He still suffers from separation anxiety, which is being manifested by him chewing on the molding near our sliding door, in what appears him trying to escape.
Is this the only destructive behaviour? And what can he see outside that door? Any chance something going past is getting his attention? My one bitch, who was always good in the house, on one occasion chewed up whatever was handy and I think it was because she spotted something trespassing on "her" property and couldn't get at it. I am sure if that had been a regular occurrence we would have had more issues. I am assuming the sliding door is not the one that you leave by, but can he see you from there when you are departing?
Yeah, thats about it. He is great when we are home. He is destroying the molding though.
Today I blocked the molding that he has been chewing and instead he chewed on the laundry room kitchen door molding, which has no window, but it is the door we enter & exit through. He has also been chewing at the door knob on this door as well.
It used to have a lever handle, (which I changed) which he learned how to open. When my son came home he bolted out of the house, through the garage. My wife & myself were gone grocery shopping and just about home when it happened. My son called us, I stopped the car, my wife got out and ran to the woods where my son said he ran to. She called him and he came running to her from the woods. Talk about fate or being at the right place at the right time. He had no dog tags or micro chip at that point (he has both now).
Lesson learned
Yeah, thats about it. He is great when we are home. He is destroying the molding though.
You know, if it was me I might just give him a cheap molding to indulge himself with and replace as needed. If he restricts himself to that, it is a small price to pay…....and hopefully he will give it up after awhile. I would, however, "notice" it when I came home. I had one boy who needed to get my attention. He started off being destructive, ate one of my husband's shoes at one point. We had a major discussion about that, and thereafter he only ripped up some insignificant piece of paper and left it in a prominent place for me to find. I always verbally chewed him out for doing it, and he never did anything else. He made his point, I made mine. My husband said, "why bother telling him off?" And I said, "because if I don't he will escalate until he knows he has done something that annoys me, which is his whole purpose in doing it". A lot of people will disagree, but I have had too many Basenjis to believe they aren't deliberately spiteful at times. 
(a couple of times I snuck back right after I had left, to spy on him, and saw him "choosing" something to rip, quite calmly and deliberately, and I knew I was right!)
Well he was having accidents as well on the rug, but now that he has adjusted to our schedule that has been greatly reduced.
I'm sure he will stop sooner or later.
You can put peppermint oil or tea tree oil on the molding to discourage chewing. That always worked way better than a bitter spray…the oils I mentioned assault the nose and therefore generally dont even make it into the mouth. And since it's molding it wouldn't be ruined by the oils either. Inexpensive and often a solution until he just stops trying
Many congratulations - he is a very handsome boy.
You can put peppermint oil or tea tree oil on the molding to discourage chewing. That always worked way better than a bitter spray…the oils I mentioned assault the nose and therefore generally dont even make it into the mouth. And since it's molding it wouldn't be ruined by the oils either. Inexpensive and often a solution until he just stops trying
Tea tree oil is toxic to cats, so if you have cats, you may want to avoid that. But it is powerful stuff for those of us without cats!
Vicks Vapo-Rub is another good one. They really hate the smell. Have you tried a Kong stuffed with peanut butter and kibble and then frozen?
Tea tree oil is not just toxic to cats:
http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/tea-tree-oil/
Tea Tree Oil
Poisonous to: Cats, Dogs
Level of toxicity: Generally moderate to severe, life-threatening
http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/ask-the-expert/ask-the-expert-poison-control/tea-tree-oil.aspx
Tea tree, or Melaleuca alternifolia oil, does have toxic potential, depending on the circumstances of exposure.
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-dangers-of-tea-tree-oil-for-dogs.htm#
According to some veterinarians and animal experts, tea tree oil may be toxic for dogs when its ingested or absorbed through the skin. It is also suspected that using tea tree oil for dogs may also cause liver damage. Accidental ingestion of tea tree oil may cause gastrointestinal symptoms in dogs as well. Additionally, there have been reports of dogs suffering from neurological damage from the use of this oil.
This place prescribes it, but says not to apply where animal can lick/ingest. You find that part on your basenji, let me know since if they can get their paws to it, they can still rub and lick it off:
http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/tea-tree-oil/578
Like other essential oils, tea tree oil can be toxic if ingested. Since the maximum safe dosage has not been determined, most doctors recommend using it topically, and then only in dilute form. Tea tree oil is so potent in its antimicrobial effects that even a 1:250 dilution appears to be effective and yet quite safe for use as an ear wash. Tea tree concentrations in anti-fungal shampoos for dogs and cats are often even lower. Never apply tea tree oil directly to the skin without diluting it. NEVER APPLY IT to areas that the animal can lick. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established. Use with caution in similar situations in pets.
http://www.beaverlakeah.com/site/view/63679_TeaTreeOil.pml
According to National Animal Poison Control Center, the use of tea tree oil in dogs has been associated with hypothermia, muscle weakness, ataxia, tremors, altered behavior, paralysis. Cats are also sensitive to the tea tree oil compounds. A case report has been published in which three cats had clinical signs and one cat died after being treated with the oil.
I really admired with the story you have shared to us and having a dog like what you have is really a blessing. Congratulations and I am looking forward to see puppies from him and I know you will take care of him with all your love.
Yeah, congratulations! Soooo happy to hear that he is doing so well. My boy was in a crate his first 10mos of his life almost all day as well. When we first brought him home, I did the strict house routine etc for doggie intros etc. but he ended up doing VERY well with the freedom instead. Like you and eeeefarm found out, the freedom allowed him to know that the whole house was his, so the accidents will disappear for you. Funny, how they do not counter surfing etc; the occasional (to this day) paper shred, but who can blame them, sounds good to crinkle! Like they appreciate you having them in the house as a family member! Good Luck indeed!!!! he is a cutie, you should pat your self on the back and consider yourself blessed!!!
PS I just read page 2 of the post. Do you have two dogs? I found in the beginning 18 month or so ago, Uzie did have separation anxiety until he was bonded with Candi the hound girl I have. The anxiety still shows up, but has diminished to almost nothing. It is a hard scenario to manage though. Can you at least room him in an area where he can't chew on the molding anywhere? Then you'd place many non-ingestable toys in there. Try not feeding him before you leave and hide his kibble in the corners of a room and under things so he has to stay busy finding it all. You would start this on the days/times you will be home with him. Leave out of sight for a few seconds, return, leave for a longer time, return…... The tea tree is no good, and if you had to put something on the corners, try allum. It is non toxic and is found in the seasoning section of the grocery. You make a loose paste and it tastes very bitter, it is used in canning. It is messy yes, and you obviously can't go around the house on all the molding. Can you exercise him before you leave? Are your departures every day at the same time? For long periods? A sitter or day care can be the answer, you certainly don't want to crate him....there is not an easy answer or solution and nothing instant either. Hope it does not last at the extreme extent you describe.....:(
Looking handsome and cool. I appreciate your choice. Where did you get this dog and what is the name of your dog?
I'm new here too! Just wanted to say you have a beautiful dog!
