I cant take it anymore!

Behavioral Issues
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  • lovemybarooL

    Well I guess I should take a minute to reply to you all who have offered me so much help and insight. We have decided that Baroo is now a member of the family, and we are going to stick it out, come what may. He has gotten better about a few things, but for the most part it is me who has changed my habits, not him. I am learning that he really is just like a child and you have to learn to work around that, and even outsmart him. I will tell you though, baby gates are a great thing! I dont know why I waited so long to get them. I now have more control and less stress. It is a lot of work, but it is proving to be worth it. Baroo is a great dog (when he chooses to be) and now I could never think of getting rid of him. He has also proven to be a lot better around my son than I thought. I had concerns a first, but now he has taken a liking to my son, and hangs around him all day, letting him pull on his tail and choke him even, without so much as a growl. I actually think he believe that my son is his master. He takes his toys to him to play with and even tries to share his food with him, although Baroo wastes no time in sharing my sons food! I really think he will be a great family dog, just with a little more training. We still have a few things to work out, and my cat still hates him, but I think they will just have to learn to live with each other for now. Maybe I will try to train the cat not to run, because there is no trying to train the dog not to chase him! I might have better luck with the cat anyways :)
    In the mean time I have adjusted my life around the dog, and he is starting to settle in and adjust to us. I think he just wasn't comfortable enough with us yet, but we are getting there. Everyday is a battle, but I am taking things one day at a time. I am confident that he will eventually come around, so for now I just look forward to that day.
    Thanks to all of you for sharing, and please let me know if you come up with any more tricks for training. I can still use all the help I can get!

    Rebecca

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  • dashD

    That is great to hear. I am sure most of us have had the feeling we were in over our head and venting seemed to help. It definately will take time to get into a routine and with a little one it will be difficullt to keep many things out of reach. I can already see your B stealing a dirty diaper and running away with his new "prize"

    Basenji's are frustrating at times because they think so independently. You must be on your toes as all times. Watch for pacifiers-they will get stolen.

    I have to say I think that was the most frustrating part was Dash stealing things. He doesn't necessarily want it for any reason but he takes it and runs. He has learned to drop it when I say drop and the issue is over but I think he enjoys it. It is a way to get attention from me even if it is negative.

    Good luck and keep in touch.

    Jennifer

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  • jys1011J

    YAY BAROOO!! :D :D :D

    Trust me it does get better with time. You get smarter & he WILL get better. Sometimes it's just about being patient & outsmarting them :) Like most children they WILL get into things within their reach but they also do need discipline.

    Basenji Mom of C3PO & TOPAZ

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  • gbroxonG

    @lovemybaroo:

    …He has also proven to be a lot better around my son than I thought. I had concerns a first, but now he has taken a liking to my son, and hangs around him all day, letting him pull on his tail and choke him even, without so much as a growl....

    I think your son is still an infant (8 months or so?); too young to be aware of consequences. I truly don't mean to sound harsh, but if your B (or any dog, really) is not in the mood (or is not feeling well) for tail pulling or choking, you may have an accident on your hands :( . Please be watchful!

    I'm so glad things are working out for you and yours!

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  • nomrbddgsN

    I'm so glad you decided to stick it out! They are like children-forever!

    Arlene, the Basenji Brats with the Boxenji![](images/smilies/biggrin.png "Big Grin")

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  • AmberedA

    yay! i am thrilled! you know what we need?
    PICTURES! :)

    ![](images/smilies/rolleyes.png "Roll Eyes (Sarcastic)") why, yes, i have a very full life-full of little catastrophes!

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  • nobarkusN

    The old saying " A worn out Basenji is a good Basenji" is true. I've had Basenjis for 30 years, and had some challenging tuff ones too. I never gave up and they turned out to be real troopers. You have to work at and establish a relationship with them. What ever you feel and how you react they will feel and react. Basenjis will pick up on your frustrations and anxiety and will be a problem. You have to change your thinking and how you feel.

    Buddy, Paolo and Dan

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  • VanessaV

    I have to agree with the statement above…"a worn out Basenji is a happy Basenji"
    That is the HONEST truth. You can't fight it. They will win. Basenjis will fight you till the bitter end. I learned the hard way. :o

    Basenji Forums Staff

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  • nobarkusN

    My blk/wht as a puppy was so crazy and energetic. Do what I did and get another Basenji and they'll target each other. It works! Don't get a puppy though. Get a rescue that's a little tough to handle him. Also behavior problems can stem from feeding a bad diet like supermarket dog food that's made from meat by products and grains. Go to a pet feed store and see if they have Innuvo EVO. It's high quality. Also take him to the vet for a check up. Behavior problems can stem alot of the time from physical problems. My 14 year old tore up a chair cushion because he was in pain from a bladder infection.

    Buddy, Paolo and Dan

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  • L

    The other dog idea worked for me. I know it sounds like a lot to take on (not to mention my son is 17 – a senior this year --boo hoo--not a baby anymore)and it is but it has been well worth it. They play together constantly and wear each other out. The only real problem I have is walking them together they want to play and wrestle. Any suggestions?

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  • V

    @luvsmy2bs:

    The other dog idea worked for me. I know it sounds like a lot to take on (not to mention my son is 17 – a senior this year --boo hoo--not a baby anymore)and it is but it has been well worth it. They play together constantly and wear each other out. The only real problem I have is walking them together they want to play and wrestle. Any suggestions?

    walk them separately!:rolleyes:

    I'm glad you stuck it out. Many basenji owners go through "The school of hard knocks" on their first basenji.

    I came real close to getting rid of my first one because the parentals didn't like the fact that he needed to dig holes (in furniture) to hide in while we were gone.

    The first one is the toughest. Consider getting another one. I know it sounds crazy, but it really does make life easier. They like their own kind.

    Keep it up!

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  • BarklessdogB

    The first one is the toughest. Consider getting another one. I know it sounds crazy, but it really does make life easier. They like their own kind.

    Very true, ours was like any only child - constantly need to be entertained or he would cause trouble- the second dog comes along everything changes.

    His focus was the other dog- what's she getting that I'm not, then the constant playing with each other like little maniacs, wearing each other out.

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    Just thought I'd share an update on this. I removed the blankets from the crate and replaced them with a mattress. We have been strict about her only staying in the crate at night. When we have had accidents I have cleaned up, with a dog urine killing spray, and placed her back in the crate. Everything is progressing smoothly, not had any accidents for over a week now. So it's been a rather quick turnaround, lovely to have her properly crate trained again. Thank you all for sharing advice on the situation.