Skip to content
Basenji Forums
  1. Home
  2. Behavioral Issues
  3. Split personality

Split personality

Behavioral Issues
  • R

    Totally confused…I am fostering a tiny 6 yr old female Basenji that exhibits a split personality. While sitting in your lap, next to you on the couch or sleeping in bed with you, she is calm and is affectionate, ecen cuddles close to you and falls asleep letting you pet/rub her anywhere. She will stay with you forever. But the second you put her on the floor or take her outside...her tail goes between her legs, is frightened and will not come within 4-5' of you.

    I have walked her on the leash and showered her with affecion. She is not food/treat motivated...even when it is breakfast or dinner time, she will not come to eat unless you are about 10' away from the food bowl

    any suggestions would be appreciate...split personality, Daisy one is calm and affectionate, Daisy II is scared and extremely aloof

    0
  • P

    Welcome to the forum.

    Has Daisy been frightened while on the floor or perhaps been shut out when outside?

    How does she behave on the lead? Is she happy to walk beside you?

    Try encouraging her with her food at meal times. Persevere in attempting to feed her by hand. Make yourself as small as possible when you do this.

    0
  • tanzaT

    And have you checked her eye sight? Hearing?

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

    0
  • agilebasenjiA

    Is she a puppy mill dog? PM dogs can have so many fear based issues. It also sounds like maybe you haven't had her in your house for very long. Sometimes it takes months for a dog with a sad history to adjust. In additon to sight and hearing, I'd get a thyroid pannel done.

    0
  • D

    Do you know her history? Is she afraid of certain noises? If she had always lived in a cage/crate and never went out, she could be afraid of the grass/floor, etc. It sounds as if she has never been socialized to the outside world. Do you leave a leash on her when she is away from you? I have had to do this with unsocialized dogs so I could get to the leash without getting too close to them so they run from me. Since she is older, it will take more time than usual. The first tests I have done on a dog like this is a complete thyroid and an eye exam.

    Jennifer

    0

Suggested Topics

  • barkB

    Vet Visit for Exam and Boosters and Anxiety

    Behavioral Issues
    5
    0 Votes
    5 Posts
    3k Views
    barkB
    @Saving thank you very much for the suggestions!
  • M

    Will not pee

    Behavioral Issues
    4
    1 Votes
    4 Posts
    2k Views
    SavingS
    I don't get other dogs in the yard but I do get foxes, she will sniff but isn't bothered.
  • T

    Destructive behaviour

    Behavioral Issues
    5
    0 Votes
    5 Posts
    1k Views
    elbrantE
    I was a little pre-occupied earlier today, and Doodle displayed her displeasure at my constant delays... how? She got up on the sofa and did this little prancing-dancing thing. Like she was saying, "haha, look at me misbehaving". LOL oh yeah.... if that is her "breaking bad", I'm in trouble, she's got my heart!
  • M

    Puppy Aggressively Biting

    Behavioral Issues
    10
    0 Votes
    10 Posts
    1k Views
    ZandeZ
    Neutering is not going to help - training is. But a good trainer will train YOU to deal with the dog. If a trainer can get him to behave but you can't - there is little to be gained from paying out money. This is something you should never have allowed to happen, but since it has, I think you should deal with it and @JENGOSMonkey has given you a good idea to start you off. Withdrawing treats is a good idea, but also, get up and walk away. He could be biting to get attention and therefore you withdraw the attention at the first sign of a bite, with a firm NO.
  • C

    Issues with overstimulation

    Behavioral Issues
    9
    0 Votes
    9 Posts
    1k Views
    eeeefarmE
    IMO it is a myth that Basenjis cannot have good manners on a walk. Yes, great if you can do off leash, but when circumstances dictate that a leash is necessary then walking calmly without a lot of drama and pulling should be achievable. Personally I do not like long lines or flex leashes. Or allowing dogs to eat whatever they find on the ground, which can in some cases earn you a trip to the vet or worse. Like most dogs, Basenjis are not overly discriminant about what they will ingest. A short leash and being observant can protect them from unwelcome outcomes. Mental exercise will also go a long way with any dog. But one should have a definite opinion about who is running the show, and it should not be the dog....they are quite willing to take up the position should you abdicate.
  • M

    Hi from PA! Need Advice on personality shift during owner pregnancy

    Behavioral Issues
    4
    0 Votes
    4 Posts
    3k Views
    K
    Agree with Debra: apart from any medical issues, it looks like he is protecting the new life. Cute as it may be, it's not his job. Your husband should step up to the plate and take first position in a clear way. All the best!