Posts made by Pawla

I reduced the size and posted one in a later posting. Thanks!

Please be sure to share with us the results of your research.

 

These files might be too big. Let me know if they don't work.

@luresearcher said in Basenji pictures needed for Research Project!:

Hello Basenji Community,

my name is Simon and I am a Master Student from Leiden University, The Netherlands. I am currently working on a research project in which we are comparing ancient and modern dog breeds on differences in a few facial features. For this, we are creating a online study for which we need head-shots (face pictures) of various dog breeds, one of them being Basenjis. Because we have a few criteria on how these pictures must be shot (due to standardisation requirements), most pictures we found online are not ideal.

The criteria:

1. The whole face is clearly visible
2. Details in the eyes (iris and pupil) are clearly visible (light reflection is okay, as long as it is not too strong)
3. The dog is purebred
4. The picture is not taken at an extreme angle (dog's eye level is ideal)
5. No accessories and collars
6. The dog's mouth is closed, with a neutral look (not strictly necessary)

That is why I would like to ask whether anyone here has pictures following these criteria or would be able to make some pictures according to the criteria. My research partner and I would be very thankful for any help that we can get from the community!

Thank you in advance for your time.

(Sorry about the leash clip showing - maybe you can edit it out.)

@jdambro said in Communicate to come inside:

Bells work great only my B has discovered I will get up and go over to the door at which point he trots off to the snack cupboard and waits for a snack. Threatens to cut me if I don't give him one.

That is EXACTLY what my basenji does! I don't have any bells - I have a broom hanging on a hook next to the door and he swipes at the broom which makes a noise that gets my attention.

I hope Julie4444 has a fenced yard and does not leave her pup outside unattended for any length of time. That's just asking for trouble and is dangerous for her pup.

17 years! You must have been a good basenji slave. They were a great looking pair. I'm sure you miss them like crazy. They're waiting for you at the bridge.

I've encountered a few people (with their dogs on leash) who, upon first approach, reach down and swing their dog's butt toward my dog so he can smell. Then, I do the same for their dog. After that, the dogs are fine - it's quite nice to encounter dog savvy people!

It is possible that your basenji is just not dog park material. It is not a reflection on you or your basenji. Some dogs are very reactive and should not go to a dog park. Since this is your first dog, it is also possible that you are not "reading" your dog and other dogs' warning signs well. It doesn't mean that you can never go to a dog park, but maybe you need to do more obedience training, more walks on leash around other dogs and let your basenji mature. Find ways to set your basenji up for positive experiences around other dogs. The fight and resulting injuries must have been very disturbing. He might be more ready to rumble after that experience and you need to reframe his mind that not all dogs want to fight. Resource guarding is not acceptable at a dog park - be it the water bowl or toys or treats. People shouldn't bring those things, but they do, so you have to deal with it. If you can't, then don't go to the dog park - end of story. We can't control other people and other dogs, but if we can't control our own basenji, then we shouldn't be there. Just my opinion.

Nice eyeliner.

She's lovely.

@ashmoore92

Let me first confess that I am not a cat person and then let me apologize for the long history. My son adopted a juvenile cat with a lot of confidence. I had an adult basenji (8 yrs old). We did not live together, but I would bring my basenji for brief visits over the course of a couple of years, so the cat and dog knew each other. Fast forward several years. My son joined the Navy and nobody else in the family would keep the cat, so cat came to live with us. The basenji I had was quite elderly by that time. Dog and the cat got along just fine - not cuddly, but no blood shed. The basenji passed away just before his 15th birthday. The cat and I lived alone together for several years until I retired. I adopted a 3.5 yr old basenji who wanted to chase and bite the cat. It took me over 8 months, but I succeeded in getting them to coexist (and could even trust them alone together). The absolute key is TIME.

First, I kept the cat (with litter box and cat tree, etc.) in the guest bedroom with the door closed AND a walk thru gate about 3 feet away from the guest bedroom door. The purpose was to get both critters accustomed to the smell and sounds of each other.

Once the basenji finally stopped trying to find a way to get thru the gate to the door, I propped the door to the guest room open a few inches so the cat and dog smells and sounds were stronger.

After the basenji ignored the gate/propped door, I opened the guest room door enough so the cat could get into the hallway. Cat would come to the gate and the basenji would go crazy, but eventually, he figured out he wasn't going to be able to get to the cat, so he got used to seeing and smelling the cat up close.

After a couple of months, the cat would venture out (thru the built in cat door that I modified so only the cat could fit thru and run to safety, but keep the basenji out). This resulted in many wild chases thru the house (some items got broken) but the cat would either jump up high or get back behind the gate where he was safe.

In addition to all the steps above, every day, two or three times a day, I would put the basenji on a chain leash, attached to something very heavy or to a door, and bring the cat to the couch and I would give them both treats and praised the basenji when he behaved calmly and unaggressively towards the cat. The basenji would get a reprimand or strong "no" when he tried to lunge at the cat.

The cat would venture out to the living room in the evening while the basenji and I were on the couch. I held the basenji's collar and made him stay with me while the cat roamed or joined us on the couch.

Finally, the cat could walk across the room without being attacked, but if the cat ever ran - the chase was on! The cat would stop, hiss, puff up and swipe at the basenji, but that never phased the dog once he was in "hunt mode".

I kept kitty litter box and cat food in the guest room where the basenji had no access.

Your situation is complicated by multiple cats, however, it might be easier for you because your basenji is younger. Regardless, you can expect it to take up to a year (and maybe never) depending on the prey drive of your pup.

A friend of mine had a dalmation that she kept chained to a piano for years (of course there was time out for walks and play time) because her dog wanted to eat the cat.

P.S. After about 3 years, the cat escaped thru the front door and we never saw him again. My guess (and hope) is that he found himself a home without a dog.

@jhewell

That was a hilarious and perfect reply!

Polar fleece is the best for very cold weather.

I've used puzzle toys like the one in the photo. It depends on the basenji - some are much smarter than others (just like people). I used to trade puzzles with another basenji slave to keep it "fresh". I had one basenji who was a genius level and another who was simply not the smartest crayon in the box. My current guy is smart, but not as smart as the one basenji I had before. They're all different and all special. Keep training for different things and it will keep their mind engaged. My local library has a tool lending library. I wish they had a dog toy/puzzle lending library!

@bill-t said in Exercise Limits for Puppies:

I just don’t want to get a mile in and have to carry him out (or injure him!)

If I had a basenji pup, I'd teach him to lay across my shoulders like the villagers in the Congo do. That way, if he got tired (or stubborn), I could easily carry him/her. Unfortunately, I have only ever been owned by adult b's. My current 7 yr old will plop down anywhere to rest if/when he gets too hot or tired. I bring a book and read while I wait for him because I can't carry him in my arms for long.

If it is an allergic reaction to chicken, it could take up to 3 weeks for it to clear her system. Read ALL labels for food and treats carefully. I once bought something labeled lamb and it contained chicken.

@giira2121

I think the biting/soiling himself is an extreme reaction to seeing a child 12 feet away! I've never heard of or seen such a thing happen. A fearful dog is a dangerous dog and your guy is just a little pup! I don't think he is aggressive - just fearful. If you were carrying him, that would explain the bite. An animal in fear or over excited will bite anything nearby (even a loved one). You need to build his confidence and control his attention. You use a sling (to carry him)? Don't. He needs to walk, explore and build confidence!

First, get yourself a light metal chain leash (not a heavy one).
Next, make sure he is wearing a collar and/or harness he cannot get out of - these guys can be like a houdini contortionist and you want to prevent his escape at all cost! If you have to use both a collar and a harness, do it. I recommend a martingale collar in addition to a harness. Use 2 leashes if you have to. Keep your eyes on him every second when he is on leash and you are outside. I keep my basenji in front of me - it's when he is behind me and starts to back up that he can get out of his collar/harness.
Next, desensitize him to whatever freaks him out. Go to a playground - stay far away and work your way closer SLOWLY and preferably with another dog who is older and very calm who can be a good example for your little guy. Or sign up for a puppy obedience class where there will be a couple of kids. Let the instructor know about the problem. Your pup will be distracted by the other pups and they will be a good example to show him there's no reason to melt down.

Always have treats to give to other people to give to Pharaoh so he will learn that strangers (big and little) are a good thing. Also, work with him on "Look at Me!" in a happy voice when you give him treats and put his food down - if you can get him to focus on you rather than whatever is "bothering" him, it could help in a scary situation.

You need to build Pharaoh's confidence up.

I support spaying and neutering. It can be kinder. My friend has a wonderful and well mannered Arabian stallion. I feel sorry for him that he can never be with other horses.

giira2121 - Pharaoh is absolutely adorable!

I definitely agree that you need to find a new vet with whom both you and your basenji are comfortable. I took my basenji to 3 different vets - they were all great with my basenji, but I connected with the third vet who is super thorough and communicative. The attitude of the vet staff is equally important.

What really, really helps (behaviorally) is to take my basenji on an extra long walk right before a vet visit. It makes a huge difference in behavior - he is so much more relaxed. Maybe it would help Pharaoh. Just be sure to check with your vet whether or not they will need urine or stool samples because after a long walk, getting samples will be difficult.

As for your pup biting/nipping, perhaps your husband is playing rougher?

A tired basenji is a good basenji.

I once saw a basenji clicker trained to scratch at the proper grade sand paper that was glued to a board. The basenji even curled his paw so the pads were not injured. This kept the nails perfectly trimmed. Perhaps the scratching/digging behavior could be re-directed into the more productive behavior and nail clipping would never be an issue!