Nipping?

Behavioral Issues
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  • JodieJ

    I am a relative newcomer (adopted Lillie - 3 1/2 months ago) and need some advise. Lillie is a very sweet girl, however, usually around late afternoon/early evening, Lillie gets alittle "frisky". I'm not sure if this is her "sign" that she wants to play. She will try and pull on my shirt and nip me. I have found the only way to stop her (at that time) is to spray alittle water on her. Am I handling this correctly? She does this to everyone in my family. It usually does not last long but I am not sure what the reason is or if there is a reason. Has anyone experienced this? If so, how have you handled it? I appreciate any advise.
    Thanks,
    Jodie:confused:

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  • DukeD

    Daisy does this in the early evening too. I think she's trying to spike some play. I would suggest having a rope toy or something handy to have her nip on and/or play fetch with. Both of mine have a B500 race just before bed time too.

    Jill

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  • JodieJ

    Thanks - I don't feel so alone now. Lillie has a gazillion (sp?) toys. I usually will throw her a ball, which she absolutely loves. I found her this ball (soft, furry and it squeaks) in the pet store for $ 1.00. Funny, with all the toys I have bought her (some not so cheap), she absolutely loves this ball! I'll try re-directing her when she starts the nipping.

    Jodie

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  • MantisM

    Caesar used to do this around 1-1/2 yrs old. The trainer told me to ignore it, that it was negative attention he wanted. I quickly found out that if mom walks away from basenji. Basenji gets to bite her butt! LOL.

    My answer was Basic Obedience training. Not only to communicate better, but burns that energy. I also found a 15min walk did the trick as well.

    You can use Cheerios as a treat and spend 15min on tricks for indoor play, or do like most of us do and multiply…..

    Basenjis seem to need more play time than basenji parents have once you get home from work, clean up, settle down, make dinner, and clean up again. Multiples will burn that extra energy but the basenji 500s never end....:D

    Caesar and Cairo….the boys

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  • tashaT

    @Duke:

    Daisy does this in the early evening too. I think she's trying to spike some play. I would suggest having a rope toy or something handy to have her nip on and/or play fetch with. Both of mine have a B500 race just before bed time too.

    LOL!! I have to laugh because when I go to bed Corky jumps on my bed, jumps down, runs to the other side and does is all over again about 10 times before he settles down. Poor boy doesn't realize that all that running and jumping costs him the best spot on the dog beds. :(

    He and his brother buddy (dalmation/beagle mix) run their laps right around 8:30 or so. It sound like it's pretty normal to me. :)

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  • JodieJ

    Multiples? I don't know how I would handle 2 Lillies :) I have an extremely hectic life with a lot of running around to do. I don't know if I can handle another dog. All the dogs I have owned in the past have been solo. I think it would be too hard for me, besides I don't think my husband would go for the idea. I think I'll try re-directing Lillie and see if that helps with the nipping.

    Jodie

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  • nomrbddgsN

    Just remember if you play with her like you're a dog you become her buddy. Your hands will also become play toys. If your husband or you rough houses with her you may need to stop to change the behaviour.

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

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  • luzmery928L

    I'm going through the same thing with my B. The trainer I'm using did say we have to direct his nipping to something else. Save one particular toy that you use only when he nipps and let him bite on that. Also if you start with the simple commands your B will learn to listen to you and follow what you say. Whatever you do be consistant and try to nip this in the bud (we need to keep our sense of humor or we'll go nuts) soon so or else you will have a tougher time later.

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  • tanzaT

    Exactly, if behaviors that are unacceptable are not corrected and they are not redirected to positive behaviors it will only get worse. They don't understand that these are really not acceptable.. this is how it would work in a pack situation, especially the mouthing, dogs "talk" with their mouths… and if you have ever seen a litter of pups and watch the interaction, you will seen how they react to biting with each other... and other adults.
    And remember if she gets a reaction to the nipping, as in you begin to play with her, she will think that is acceptable.

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

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  • MantisM

    Multiples? I don't know how I would handle 2 Lillies I have an extremely hectic life with a lot of running around to do. I don't know if I can handle another dog. All the dogs I have owned in the past have been solo.

    I remember thinking basenji owners must have a screw loose to even contimplate multiples…..I was 100% wrong....

    now that I have had 2 I will never have just 1 again....they take care of each other and play together all day!!!

    Caesar and Cairo….the boys

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  • luzmery928L

    I'm trying to convince my husband about that. No luck

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  • MantisM

    honestly, you really have to see it to believe it…

    if you want to borrow Caesar and Cairo, just call me!! LOL:D

    Caesar and Cairo….the boys

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  • luzmery928L

    thanks, now i'll be happy with a demo..lol

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    To me it sounds like the previous owners praised his bad behaviors when he would take something which would be confusing for anyone. I would begin to give treats when he does good things to retrain the idea. Use a spray bottle for growls or bad behavior. Use it to startle but dont acknowledge the bad behavior. Act like you didnt see the water and dont let him see the water bottle. The other main issue it sounds like is the socialization. I would suggest doing the basic obedience training in a Petsmart. You will have a trainer with you each time you go. You will be introducing your basenji to other dogs in your class in a controlled atmosphere. You will be in a busy store with people that will help him socialize and get used to the people. Once you have learned the tricks or commands from class and your basenji performs them with you flawlessly. Have your roommate use the same commands and gestures until your b can do them with your roommate. Then add a friend that isnt around all the time and slowly teach the dog how to communicate and receive praise and treats for his actions. I suspect that with this training, your basenji will soften that aggressive behavior and want the treats. The behavior may never go away completely, but you will always be around to keep an eye on him. If you have a dog walker, I would think that it is very important that your walker follows your guidlines for training to keep your dog safe when he is away from you. Strangers who have been bitten by a dog have had the ability to put the dog to sleep and it is important that you do not permit him to find an opportunity to slip. My rescue was food aggressive and fearful of everything. She had seperation anxiety, growled, and took 2 years to potty train. It is important to be consistant with your training. It is important to praise. My rescue settled down completely after 3years and I learned the triggers to avoid. I would also suggest not having any pull or shake playing with your basenji which would mimick tugging or tearing prey. When your basenji is relaxed, massage him. Touch his mouth, his ears, hold his feet. Teach him to understand that there is no off limit area. Have your roomate and dog walker do this as well once you feel he has begun learning from the training. Have your roommate help you bathe him, and so on and so forth. As long as one of the 3 of you can handle him in basic training, around people and handeling him you should be more confident that you are protecting him as well as the many victims he could encounter in the future. You know he is great and you want to take care of him. The best way to do that is by helping him learn to communicate with people, not out of fear. Oh, and a soft muzzle is a great way to take him for walks with a dog walker and keep him from hurting anyone else. He can move his mouth, but wont be able to open it. I bought mine at Petsmart when Caesar was a puppy and eat his seat belt off when in the car going anywhere. Do not use it with punishment, but as a tool to let him know it is time to go for a walk!!
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