Our Thoughts on Training and Raising a Basenji

[BDawg]

I'm pretty sure I saw the words, "in my opinion" in the original posts.

Holy geez. People should be able to express their opinions without being completely beaten up over it. There are multiple views on every topic and different things work for different dogs. Can't we all be friends and agree to disagree?

[tanza]

My personal opinion is that 10wks is a good age to place a puppy, however if the person is an experienced dog owner (doesn't have to be a Basenji) and/or has an older dog already in the home.. 8wks works…. for placement. However that said, one of the reasons that I wait is that at 9wks I take them for eye exams to a Board Certified Ophth (CERF Exam) and also, the most recent schedules for shots is at 9wks and 11wks, so I would prefer that they have at least one of their shots, having the second would be better, IMO before they go off to their new homes..

I always take pups in the car in crates from a very early age... it does usually help with crate training... but if nothing else they get used to traveling in the car and not thinking that any car trip is going to be to the Vet...

That said, I would never leave on in the car unattended

And as always, a tired puppy is a good puppy!

[JazzysMom]

I will say, however, that it sounds like Roo is coming along nicely with his training. He is learning appropriate commands.

And it is clear that YOU have learned also, as has been stated and re-stated a million times on this forum until I think it may be the Basenji Mantra:

"A Tired Basenji is A Good Basenji".

LOL – it is always good to walk them a bit before training, and for those - like Jazzy - who get car sick before a car ride.

For those who do not wish to leave their dogs in the car while errands are run, you can achieve the same thing by crating your dog and leaving the room for a few minutes and then returning. The dog will also learn that you will return. If you return with a treat, some will learn even faster.
That said, some dogs do not necessarily have separation anxiety, but true crate anxiety. The issue with them is NOT your leaving, but being shut in the crate itself. For whatever reason, the confinement aspect freaks them out. Sometimes this can be very severe; it may be more true with Basenjis than other breeds, perhaps because by instinct they are not a dog accustomed to confinement. At any rate, if you feel your dog has crate anxiety, please do not lock them up in the crate and leave them in the car. It will NOT help them at all.
There are many discussions on this forum on how to deal with that.

[JazzysMom]

@BDawg:

I'm pretty sure I saw the words, "in my opinion" in the original posts.

Holy geez. People should be able to express their opinions without being completely beaten up over it. There are multiple views on every topic and different things work for different dogs. Can't we all be friends and agree to disagree?

But a discussion is an exchange of opinions, often differing opinions. That is what makes it interesting.

I don't see any "beating up" happening, just an exchange of differing opinions.

"I think AAA", is met with "I disagree; I think BBB", yet another may chime in with "Nope. I believe it's CCC".

That's a discussion. In My Opinion, of course. :p

[Vanessa]

@JazzysMom:

But a discussion is an exchange of opinions, often differing opinions. That is what makes it interesting.

I don't see any "beating up" happening, just an exchange of differing opinions.

"I think AAA", is met with "I disagree; I think BBB", yet another may chime in with "Nope. I believe it's CCC".

That's a discussion. In My Opinion, of course. :p

Well put.

This is a forum and people should be able to express their opinions just as long as it does not spiral into a heated argument.
We are all here to help, educate and enjoy each others company. ComicDom1 has taken the time to share with us his opinions and experiences with Roo.
People will have a difference of opinion in every topic but let us remember…every training method is different and what works for some people does not work with others. :o

[Robin_n_Jack]

I wish Jack would have stayed in his crate in the car. When I brought him home from the shelter in his crate he screamed and screamed the entire time. Luckily, that did not detract from crate training at home. I think when he was in the car he just wanted to see out. Now, he loves riding in the car.

I don't know a lot about Jack's history, but I know he was separated from his littermates at a very young age, having had an ear eaten and all. I got him at 12 weeks, and I know the shelter had him before 8 weeks, because that is when he was neutered (shelter decision). I do think that this has a lot to do with his constant biting during play, or when he wants to play, or when he wants my attention when I am typing on here to you folks. What was the word used- bite inhibition? Yeah, he doesn't have that. Mind you, he doesn't bite hard, but he does have this nasty habit of trying to fit his entire mouth around my wrist. He also really doesn't know how to play with other dogs. I've had him around other dogs all of his life, but he tends to look at them like he doesn't quite understand what they want- when all they want is to play.

And Kudos to you for getting him to sit to put on his leash….he didn't start doing that for us until he was about a year old....after many bruised noses and black eyes. Yup, that's right. My Dog gave me a black eye. Try explaining that at work around the water cooler.

[tanza]

Each pup will in the end have it's own personality.. but with a responsible breeder that takes the time to socialize a litter, keeps them until they feel they are mentally ready to join a new household, does the "proper" health testing "before" breeding… makes the biggest difference... IMO

[lvoss]

Dogs that miss that critical socialization period with the dam and littermates often have problems later in life communicating with other dogs. They don't learn who to read dog language as well and don't usually give signals as well.

I can totally sympathize with the black eyes and fat lips, I have this problem with the shelter dogs. The worst was the 7 month old, I don't what cross, that jumped up knocked my glasses off, as I went to pick them up he managed to then smack me in the lip. This was completely innocent on his part, he was a really goofy puppy who was just completely unaware of the fact that he was as big as a horse. Good news is that after 6 weeks of training with all the volunteers he did an automatic down and learned not to jump up on people, even kids. YAY! Sorry couldn't help it, I was really proud of this boy. He turned into such a nice dog and it was such a happy day when he got adopted.

[ComicDom1]

I would think the point would be to teach any new puppy, that there is no type of biting or nipping that is ok. Hard or Soft should not matter, "to me" nipping or biting is just not ok! I also do not think that jumping up on a person is acceptable. I have seen Roo exhibit some of the jumping up behavior also. What we do with him at that point is to direct him to sit or completely ignore him. Once he is calm, then we call him to us, we do not go to him.

In our opinion, socialization of a puppy while influenced by his litter mates, is also accomplished by exposing a puppy to many other dogs, and people. The way we accomplish this is by taking Roo on walks in the park that other dogs share, many trips to pet smart, interaction with our Boston Terrier, and exposing him to smells, sight, and sounds of the different farm animals that exist in our area, as well as exposure to all the same things in the larger city that is close to us.

To teach him to come to us both, we used a flexi leash in the park, and Cherrios for treats. He has to sit before he gets a Cherrio. We also do not allow him a treat every time he performs well for us because we want him to learn to obey without expecting them. Even my Boston Terrier likes Cherrios. Both Dogs have to sit after the walk and wait their turn for a treat. Cherrio's are very cheap, and a good training treat.

If Roo has been esp good for us for an extended time, then we give him a bully stick which he seems to love.

By the way the weather has been in the 60's and 70's here. Those temps are perfectly safe for a dog crated in a car with the windows cracked. Please keep in mind We are in the Mid West.

I also purchased a fan I found at pet smart that mounts on the front of the crate, that is designed to move Air. It will run 100 hours on 2 D batteries on the low speed. I would recommend this product to anyone. Also I am investigating the crate pads that contain crystals as well as the bandana's that are supposed to help keep dogs cool in the summer.

I always carry bottled water, food,treats, leashes, a towel, and bowls in my vehicles. Since you never know what can happen(Cars do break down), I always find it good to be prepared.

Jason

[Robin_n_Jack]

@lvoss:

Dogs that miss that critical socialization period with the dam and littermates often have problems later in life communicating with other dogs. They don't learn who to read dog language as well and don't usually give signals as well.

I can totally sympathize with the black eyes and fat lips, I have this problem with the shelter dogs. The worst was the 7 month old, I don't what cross, that jumped up knocked my glasses off, as I went to pick them up he managed to then smack me in the lip. This was completely innocent on his part, he was a really goofy puppy who was just completely unaware of the fact that he was as big as a horse. Good news is that after 6 weeks of training with all the volunteers he did an automatic down and learned not to jump up on people, even kids. YAY! Sorry couldn't help it, I was really proud of this boy. He turned into such a nice dog and it was such a happy day when he got adopted.

I think that is part of Jack's problem with the other dogs he meets. He gets along fine with, not fighting or aggressive towards them, but I think he feels like he doesn't quite speak their language, which makes me sad. I do really think that if he had been able to stay with his littermates longer he would not have such a problem with this. Unfortunately, that was not an option for him, so we make the best of what we've got. I really think he was separated from them at right about 8 weeks.:(

And, yeah, the bruises and black eyes are completely innocent on his part as well, he is just jumping up to give a like wet kiss….most of the time he is really confused by why I am stumbling around holding part of my face! It is such a happy day when a good shelter dog gets adopted isn't it!

[Robin_n_Jack]

@ComicDom1:

I would think the point would be to teach any new puppy, that there is no type of biting or nipping that is ok. Hard or Soft should not matter, "to me" nipping or biting is just not ok! I also do not think that jumping up on a person is acceptable. I have seen Roo exhibit some of the jumping up behavior also. What we do with him at that point is to direct him to sit or completely ignore him. Once he is calm, then we call him to us, we do not go to him.

To teach him to come to us both, we used a flexi leash in the park, and Cherrios for treats. He has to sit before he gets a Cherrio. We also do not allow him a treat every time he performs well for us because we want him to learn to obey without expecting them. Even my Boston Terrier likes Cherrios. Both Dogs have to sit after the walk and wait their turn for a treat. Cherrio's are very cheap, and a good training treat.

If Roo has been esp good for us for an extended time, then we give him a bully stick which he seems to love.

By the way the weather has been in the 60's and 70's here. Those temps are perfectly safe for a dog crated in a car with the windows cracked. Please keep in mind We are in the Mid West.

I also purchased a fan I found at pet smart that mounts on the front of the crate, that is designed to move Air. It will run 100 hours on 2 D batteries on the low speed. I would recommend this product to anyone. Also I am investigating the crate pads that contain crystals as well as the bandana's that are supposed to help keep dogs cool in the summer.

I always carry bottled water, food,treats, leashes, a towel, and bowls in my vehicles. Since you never know what can happen(Cars do break down), I always find it good to be prepared.

Jason

Believe me, we have been trying to teach Jack that nipping and biting aren't okay, and he is making some progress. At least now, when I tell him not to bite, he look at me like "That's right, you told me that before, I forgot…..here, I will lick you instead" The thing is that the very best teachers of that idea are the dogs littermates, who yelp when one of their siblings bite them too hard.....they are telling them "HEY-THAT HURTS" in their own language. Jack was separated from them are a very young age.....faaaar too young, IMO.

I will have to try Cheerios....Jack LOOOves wheat chex, too, but I am careful not to give him too many (have to watch his girlish figure)

While he is still a puppy, I would be careful of giving him blankets with crystals unless they are completely non-toxic. Up until he was about 18 months old, Jack tore every blanket in his crate apart- not out of stress or anger, just because he was redecorating.:D Don't know if that is a purely basenji thing or not....

[lvoss]

@ComicDom1:

I would think the point would be to teach any new puppy, that there is no type of biting or nipping that is ok. Hard or Soft should not matter, "to me" nipping or biting is just not ok! I also do not think that jumping up on a person is acceptable. I have seen Roo exhibit some of the jumping up behavior also. What we do with him at that point is to direct him to sit or completely ignore him. Once he is calm, then we call him to us, we do not go to him.

Though the end goal is to teach a puppy that mouthing and nipping are not OK, trainers are in good agreement that the what gives the best results toward this goal is to first soften the bite then teach not to put teeth on human skin. Training a dog to have a soft mouth is really an important part of bite inhibition and one that should not be skipped.

For anyone interested in the training process, here is a link to an article written by Ian Dunbar. http://www.jersey.net/~mountaindog/berner1/bitestop.htm

[lvoss]

@Robin_n_Jack:

I think that is part of Jack's problem with the other dogs he meets. He gets along fine with, not fighting or aggressive towards them, but I think he feels like he doesn't quite speak their language, which makes me sad. I do really think that if he had been able to stay with his littermates longer he would not have such a problem with this. Unfortunately, that was not an option for him, so we make the best of what we've got. I really think he was separated from them at right about 8 weeks.:(

Yeah, it is hard for them when they aren't really sure what the other dog is saying. I know a few dogs like this and they tend to have a small group of dog friends that they have learned how to talk to. They are sort of like the shy kid on the playground who doesn't know how to go up and make new friends. It is great when they are able to meet one of those dogs that is like those kids who can make friends with anyone and everyone.

[Robin_n_Jack]

@lvoss:

Though the end goal is to teach a puppy that mouthing and nipping are not OK, trainers are in good agreement that the what gives the best results toward this goal is to first soften the bite then teach not to put teeth on human skin. Training a dog to have a soft mouth is really an important part of bite inhibition and one that should not be skipped.

For anyone interested in the training process, here is a link to an article written by Ian Dunbar. http://www.jersey.net/~mountaindog/berner1/bitestop.htm

So we are getting somewhere! Jack has learned to be soft when nipping and biting. Wow! That makes me feel great!

[DiegosMom]

@ComicDom1:

By the way the weather has been in the 60's and 70's here. Those temps are perfectly safe for a dog crated in a car with the windows cracked. Please keep in mind We are in the Mid West.
Jason

I was just saying that dogs can easily overheat when left in a car and it is hot outside, so to be careful for anyone who leaves them.. I was not saying that you shouldnt do it or you were wrong for doing it.. just wanted to make sure people knew of the risks involved..

[tanza]

@DiegosMom:

I was just saying that dogs can easily overheat when left in a car and it is hot outside, so to be careful for anyone who leaves them.. I was not saying that you shouldnt do it or you were wrong for doing it.. just wanted to make sure people knew of the risks involved..

Agree… it is well documented that even if 50 or 60 degrees outside, inside a car, even with the windows cracked and in the sun, the temperature can rise very quickly.

[Vanessa]

@tanza:

Agree… it is well documented that even if 50 or 60 degrees outside, inside a car, even with the windows cracked and in the sun, the temperature can rise very quickly.

There are states in which leaving your pet in a vehicle is against the law and you will be issued a citation.
I would never leave a baby in a car. Even if it were just for a moment. Same with my B.
I'll admit…I've contacted authorities when I see dogs left in cars unattended on hot summer days. :mad:

[Robin_n_Jack]

I go on road trips with Jack all the time, and we will leave him in the car while we are in a rest stop or getting something to eat. Windows are cracked, we usually BLAST the AC before we leave him. But, he is never in a kennel. We unclip him from his seatbelt, and he has the car to himself. We have never had a problem.

That said, we also watch what it looks like outside as we are stopping. If it could be a problem, we will eat in the car (always fun with a basenji under your nose). Generally we are doing out trips in early spring or in the fall when weather is tolerable. I think it depends on the day and the dog.

[tanza]

When traveling.. stops are only for potty breaks and/or gas… never to "sit and eat..."... take out from a drive though maybe... And yes there are some days that parked under a tree and cracked windows is totally acceptable to leave them in a car for a very short period. However mine would still "always" be in a kennel, much safer, IMO.... to have them secure, same as driving. In a kennel they are "undetected" by anyone just walking by... dog knapping is not uncommon.... But in the end, using best, best judgement works.... some of us would, some of us would not leave them in a car unattended....

[tanza]

What I still have not seen addressed here and while training and raising is important… how about health testing? This should be #1 with any puppy first and formost. With a young puppy of course you need to be aware that their growth plates are still open, so watching not to over do "force" exercise especially on a hard surface (roads, concrete, etc) (and no, I am not talking about walks...)... I think it is important to have patellas checked also... in case there is a problem... Eye checks are important as a base line for a puppy... and of course Fanconi testing. While DNA testing for Fanconi is not important as a puppy, it will tell you if there will be a problem in the future if they are afflicted... and that early/often strip testing will become a normal part of their care.