Skip to content
Basenji Forums
  1. Home
  2. Behavioral Issues
  3. We just don't like that ONE neighbor kid

We just don't like that ONE neighbor kid

Behavioral Issues
  • kiyapapayaK

    To start off with, we have always been very pro-active in teaching our children how to approach, interact, and behave around dogs. While we never had a dog of our own up until we adopted Kiya, we always seem to be around dogs be them other family members dogs or neighbors and friends.

    Kiya has some anxiety and trust issues stemming from her life before we adopted her. A sad and abusive situation that she endured from 6 weeks old until 16 weeks old when we adopted her. So she has issues with adults - generally anyone over 5 feet tall - and it is something we are constantly working with her to help her get over it.

    The moment we brought Kiya, our B-Mix, home she has been nothing but superb with kids, especially my 3 boys (they were 9.5, 3.5, and 1.5 at the time we adopted her in October). I had never seen a 16 week pup be so gentle and with such great bite inhibition. If she wants one of the boys attention, especially my youngest who happens to be her partner in crime, she gently takes his hand in her mouth and actually leads him over to whatever she wants. There is absolutely no fear, anxiety nor lack of trust when it comes to the boys. Half the time I seriously think she thinks is a human child with the way she interacts with them.

    For the most part Kiya is also good with other kids too. There is one family on our cul-de-sac that has 2 little girls, the same ages as my 2 youngest boys. We watch the girls occasionally, part of a neighbor-babysitting-swap thing we have going on. Kiya is just as gentle and playful with these two girls.

    As for the other neighbor kids, Kiya is great with them as well - except for that ONE neighbor kid. A little 5 year old girl. This little girl has never done anything to Kiya (When Kiya is around kids she is under my 100% attention and supervision), Kiya simply does not like her. Kiya likes the girl's siblings fine. Just not this girl. This little girl can be playing in the cul-de-sac and Kiya's hackles are up and she is growling and barking out the window at her. If she is over playing in the yard with my boys and the other neighbor kids I have to keep Kiya inside, even if I am out with her supervising, because Kiya acts as if she just wants to tear this little girl apart. The parents are pretty understanding saying that actually most dogs, cats, animals in general don't like their daughter - of course the movie "The Omen" comes to mind and I start thinking maybe this little girl is Damien in a dress! :eek: They also understand that I will make sure that their daughter is safe from Kiya because the last thing I need is Kiya biting her.

    So, what is it with this one kid?? Pheromones that she gives off? Her body movement? Her voice? She herself has a dog and for the most part knows how to behave and interact with dogs. I do have to say this little girl is rather spoiled and used to getting her way and tends to sulk and throw attitude. I can personally tolerate her for only a short while before she is under my skin. Maybe it is just her personality and the aura she gives off that Kiya picks up on…

    This summer will be a little easier when all the neighbor kids are home all day long to work on some counter-conditioning with Kiya and this little girl. I really don't want to have to keep Kiya locked up inside though whenever this little girl is over playing with the boys and all the other kids in the neighborhood.

    Any suggestions, counter-conditioning techniques, etc to help Kiya at least tolerate this little girl would be great!

    Thanks!

    0
  • MacPackM

    Maybe some quiet 1 on 1 interactions, with the little girl giving small, delicious treats. Good things can come from this little bratty girl! Other people probably have more ideas, but the little girl will need to work with you and Kiya .

    Good dogs are good judges of character; if my dogs don't like someone, I pay attention! Kiay definitely senses something different about this child.

    Good luck,
    Anne

    Anne in Tampa

    Chipley, Missy & Lucky

    Topper, Nicky & Eddie in the clouds

    0
  • S

    I admire you care with this basenji.
    I agree, some treats from the child, and slow,gentle movements from her when she is around the dog, will probably work, but it might take some time.
    Do let us know how it goes.

    Sharron Hurlbut

    BRAT, basenji rescue

    Evergreen basenji club

    Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue

    0

Suggested Topics

  • T

    Help!! Constant whining & can't figure out what he wants!

    Behavioral Issues
    14
    0 Votes
    14 Posts
    9k Views
    G
    @Nancy-Berry said I'm glad that it's getting so that their dew claws don't have to be removed! Yes. Having, or not having, dew claws is definitely not indicative of a good or bad breeder, or of the quality of the dog. I have had 2 different rescue Basenjis without dew claws who originated from "show" breeders; and I currently have a Basenji that I am showing who HAS dew claws. I would certainly hope that any judge would not base any decisions on whether or not a dog has dew claws. The only problem with leaving dew claws on a Basenji is that it increases the odds of their ability to use power tools! -Joanne
  • eeeefarmE

    Do they or don't they?

    Behavioral Issues
    12
    0 Votes
    12 Posts
    6k Views
    P
    I've followed this thread with interest and I think both Debra and Fran have pinned it down. I do think that right and wrong are subjective and that those who say that animals feel guilt are anthromorphising. Guilt is a very human feeling. I raise my Basenji to respect me but I also respect them. They listen to me and I 'listen' to them. I see no need for physical discipline. My dogs are taught from the beginning what their limits are. Not to say that they are instantly obedient. They are just normal Basenjis with normal Basenji instincts. Some are unacceptable to me and that is where I draw the line. I believe the tone of voice is very important as is the Basenji's vocalisation. I feel it's good that we don't always agree - after all it would be a very dull forum if we did!
  • T

    8 month old is biting…can't get him under control

    Behavioral Issues
    81
    0 Votes
    81 Posts
    39k Views
    Patty MP
    I'm a cheerleader for you and Tango! Please let us know what is going on, and remember, that we all have wonderful basenjis on our laps… I'm getting ready to go to bed, but here is my girl, all cuddled up in a cat-like curl, waiting for me to carry her to bed... and we live in FLORIDA? Too cute. :) Thank you for believing in Tango. He is new to this thing called life, and at the end of the day, all he wants to do is please you. I sincerely believe that basenjis are sensitive to our moods, and when they get scared/tense/mad and react, and then WE react... they react back. I'm so grateful that you didn't toss Tango into the basenji orphanage... I believe that he will be come the most loyal B there ever is! :)
  • lanemichelleandolimarL

    I don't know what to do…

    Behavioral Issues
    2
    0 Votes
    2 Posts
    1k Views
    lvossL
    Have Michelle hand feed Olimar, at least one of his meals each day. At first, she shouldn't ask him to really do anything but should feed each kibble by hand with the only criteria being that he is not mouthing her or jumping up on her. After a couple of feedings, she can start to use mealtimes as an opportunity to ask Olimar for a sit, down, or even just calling his name and giving a kibble when he turns toward her or rewarding him for holding himself still while watching her. Doing this should help raise Michelle's value to Olimar and she should find that he pays more attention to her.
  • K

    Just one of the kids

    Behavioral Issues
    2
    0 Votes
    2 Posts
    2k Views
    youngandtiredY
    My B, Sahara, loves to play fetch and does so almost everyday. I taught her how to bring it back to me and how to release it once she had it. Silly dog wants to play tug of war with everything. She will even go to her toy box and pick out the toy I tell her to get and bring it to me to play. She is the smartest dog I have ever owned and I have quite a few.
  • JannekeJ

    Mirtillo meets his 'nephew'

    Behavioral Issues
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    4k Views
    lauralopezL
    Oh how funny. I just happened to be looking on YouTube yesterday and watched your video. I love your last pix.