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New Girl in Town – Part 2

Behavioral Issues
  • O

    Okay, I feel pretty reassured on the food and the jumping. But I have a bigger/broader issue. Roxy (my basenji mix) not only follows me everywhere (that's normal, right?), she also won't let my cat anywhere near me. Well, I should qualify that: My cat is not assertive enough to ask Roxy to get out of her way.

    Is this a cat issue or a dog issue? Do I teach Roxy to back down when Agatha (the cat) wants affection? Roxy is accustomed to cats. Agatha is not accustomed to dogs.

    Agatha hissed at Roxy once when she was "barking" under her cat tree. Roxy growled at Agatha once when Agatha tried to be petted while Roxy was asking for petting. I have never ever ever had a cat and dog under the same roof … and, overall, it seems they get along. But Agatha got less attention than brother when he was alive (b/c I actually knew he was going to have a short life), and now it looks like she is going to be subordinate again. I really need help teaching Roxy to let Agatha take her turn.

    Oof. I feel a little goofy asking this question. It seems to require a psychic.:rolleyes:

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  • DebraDownSouthD

    I try to NOT interfere when I can as it can escalate the problem. How about crating Roxy when you want time with the cat?

    Debra

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  • thunderbird8588T

    I have two Cats 14 1/2 years old and a year old Basenji girl. Cats and Dogs can live very well under the same roof so don't panic.
    If Agatha wants attention and you want to give it then you can't let Roxy push her out.
    Both Pets deserve your attention.
    When Agatha approaches for attention you could encourage calm behaviour from Roxy with praise and treats.
    Malaika isn't too bad around our cats and sometimes they will sleep next to each other on the settee. When Malaika was too much for them as a very young pup we discouraged rough behaviour with a quick hidden squirt of water.

    Shelley

    Basenji Malaika

    Basenji Malaika
    Basenji Kwame

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  • O

    YAY!!!! I found a solution! Rawhide. Given to Roxy … she goes into a back bedroom and Agatha comes to cuddle. Perfect!

    I'm overly concerned about Agatha since her brother died a month ago. Having a dog is better than being by herself, but I don't "get" cats and when I took her on, I knew I had to be responsible for her and respectful of her feelings and needs.

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  • S

    Sounds like you are on the right tract.

    Sharron Hurlbut

    BRAT, basenji rescue

    Evergreen basenji club

    Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue

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  • listemeL

    Our cat Sagan doesn't get as much time with us as Simon does. Part of this is because she's comfortable that way – cats are so much less "needy" of human company. But Simon is about to turn a year old and is still pretty rowdy, and she is wise to stay up on her tree when he's out and looking for trouble.

    So I try to give her extra time when Simon's sleeping, for one thing. She stays up much later than he does.

    In my experience, cats want warm bodies to sleep on/with, they want tuna, and they want your attention at the most inconvenient times -- when you're in the bathroom or on hold or when someone is at the door :D. I suspect what she needs most, having just lost a feline companion, is a cuddle buddy. Can she sleep on your bed with you? That's probably the best healing she can have.

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  • O

    @listeme:

    In my experience, cats want warm bodies to sleep on/with, they want tuna, and they want your attention at the most inconvenient times – when you're in the bathroom or on hold or when someone is at the door :D. I suspect what she needs most, having just lost a feline companion, is a cuddle buddy. Can she sleep on your bed with you? That's probably the best healing she can have.

    Honestly, Roxy is sleeping with me. Agatha is getting braver about hopping into bed with us, but hasn't actually slept there since Roxy's arrival. Between Sherlock's death and Roxy's arrival, Agatha cuddled with me every chance she got. This evening, Agatha started following Roxy everywhere. So, I think/hope that's progress.

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  • listemeL

    That's definitely progress, I agree. If Agatha is hopping up, I predict one of these nights she'll stay. You could rig it a little and turn down the heat to encourage it, haha.

    You know, it really sounds like you're dealing with their conflicting needs in a very balanced way. They both are needy at this point. I'm glad you are looking out for them both :)

    P.S. I love the detective names for the cats.

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    @ouidah: My basenji mix (photograph on my profile) comes from a home that seemed to spoil her tremendously. 1. Roxy only has interest in eating if it's people food. I would like to transition her to high-end kibble. I have been able to get her to eat dehydrated lamb and potatoes. But, honestly, I will not be able to afford this on a regular basis. Any suggestions? 2. Roxy jumps on people. I know this is her trying to be the alpha, and I am not okay with it. How do I break her of the habit? I have had all of my other basenjis and basenji mixes from puppyhood, so I am a bit overwhelmed by the thought of breaking a 2 year old dog of bad behaviors. About food, only give her the food you want her to eat… all dogs will eat when they are hungry, they will not starve themselves (of course making sure that they are in good health first). Put the food down for her... give her 15 minutes to eat, if she doesn't eat or finish it, pick it up till it is the next scheduled time to eat. About jumping.... does she know sit and/or down? Before you pet her or let people into the house, put her is a sit stay or down stay. No one acknowledges her until she is in a sit/down stay and remains calm. And jumping on people is not always a way of being alpha...
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