Skip to content

Jaw quivering - an anxiety issue?

Basenji Talk
  • I was just playing with our mixed breed Rosie. She had a new hard Nylabone that she'd brought over to me. As I was reaching for it, she shifted her hold on the bone and accidentally caught my third finger (kind of got snagged on a pre-molar). I yipped a bit and had my eyes closed, as it did hurt plus I wanted her to be more careful. When I did open my eyes, she was sitting there with her lower lip quivering. I could tell she was really upset as she was sitting very still, without a command, and staring. I reassured her but she still had the lip quiver for a minute or more.

    My opinion is that she was upset about hurting the alpha dog in our pack. I got up and moved around, but when I came back and sat down, she followed me and tried to lick the fingers on both of my hands. She doesn't really do a lot of licking until we go to bed (seems like a social thing morning and night).

    I did some reading on the forum regarding jaw quivering so wondered if anyone had more info or opinions. Thanks!

  • @jerseygirl01 Could be anxiety, they are sensitive dogs. Nylabones are not safe for the dog despite what they advertise. I gave them to my girl who was a voracious chewer and found out years later that she had shattered many of her teeth. She had to have about eight teeth removed over three years.

  • Seems like you have a very cute and sweet girl. Congrats!

Suggested Topics

  • Separation anxiety - basenji vs whippet

    Basenji Talk
    30
    0 Votes
    30 Posts
    3k Views
    tanzaT
    @organicshadows - Don't feel judged, that is not what we are doing... just as been said, just honest opinions. And many, much, all of the things we have talked about goes for all breeds, not just Basenjis. And I laid out what I have done, because I could... the main point I wanted to make is that Basenji (and Whippet also for that matter since they are both sight hounds) is that they like windows to watch the world go by. And by window, NO blinds or you will find that redecorated as so to see out. Just as a point, I have friends that had many years ago a West Highland White Terrier, they lived in an apartment and she was the best pup... then they rearranged the room and she started to eat holes in the rug... until they figured out that they blocked her view of the outside... being bored in the house she showed her displeasure by eating holes in the rug. They put the room back the way it was and that all stopped period. The pup was happy! Just something to keep in mind.
  • Separation anxiety and what to do?

    Basenji Talk
    15
    0 Votes
    15 Posts
    7k Views
    B
    We got him 2 months ago when he was a little over one. Thanks for all the suggestions! I am going to go out for a short time and come back, lengthen the time and also try the crate and Kong. He never goes when we are home so maybe it’s his way of saying if you do not want a mess, don’t leave me alone!!
  • Nighttime issues

    Basenji Talk
    8
    0 Votes
    8 Posts
    4k Views
    DebraDownSouthD
    If you hadn't been to vet, I'd have suspected UTI. If not that, kidney or bladder stones? Definitely thyroid check. Is he getting the same exercise? Can you do more so he's really tired at bedtime? Any new medications? Change in food? If it were something icky like a mouse, his buddy would be bothered too... but it could still be outside nocturnal creatures suddenly stopping by. Hope you find the cause. Losing sleep is not good for anyone.
  • Separation anxiety…

    Basenji Talk
    21
    0 Votes
    21 Posts
    8k Views
    DebraDownSouthD
    Glad all went well! Ah sorry skype depressed him. Mine were confused that I had my daughter trapped in that box but they were overjoyed to see her.
  • Keoki's separation anxiety..

    Basenji Talk
    17
    0 Votes
    17 Posts
    3k Views
    RivermoonR
    Poor boy. I've never had to deal with that…it sounds like you've done just about everything you can. I wonder if taping your voices or making video of yourselves doing everyday things and playing it while you're gone would ease his anxiety a little? It's a just a thought.....
  • Separation Anxiety?

    Basenji Talk
    15
    0 Votes
    15 Posts
    5k Views
    TuckerVAT
    My friend HAS a dog. But it's an older Westie (12 years old), so it's not really a good basenji companion since it's gotten rather lethargic. I've thought about adopting another, but I haven't a clue how Tucker would take it. I have a pretty small condo (900sf) and leaving two of them at home would stress me out beyond belief! Expecially getting a new one to bond and accept his surroundings (finding another 'perfect for my situation' dog). When I have a bigger place and a yard, I'll have a yardfull of them. :)