Skip to content

More stranger anxiety!

Behavioral Issues
  • We are in a Basic class that mixes in CGC/TDI skills. Do you suggest a private session with a behaviorist?

  • @jdido09:

    We are in a Basic class that mixes in CGC/TDI skills. Do you suggest a private session with a behaviorist?

    Yes, so that the behaviorist can evaluate him in the situations that are a problem. And have you talked to his breeder about his temperament and problems?

  • Why do you carry a clicker around with you? That sounds awkward. Once a command is on cue, you shouldn't need it. (unless you are carrying it to potentially mark some other behaviour you are hoping he will offer??) If he responds to your cue "watch" , then you reward, but not every time. Intermittent rewarding yields better results once the dog understands the command. This is pretty basic clicker training stuff.

  • @eeeefarm:

    Why do you carry a clicker around with you? That sounds awkward. Once a command is on cue, you shouldn't need it. (unless you are carrying it to potentially mark some other behaviour you are hoping he will offer??) If he responds to your cue "watch" , then you reward, but not every time. Intermittent rewarding yields better results once the dog understands the command. This is pretty basic clicker training stuff.

    I carry the clicker to mark any behavior that isn't anxiety in the company of strangers, since there is no cue right now that will alleviate him. Leslie in CU mentions actually more frequent clicking as more beneficial for an overstimulated dog such a Dexter.

  • O.K. that makes sense. I thought you were using a specific command so he would watch you, but if you are looking to mark any incompatible behaviour that works for you, then having the clicker is obviously necessary. I would be concerned that you could end up with a dog that only pays attention as long as you don't run out of treats…..a danger if you don't move to intermittent rewarding once a behaviour is on cue.

    @jdido09:

    Leslie in CU mentions actually more frequent clicking as more beneficial for an overstimulated dog such a Dexter.

    I'm thinking because the clicker is a secondary reinforcer it might be helpful…...provided he gives you something you can click!

  • I agree. Thanks for the advice! He does well when we walk by people, but does very poorly when either A) someone approaches interested in petting him, or B) speaks to me (e.g. "What kind of dog is that"). I find it odd that he becomes instantly over threshold once the stranger's attention is turned towards him or I. Even more odd to me is that this has developed only over a month, and prior to that he had been excellent with strangers.

  • I don't think it's odd at all. He is maturing, and becoming a "teenager". He may also be protecting you…...not necessarily from a threat, but more likely as a "resource". He doesn't want to share anymore! :) He may get over it, but distracting him is likely the best way to go. I would keep people away from him if he is acting aggressively, unless you can set him up with some dog savvy folks who can help you with this issue. It wouldn't do to have anyone get bitten.

  • Hope everything is going ok with Dexter, as you know Kwame is the same age and we are having some problems.
    Both dogs have become more wary of strangers just lately, they have both been well socialised but over winter we don't tend to see as many people out and about so in our case i think this has a bit to do with it. Malaika however is better than Kwame so of course age is a factor too.
    Kwame is fine when we are out walking and passing people and again because the weather isn't condusive to walking we don't get many people stopping us lately.
    If people that Kwame doesn't know well come to the house he can be very wary.
    We are going to have to work hard with them both and remind ourselves to give people treats for them.

  • @thunderbird8588:

    Both dogs have become more wary of strangers just lately, they have both been well socialised but over winter we don't tend to see as many people out and about so in our case i think this has a bit to do with it.

    I find socialization doesn't necessarily last. If a dog is naturally wary, that tends to come back when he hasn't had the chance to "practice" being social for awhile…...either with people or with dogs. Because we don't get a lot of company here, I notice this with Perry. If things get "busy" for a short time, with more people coming and going than usual, he starts to get used to it and lighten up, but after another spell of little company he is back to being wary again.

  • @eeeefarm:

    I find socialization doesn't necessarily last. If a dog is naturally wary, that tends to come back when he hasn't had the chance to "practice" being social for awhile…...either with people or with dogs. Because we don't get a lot of company here, I notice this with Perry. If things get "busy" for a short time, with more people coming and going than usual, he starts to get used to it and lighten up, but after another spell of little company he is back to being wary again.

    Yes i quite agree, i've read somewhere how important it is to keep Basenjis socialised. Think we need more friends :D

  • Completely agree with you thunderbird! I'm glad to here that Malaika is doing well–there is hope!! :) . Control Unleashed has a lot of strategies (e.g. the Look At That game & hand targets) that I hope will make an impact. Keep us updated on your efforts!

Suggested Topics

  • Anxiety wrap on sale

    Behavioral Issues
    1
    0 Votes
    1 Posts
    1k Views
    No one has replied
  • Separation Anxiety?

    Behavioral Issues
    14
    0 Votes
    14 Posts
    5k Views
    Shaye's MomS
    Your situation sounds like mine was, when we had only Shaye. She had a serious case of separation anxiety and the minute we tried leaving, she would pee, wherever she was, along with screaming. Everyone told us to get her another b, and when we got Gemma, it was magic. So long as Gemma is with her, she is fine. Maybe Aries just feels more secure with Katie than with Petey. Is Petey less calm than Katie?
  • Anxiety from loneliness…

    Behavioral Issues
    6
    0 Votes
    6 Posts
    3k Views
    thunderbird8588T
    Awwww poor Ginger i feel so sad for her and you having to cope. All i can suggest is lots and lots of TLC and perhaps another companion if you can cope and the time is right. Do you have to have a cover on top of the crate? If not it is one less thing for her to destroy.
  • Separation anxiety

    Behavioral Issues
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    3k Views
    wizardW
    I'm having the same problem with my current basenji that gbroxon mentioned - it's not the crate at all. And working on solving SA (different from boredom) is tough, I've found. You just need patience and lots of it.
  • Music to help with anxiety

    Behavioral Issues
    4
    0 Votes
    4 Posts
    3k Views
    nala121498N
    Very neat that a B is on the cover. It sounds interesting too…
  • Separation Anxiety Advice

    Behavioral Issues
    2
    0 Votes
    2 Posts
    3k Views
    WBLW
    There is a light at the end, but with some dogs it can be farther away. I had a boxer a few yrs ago that had it really bad, and after lots of crate training and patients she was able to stay in her crate. She would make such horrible noises she sounded like a fog horn. And she'd pee in her crate or poop in and then step all in. IMO, I don't thing Lola needs medication. It can be quite frustrating, but biggest thing is lots of patients to train her that you will be back and it is okay to hang out by herself. Also, since she is not destructive but is pooping when you leave, make sure she gets a good walk or play session where you know she has gone potty. I'd take out the treats, that gives something to put in that must come out. You can give simple treats or things that need worked on like a kong stuffed with soemthing tastey and frozen so it'll take work for her to eat it all. Here are some links with articles on seperation anxiety. http://www.wagntrain.com/SeparationAnx.htm http://www.usask.ca/wcvm/herdmed/applied-ethology/behaviourproblems/anxiety.html http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/our_pets_for_life_program/dog_behavior_tip_sheets/separation_anxiety.html