He is so bad. He is disrespectful and even does things to spite me! I know that is the breed, but this is ridiculous! I spend my entire day chasing after him and rescuing my 2 cats. If he is out of sight I am wondering what he is getting into.
I will repeat: dogs (or any animal for that matter) do nothing out of spite. Basenjis are animals and driven by centuries of instinct. Those instincts: chase, smell, hunt, reproduce (get him neutered), chew, to name a few.
I cant trust him. He chews things up, (but usually only if they are valuable or new, he seems to have a preference for those things) he torments my cats, eats their food, gets into the trash, pulls food of the counters, sleeps on my bed, (even though he knows hes not allowed), knocks over any drinks on my coffee tables, wont walk on a leash without trying to go after everything in sight, and just generally does whatever he pleases thinking everything is his.
Basenjis are not out to please anyone but themselves - "What's in it for me?" is what drives their 'choices' and you have to think about them in that way. My cell phone bears the teeth marks of a dog that wondered if it was food or just crunchy. Jenny loves to eat wooden knitting needles. The first thing I did was teach sit by NOT allowing her outside (or back in) until she sat. I had to very gently push her butt down at first and then open the door immediately upon sitting. After a few days pasted, I would just tap or touch her rear and she would sit. The same drill for food - once a day.
He refuses to listen to me or my husband, and is imposssible to train. We even tried the dog whisperer techniques with no luck… I know some of this has to do with his age (he is just over a year) but is he always going to be like this? Could some of this be because he is not neutered? Would it change that much if he was? I am new to this breed and we have only had him about 4 months, but I am seriously ready to get rid of him.
I have a lab-mix and a basenji, and the lab was easy to train, receptive to traditional-type training and no longer eats cat poop, garbage, food from the counter or coffee table. BUT she WAS very interested as a puppy, just easy to redirect with appropriate chew toys, treats. I got the basenji as a 7 month old (estimate) and for 2 months she was very difficult in all the ways you mention, but I also anticipated this and began researching positive training methods. Cesar's methods are more for dogs with behavior issues, but it sounds like your dog is just being a dog. If you got your's at 7-8 months (as per your info) then you should remember that it takes a few months for an older (not 8-12 week old) dog to aclimate. I thought IMPOSSIBLE at first too. But that is just not true.
Check out www.clickertraining.com for some positive, effective training ideas. The basenji is an intelligent, sensitive, independent animal - like many sight hounds or scent hounds - and needs mental stimulation to stay out of mischief.
I cant handle the stress and my poor cats hate him. I really would love to keep him, but I dont feel confident that he will change. Does anyone know how the rescues work? I want him to go to a good home, and not be left living at a rescue but I dont know how to find him a home because I live in a very small town. Please help! I would appreciate any advice you could give me.
I have 3 cats. Some cats are not into having a dog invade their space. It is up to you to let your cats know that you are somewhat in control of the situation. At first I had to get between the dog and cat, but they have worked it out.
Finally, see the thread about rollerblades and biking as a way to tire your dog out. The basenji is a runner and needs the release. Imagine how you feel after being cooped up at work or school or home sick, and imagine how good it feels when you are free from those things. That is what your pup and you need - stress relief.
to be tender, protective guardians of our children. Our B helped our toddler learn to walk by letting her hold onto his collar while walking; they helped the kids learn to hold onto their food 'cause it's all fair game once food hits the floor.
