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Training Success

Behavioral Issues
  • jys1011J

    Hi all..I'm an oldy around here but I haven't been on in a long time. Kids, dogs, work, etc. don't leave much time to post. But today something happened & I thought this would be a good place to share.

    I've had my Bs for about 3yrs now. With lots of advice & help from this forum I committed to training our dogs to ensure their happy & safe lives. Once we had our twins it became even more important that our Bs got enough exercise, discipline, & training. We went back to doggy school several times (I lost count after 8 :eek:)And it has really paid off in many ways like today.

    Today during our usual morning walk for both exercise & potty there was a lose dog in the nabe running a muck! To say the least. The owner was very laid back about it. Just chasing the dog block after block. I spotted him a few blocks before w/his dog lunging at everyone/everything while on leash. I don't know how he got lose but he did. I quickly got my dogs to sit (I ALWAYS carry treats w/me for situations just like this) & watch me. The silly dog was in the street barking running all over. I kept close eye on my 2 and then focused on him.

    He tried to pounce on us when I quickly turned around took a couple of steps towards him & yelled "HEY! SHHH!" The dog quickly stopped in tracks. I turned back to my dogs & gave more treats. I threw a few treats over to the strange dog until his owner could catch up to grab. Then the guy got the lecture of his life from me! ;)

    You see it's not enough to just decide to be a dog owner. It takes commitment to continue to train, exercise, & discipline your dog every single day the dog lives with you. Yes, it's hard. Don't get me wrong, most days I wonder how I can put them in a FEDEX box & send them express to nowhere. :D j/k But WE made the choice to have them live with us not them. I've taken countless classes & read piles of books to help understand them & improve our relationship. Some days are better then others. And after 3 yrs with our dogs I think we've come a looooong way.

    So if you're new to this B-thing :) pretty please train your dog, teach your dog, discipline your dog, & exercise your dog. Listen to the advice of the veterans here, many of whom have been owners/breeders for decades. They KNOW from experience. And don't sell short any good positive training. It DOES work…eventually :D

    Basenji Mom of C3PO & TOPAZ

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  • nobarkusN

    You are absolutely right and very well put Basenji Mom! Thank you for this reminder and advice. I just starting taking my 8 month old tri to training class on Monday.

    Buddy, Paolo and Dan

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  • BasenjimammaB

    I totally agree as well. I think training the dogs are just as important to them as it is you, what i mean is that a lot of people have dogs and they really should have training on how to be responsible pet parents…for the dogs sake and for people around the dogs sake..It drives me nuts when I am out walking in our "hood" and there are freeroaming dogs milling around like some bad teenagers at the mall...It is not fair, I should be able to walk along and not have to worry about my dogs, kids or my own safety..

    Petra and Pippin

    with Otis in my heart…

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  • BenkuraB

    Couldn't agree more! Although, I do think that in most situations it is the OWNERS that need training not the dogs!! We frequently have people attend our training classes who think they can just come along for an hour or so and that I will 'fix' their dog! We always explain that most of training the dog is about training the owner to be responsible, consistent and to keep up the training at home. There's no point in just doing an hour a week at club and not practising at home.
    So well done to jys1011 your training efforts are paying off! :)

    Victoria Miller & the hounds of Benkura

    www.benkurabasenjis.co.uk

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    http://basenjiforums.com/showthread.php?t=921 Here's the link. :)
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    jys1011J
    WOW!!!..Words to live by!! I commend you for all the effort it sounds like you've put into your dogs. I wish people were more like you…and your mantra should be placed on every B owner's refrigerator door :D :D It's all about knowing your dog & KNOWING their limitations. Respect is key and so is a no tolerance policy. At least that's how it is at our house! :) BTW-I went to a Basenji Fun Match...and A LOT of B's are bitchy snarky little fur balls. Rest assured yours are not the exception. Mine are exactly the same way but we work with them every day on this!
  • C

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    Hi! lauralopez said: Usually when dogs play too rough, one will let out a yelp and that will make the other one know that they are playing too hard. How true! My two Basenjis will wrestle and pull and push one another until one of them yelps. The offender will then back off or start licking the other one. Thirty minutes later they're at it again! So, in my opinion, this is not a Biggie. They'll soon find out how to play with one another. As for the training, I would suggest a group class. It's a great way to socialize the dogs. And you'll make some great friends! And you'll learn how to teach your dog by DOING. The Aussies I've met are great dogs. They're smart. But they have to to have a job. When you take a walk, have Angel carry a bottle of water for you and her in a small saddlebag. Clicker training is also a good way to teach. It worked miracles with my Chaco. Good Luck and let us know how the training goes. Basenjis CAN be good performance dogs. It just takes patience. Chaco has his CD and RN and is working on agility now. Senjimom aka Mary Wilson CH Moores Chock Full of Spirit CD RN, Cleopatra, Queen of the Universe, and MsPretty'nSable'nMink (My Brindle lady)