Skip to content
Basenji Forums
  1. Home
  2. Basenji Training
  3. My puppy loves me- TOO much!

My puppy loves me- TOO much!

Moved Basenji Training
  • S

    I am wondering if anyone has had any experience with a pup that gets very attached to them? I love my little girl so much but I worry that when life goes back to normal and I go to work she'll get sad that I'm gone! She whimpers when I go to the shower or when I sit in a room alone and close the door. Does anyone have any tips on how to handle this? I don't want my little girl to get depressed when I have to go back to my 9-5! It may be worth mentioning that my boyfriend works from home so someone is home at all times of the day to play with her and give her attention.

    0
  • eeeefarmE

    Lay the groundwork now for when you will be back to work. Start with short trips out and coming home quickly, and do not make a fuss over her when leaving and returning. Be as "matter of fact" as you can. Increase the amount of time you are gone, and have your boyfriend be just as matter of fact as you are. No drama. If she fusses, ignore it. When you return, ignore her for a few minutes (hard to do, I know). When she is quiet, that's when to make a fuss of her and cuddle her. Try not to reward attention seeking. Ideally you want your dog to calmly notice your return but not be excited by it. Too many people feed the anxiety their pets display by making a big deal out of "reunions", and thus separation anxiety becomes an issue.

    "In order to get along with a Basenji, you have to be at least half as smart as the dog!"

    5
  • S

    Thank you so much!! I really appreciate the advice :)

    0

Suggested Topics

  • F

    Puppy teething/biting

    Basenji Training
    18
    0 Votes
    18 Posts
    2k Views
    tanzaT
    @zande - I have place pups at 9wks, but typically to prior Basenji owners, they know the "ropes"... also I do eyes at 9wks, so 10 works better for me in placing pups and yes...(LOL) mine are raised in the home, no kennel.... and the breeders that I know that use kennel runs, still have their pups in the house for house time and "education".....
  • R

    Puppy screams when alone

    Basenji Training
    6
    0 Votes
    6 Posts
    4k Views
    L
    Have you tried a petcam? You could watch what he's doing on your phone and see if he settles down after a while. It's possible he quietens down and naps when he knows you're gone and starts crying again when he hears you returning. You can find monitors that allow you to talk to your boy or dispense treats, but the basic ones do the job!
  • M

    Puppy biting

    Basenji Training
    16
    0 Votes
    16 Posts
    10k Views
    DebraDownSouthD
    @drew82 I've been doing rescue and breeding (not Basenjis, and not for 20 yrs now)... and I have to say that among responsible trainers, rescues, breeders and professional veterinary behaviorists, you won't find any who will say under 8 weeks is okay for any breed... and for many, 10 to 12 weeks is recommended. It is in fact illegal to take puppies under 8 weeks from some states and it should be in all of them. Call a few dozen rescues and ask them how many animals they deal with that have issues started from being placed too young. It is good you are working on things, just hopefully the physical responses won't continue. No breed needs to be swatted or even mildly hurt for training. Basenjis even less so than many. It hurts your relationship with the puppy, and you are punishing a baby for being a baby... there is no "rebellious thing"... just normal behavior you have to patiently train away from.
  • lisastewartL

    The puppies first practice

    Basenji Training
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    4k Views
    BasenjimammaB
    Lisa..we will have to be there…I live in Waller-ish...about 10 minutes or so away..too cool.
  • lvossL

    Puppy Nosework

    Basenji Training
    4
    0 Votes
    4 Posts
    2k Views
    lvossL
    I will try to be good and update each week so if you want to follow along you can. The things that you need is at least 5 boxes, one that should be labeled "Food" and is the only box that gets food in it, so the others aren't cotaminated with the food scent, treats that your dog really loves, and some different areas to work in. The first week the boxes are all in a line. Before I set L'Ox down to work, show him that I am putting the treats in the treat box then I do a "shell game" with the box, tapping it against the other boxes in the line and usually saying things like, "Where's your treat? Is it in this box? Oh, look at this box it looks so good." etc, and at some point switching the food box with one of the other boxes so that he doesn't just cue into the last box I was at and has to really work to find the treats. We do 3 searches in a training session and our goal for the week is to work in 5 locations. Mine will probably be the kitchen, the living room, the backyard, the school down the street, and at a friend's house. It makes things much easier if you have someone to help you but you can work by yourself using a tether or baby gate.
  • BellaJaneB

    Puppy Crate training

    Basenji Training
    8
    0 Votes
    8 Posts
    4k Views
    tanzaT
    @BellaJane: Oh yeah and his name is Ringo…. Where did you get Ringo?