Best posts made by wizard

Here's of photo of them (Teddy on right)

Gossip (left) and Teddy (right) had their birthdays last week. Gossip is 13 yrs and Teddy is 10 yrs and both still going strong!!

We attended another Rally event this weekend - entered in Rally Masters: Gossip (almost 11 y) achieved a 97 and 98 (personal best); Teddy (almost 8 y) achieved a 99 (personal best) and 86 (wouldn't do the right spin). That gives them their 5th and 6th legs respectively - just love the color green

Just because the breeder's other litters didn't show signs of allergies doesn't mean yours won't have an allergy to the corn. Dogs like people are individuals and allergies aren't necessarily genetically passed along. But as someone mentioned, a lot of allergies are environmental. But it is important to "test" to find out - make detailed notes on when the hot spots become most irritating; is it right after the dog has been outside after a rain where soil molds become an issue; are there certain blankets or crate pads that cause an issue; and don't forget to run a food test eliminating corn, as it might not be the corn but some other ingredient.

Teddy and Gossip hope you all have a Merry Christmas or Happy Hannukah or had a Super Solstice

I took my male to one when he was about 2. First went in the small dog area (where there was only one other dog) but the grass was so high I was afraid of ticks. Then went to big dog area and mine just wanted to sniff the fence area until some bullies came along and started to really pester him - he took off for the far corner (thank goodness). Forget the dog park.

Finding the right trainer with the right philosophy is important (regardless of the breed). With a situation as yours, you need a trainer who is schooled in BAT (behavior adjustment training) not just an obedience trainer; and of course someone who follows positive reinforcement training. Ask for references from their students if necessary.
I once had a trainer who billed herself as a behaviorist but really she was just an obedience person and believed in yanking on prong collars (I quit after half the class).

There is also an excellent online program for reactive dogs at:
www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/
Look under Classes, then discipline and behavior. I took the "Dealing with the Bogeyman" class. Even though its all online, it made a BIG difference with my reactive male. I highly recommend it.

Looks like a lot of basenji to me. BRAT (Basenji Rescue and Transport) is an excellent place to find one that needs rehoming. You could also contact the Basenji Club of America to find a breeder near you. Be aware that the new one won't be the same personality as the one you lost (how many times I've heard "well our old one was so ... why isn't this one the same"). Also read up on both breeds (rat terrier and basenji) to see if their characteristics really match what kind of companion you want.

The basenji will do anything you want him/her to do … provided it's something s/he wants to do

I see both good and bad to raw diets exclusively. As long as you provide a well-balanced diet (vitamins, minerals, veggies, meat and organs) I see no problem. If your dog is healthy why change.
There are also good and bad kibble diets. A great source of kibble evaluation is the February issue of Whole Dog Journal, where they evaluated a large number of kibble diets based on ingredients, protein quality, etc.
My dogs live on kibble with canned food, raw patties (usually pheasant, fish, or venison), or veggies (beans, peas broccolis, carrots, sweet potatoe) added as topping. They also get apples, melon, blueberries as treats along with commercial treats.
If your dog is healthy and teeth are good, then whatever diet you are using is the right one.

Assuming you have eliminated a health issue ...

Teach him the "Look At Me" trick. If you have a training center nearby (maybe one that is hosting an agility trial or obedience trial or one that will let you watch a class) go and just sit with him, away from the other participants, and watch the other dog students. The second he looks at another dog, toss a treat in front of his face. If he is very aggressive you will need to start with him in a crate. Keep him in the crate and toss the treat in whenever another dog comes near or when he notices another dog. Do this several times; pretty soon he will start glancing at the other dog and then looking at you for more treats on his own. This is what you want; reward it. Soon you will stop rewarding for looking at the other dog and only reward when he looks back at you. He will catch on that it's okay to look at another dog but he must focus on you if he wants a treat and you must treat him generously for this.

I have a male that was attacked several times and became very "my space" protective/aggressive. It took awhile (and the Fenzi classes I mentioned previously) but he is now fairly calm after working through this.

So she's 14 years old, deaf, and visually impaired. Maybe she needs to have her bed closer to yours so she knows you are still there? Maybe close enough so you could put a hand on her to let her know where you are?

So so sorry on the loss. May the new year bring a new pup to your home.

I made fleece coats for my two - but really they don't go outside except to potty when it gets real cold (this winter we often had days below 0).
They never wear booties - don't stay on long enough - by the time I got the last two on, the first two would be pulled off !

Not sure about basenji, maybe some Shibu Inu in there

Not a problem. My female will crawl as far under the sheets, blankets, and comforter as she possibly can when its time for bed - even in summer she'll crawl under. Plenty of air.

@eliefig Not always easy to tell when a bitch is coming into heat. My Teddy can sense a female coming into heat before her handler sees any signs. As an example, one day in class he began to get agitated, air sniffing, and totally distracted. I asked my classmates if any of their females were in heat. Oh no they all said. The next day one friend said her dog just started to show signs that day. Males can tell sooner than we!

His full name is Sonbar's Xactlyas Xpected
How can I get you his and Gossip's (Sonbar's Tabloid Talk) titles for your database Sally?