believe they would either sit or stand on the dinner table if you would allow it. The sad part is that some people do allow certain behaviors that they shouldn't. A Basenji will soon stake out their favorite resting spot which may or may not be what you would choose for them. At this point, either the dog controls you or control the dog. Of course its easier to correct behavior when a dog is young.

      Just so you know Miranda and I are not immune to making a mistake like this. Once we let Roo out of his crate all night and sleep in the bedroom, he did not want to be crated anymore at night or during the day.

      Note: We never have allowed Roo on the bed. Dogs have dog beds and crates. As far as we are concerned people sleep in the bed. We know many will will disagree but this is our personal view. When I chose to be intimate with Miranda or her with me, we certainly do not need Roo in the middle of it.

      This is important! Crate training is not cruel to the dog! Crating a dog helps in teaching house breaking skills. It allows you to put them on a schedule. It keeps them safe from dangers in your house like electrical cords, chemicals, and trash(some of which can be poison) when you are unable to supervise them. It also can keep your home, possessions, and visitors safe from any destructive type behaviors. This is one way you can ensure that no one is harmed when strangers to your dog enter your home. Since dogs are naturally den animals with the right training they will soon accept their Crate/Kennel as their safe haven.

      Roo is now 7 months old. We stopped crating him at about 5 months, as soon as we felt he was house broken. We did put him in the bathroom with the gate closed at night, but he would stand up and beat the gate with his paws. This created noise which would keep us awake, and would wake me up in the morning when Miranda would leave for work. This was not acceptable behavior to us.

      Since getting free run of the house he developed a resistance to being crated at night. Once again he was crying, screaming, and beating at the crate door to get out. What this behavior combined with Miranda leaving for work indicated to us was that Roo not only did not want to be crated, but also had started suffering from mild separation anxiety.

      Miranda and I did not even consider the use of drugs to treat this. I know there are many people that do because they do not wish to go through the retraining process. I will agree there may be certain cases that a dog needs medication, but I do not feel for "our dog" this is one of them(edited by Jason to correct intent and meaning).

      Our method of dealing with this situation is simple. We went back to square one. We started giving Roo a treat every time he executed the Kennel command. Miranda and I also praised him. Of course after we closed the door Roo would carry on for a bit but eventually he would quiet down. After a while, Roo would start up again and repeat the same behavior. This is going to happen several times during the first few days of training.

      Ignoring a dog's crying or screaming is the hardest part when kennel/crate training a dog. You have to turn off your sympathy somewhat and not feel sorry for the dog. You are doing a dog a favor by crate training them.

      I noticed on the second night of retraining Roo to be crated, then when I got up from my computer chair and he could not see me it set him off. This was a clear indication of separation anxiety. As harsh as it sounds, I had to continue to ignore his crying when this happened.

      Miranda and I now have a method for our crate training. Miranda walks the dogs at 10pm at night, and during that time, I hide several different kinds of treats in different places in both Bonzo's and Roo's kennels. Then I close the door to the crates and they are not allowed in their crates right away. Roo and Bonzo are now running from crate to crate and pawing at the door attempting to get in. This is the reversal of Roo's behavior and kind of funny to watch. There are times that I go to bed later than Miranda so I wait a little bit before I let the dogs in their crates for the night. I also have been staying up a few hours and walking Roo just before I go to bed as he becomes accustomed to being crated again. We have noticed that when Roo is upset, sometimes he will urinate to show his displeasure. Although we have not seen that in quite a while, we do check his crate bedding on a regular basis.

      I am happy to say, that the return to crate training has been going well. Roo is crying less and less after he is crated and appears to be settling down faster each night. He still will start to cry once I get up from my computer chair and turn off the light, but with a little more patience I think he will overcome that as well. It is very important that once you crate train your dog you keep them in practice. I am not saying you cannot let them out once in a while during the night, but I am stressing that getting out of the habit can be harmful and stressful to both you and the dog. Once again you are not being cruel when crating your dog as long as you are not using the crate for punishment or leaving your dog crated for an excessive amount of time.

      In closing, I would like say again, that we are not experts. These are the methods that have worked for us. They may or may not work for you but hopefully they will give you or new owner some alternative things to try with your dog.

      Jason and Miranda

      PS by Miranda: Although I have always wanted to have a dog to show for conformation, at this point, I would not trade Roo for the best bred pup from Champion parents. He's wonderful and just right for us. There isn't much I would change, except for the necessity of repeating crate training..lol. I just cannot resist the _FACE!
      _

      posted in Basenji Training
      ComicDom1
      ComicDom1

    Latest posts made by ComicDom1

    • RE: Gizmo vs One Kibble…

      @NerdyDogOwner:

      Yeah, I have been thinking about that. I had a look at Homeopet Anxiety Relief. Any experience with that?

      The vet I worked for used to recommend Homeopet products pretty regularly and I know he recommended the anti-anxiety one often.

      Miranda

      posted in Show Off Your Dog
      ComicDom1
      ComicDom1
    • RE: How to Evaluate a Basenji Rescue

      @LizNewton:

      I have been a BRAT foster home for several years and hosted many basenjis. There is no limit on how long a basenji will be fostered and depends completely on the dog's needs and the availability of a suitable adopter when the dog is ready to move on. I have adopted two fosters who were both here longer than normal due to health issues. A foster home in MO frequently ends up with basenjis who have serious health or behavior problems. They have lots of room on their farm so can manage several basenjis at once although the work is demanding, sometimes overwhelming. Currently they have 9 fosters and have adopted others who were deemed to be unqualified for other placements due to age or other problems. Two fosters have been with them for 4years. BRAT will have a dog PTS if it is suffering from physical illness or too aggressive to be placed. If they are old, have Fanconi or other manageable illnesses they may remain in a foster home until they die a natural death. We always need more foster homes.

      It must be difficult though, to allot funds for medical care, and foster space that is always in need, to an animal once you know it is not adoptable. There are just too many animals in need, and only so much that can be done. It must feel like a no-win situation sometimes.

      Miranda

      posted in Basenji Rescue
      ComicDom1
      ComicDom1
    • RE: How to Evaluate a Basenji Rescue

      @Basenjimamma:

      I don't know what is the deciding factor on when a dog or foster is ready to move on in that situation, if that makes sense.
      The foster situation is purely voluntary, so no money goes towards that, but vetting does and kenneling if needed does, so yes it does cost money to have these dogs around, and yes you have to be a very special person to be able to subject yourself to harm or the potential of harm, knowing this dog will never be adoptable..what do you do..?
      The only human thing to do, is to let that dog go..across the bridge..such a hard option though…but necessary..I think.. i am very much on the fence on this one. One minute it makes sense to me to just let that dog go, the next minute it sounds like an aweful option..
      I don't think I can tell when that time is, unless I am put up to that decision..
      I would get the strength, when I would need for me to have the strength..

      This sounds like a common dilema. Therefore what guidelines should be determined to make those kinds of decisions? Another problem that arises is really based on how many people are deciding in particlar cases such as these.

      Jason

      posted in Basenji Rescue
      ComicDom1
      ComicDom1
    • RE: How to Evaluate a Basenji Rescue

      Add to the mix the question of how much in resources should be used or allotted for an animal that may never be suitable as a pet? Also is fair to the dog and the foster homes for these dogs to be left in a foster situation for extended periods of time? The question of how long is long enough still begs to be answered!

      Jason

      posted in Basenji Rescue
      ComicDom1
      ComicDom1
    • How to Evaluate a Basenji Rescue

      I think this would make a good topic for discussion.

      When you as a rescue worker go to evaluate a Basenji that is being considered for Rescue, what steps do you follow?

      What do you look for when evaluating the dog?

      What disqualifies a dog that is being considered for Rescue?

      Thanks
      Jason

      posted in Basenji Rescue
      ComicDom1
      ComicDom1
    • RE: Help Needed: Basenji on Craigslist - OR

      @renaultf1:

      +1 lvoss, +1 tanza and +1 quercus.

      I will also admit that I have been concerned.

      One concern I had was about funding - especially in light of the fact that Vicki often talks about getting her vet to help fund the care for her dogs. I do think it is a little disconcerting not being able to afford transport for the dog and then in turn needing the vet to donate care. That said, it is between Vicki and her vet.

      Really though, my main reason for concern besides the biting factor is that of 5 basenjis, 3 were being added into a pack situation so close together (1 in late July, 2 in November - 1 that is food aggressive was added 2 wks ago) without a settling in/calming down period for the newly added. Personally for me, I've found that each time a new basenji has come into my house (I have 3 - there has been a year in between each new addition), it has taken some adjustment time, 1 - 3 months, for the existing dogs and the new dog, some of it easy, some of it not so easy. So from what I've seen in my house (and none of mine have biting/aggression issues), yes, I would say I'd be concerned about adding multiple unstable dogs to a pack that quickly.

      That said, I completely trust Kathy (Khanis) and I'm sure she has "seen it all" and if she had any concern about this dog going to Vicki, I don't think it would be happening. I also realize that this is the internet and you never really do have the complete picture from this sort of discussion. I'm quite confident that Kathy has a much better understanding than the rest of us pundits. :o

      I do agree with what you have posted here with exception. As far as I have read and know from the net, Kathy(Khanis) has not had this dog in her possession for an extended period of time. I also do no know if she evaluated this dog. What I do know is that Kathy(Khanis) and I spoke. Miranda and I are considering bringing in a show quality dog into our home. I contacted Kathy in regard to a Beautiful Show Quality dog that she had posted in this forum who is needing a home. Kathy and I spent time on the phone discussing the possibility but Kathy was quick to point out that it was not a good idea to bring another Male Basenji unless its a puppy into our home with the 1 year 9 month old Basenji we already have. Again this is a beautiful dog she has posted that needs or needed a home in this forum. Kathy did go on to say that we might consider a puppy from one of her up coming liters.

      Given that Kathy felt that way in regard to us bringing an older male in the home with our male, I would really like to see Kathy post in regard to this dog going to Vicki. Kathy could certainly express to us if she had this dog her possession long enough to evaluate it and what her thoughts are.

      Jason

      posted in Basenji Rescue
      ComicDom1
      ComicDom1
    • RE: Help Needed: Basenji on Craigslist - OR

      @AJs:

      Regarding the financial aspect and requesting help for the B-boy, Vicki had just taken in a dog, had the vetting done, paid for the travel, etc. Khanis is a student and didn't have the money to spare. The foster this boy was in obviously was desperate to have him out of her house. Together, Vicki and Khanis did some research, communicated with BRAT and the foster, came to a decision and requested some assistance. Some of us felt comfortable giving that assistance and did so. And felt good doing it.

      Regarding hoarding…I guess my gramma could be considered a hoarder. She has two dogs, three cats, three breeding pairs of Macaws, at least 25 smaller green parrots, some who breed, a Lovebird, three "Rooster"-atiels and one disabled crow. One of those two dogs is a Basenji I took to her last year. She is 91 years old and on a fixed income. Her house is not spotless, but it is not unhealthy either.

      Does she meet the criteria?

      AJ's Human, I see the points you are attempting to make here in regard to this situation and can appreciate them. After reading them, I find that I have to ask if you know personally who they contacted in Brat and what information was actually given. I think its good to feel good about helping others and I think you will agree that sometimes we do things in life with good intention because we care or care too much at times.

      I really think its time to present the facts correctly here!

      The foster home was not a foster home. Lets please reference these people as owners. The people involved signed a hold harmless contract with Brat which gave them full ownership and released Brat for all liability. After the Owner/ Trainer realized they had made a big mistake they were not
      only desperate but in a big hurry to rid themselves of this dog.

      Jason

      posted in Basenji Rescue
      ComicDom1
      ComicDom1
    • RE: Cesar Milan in the UK - March 2010

      @NerdyDogOwner:

      Wow, I really wish I could go to that….

      The trick with Cesar Milan, is to listen to his advise and not his methods. His teachings on staying calm, strong posture, the way a dog thinks and interprets situations is spot on IMO. The advise he comes with between the sessions on the show is the most interesting.
      However people quickly forget that his show is about fixing "problem" dogs, not raising dogs. Like he says in the show, he trains people. If you read his books you quickly realize he is not really all about being strict.

      What is sad, is when people watch his show, and then go right ahead and use his techniques on their dog as a regular method. Which I have seen very often.
      I saw this girl walking her Shih Tzu, and she constantly kicked the dog on the side while walking whenever the dog wanted to move over to the grass (most likely to pee/poo). But this girl was so strict in keeping her dog to "walk nicely" she forgot that it has to be allowed to sniff and do it's business! I got real mad and commented when I passed her "Who do you think you are Cesar Millan?".

      I did talk to a guy on the Cesar Millan forums some 3 years ago, and he had a Basenji. Took a private session with Millan, he said (as they always do) he worked wonders and was not as violent as people think.

      I also have read Cesar books and agree here. His show is about working with problem dogs and of course they are all edited. His books do not preach aggression or even striking a dog. We raised our Basenji using many of the techniques he mentions in his books. Those techniques involve staying calm, patient, taking long walks with your dog to bond, and establishing a pack mentality. The Pack order is a very important lesson in Cesar's books.

      Cesar is very smart in the way he communicates that our dogs draw energy from us. If we are nervous our dogs pick it up. If we are angry our dogs pick it up, and when we are calm, our dogs pick it up as well.

      I would suggest that people at least read through Cesar's books before coming to a conclusion on what he is all about.

      One of the most important lessons I think anyone can learn from him is to allow your dog to be a dog.

      Victoria is also a great trainer.

      Jason

      posted in Behavioral Issues
      ComicDom1
      ComicDom1
    • RE: Hoarding

      I would suggest that animal hoarding has more than one level and more than one stage involved. In fact Illinois is the only state with a legal definition of what animal hoarding is.

      With that said, here are some more thoughts on Animal Hoarding taken from the article post at the link below on the web:

      http://petcare.suite101.com/article.cfm/animal_hoarding_a_mental_illness

      "Animal Hoarding Linked to Mental Illness

      According to the Hoarding of Animals Research Consortium (HARC) Intervention Manual, animal hoarders suffer from a range of mental illnesses, including:

      • obsessive-compulsive disorder
      • obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
      • dementia

      It should be stressed that animal hoarding is not a legitimate effort to rescue or shelter homeless animals. Pet hoarding is a means of collecting and controlling large numbers of animals and focuses on the person's need to accumulate these animals rather than on the physical or health care needs of these pets."

      Read more: http://petcare.suite101.com/article.cfm/animal_hoarding_a_mental_illness#ixzz0XICe5xOP

      Jason

      posted in Basenji Rescue
      ComicDom1
      ComicDom1
    • RE: Hoarding

      @nkjvcjs:

      There is a big difference between 8, or 10 or even 20 well cared for dogs, and the animals that overwhelm the home and resources of a true hoarder. The standard of care, not the number of animals is the tipping point.

      According to The Hoarding of Animals Research Consortium, the following criteria are used to define animal hoarding:

      • More than the typical number of companion aniamls
      • Inability to provide even minimal standards of nutrition, sanitation, shelter, and veterinary care, with this neglect often resulting in starvation, illness, and death
      • Denial of the inability to provide this minimum care and the impact of that failure on the animals, the household, and human occupants of the dwelling

      The thyroid meds, vet appointments, vet help with Dallas, surgery on Rocky's neck, etc. all clearly negate the second and third criterion.

      I'm not here to hijack this thread or to get into an argument with anyone, so I will not say any more here, but just in case anyone here has to deal with a true hoarder, please spend some time at http://www.tufts.edu/vet/cfa/hoarding/index.html , especially in the Intervention section.

      -Nicole

      Nicole, may I suggest to you that there are volumes of information on the net in regard to hoarding. The animals also do not have to be suffering for a person to be considered a hoarder or meet all of the tests either.

      I posted links instead of other characteristics and tests, but there are several tests in different articles published on the net that I did post a link for where those tests and/or characteristics have been met.

      Let me know if you want me to post a list of articles that will illustrate it clearly that you can read personally. The information below is from the same article you found yourself. Much more there than what you quoted.

      This is right from the link below in the FAQ's

      http://www.tufts.edu/vet/cfa/hoarding/hoardqa_dt.htm

      "Q2:
      What are the demographics of animal hoarding?

      A2:
      The stereotype of an animal hoarder is that of a single, older woman, living alone and socioeconomically disadvantaged. Like any stereotype, there is some support in existing data. However, it is important to recognize that hoarding knows no age, gender, or socioeconomic boundaries. It has been observed in men and women, young and old, married as well as never married or widowed, and in people with professional or white collar jobs. There have even been hoarders among human health professionals and veterinarians and veterinary technicians who manage to live a double life, deceiving friends and co-workers about the true conditions at home"

      Jason

      posted in Basenji Rescue
      ComicDom1
      ComicDom1