Skip to content

Got to get that bunny!

Basenji Talk
  • We were all outside this weekend, and Jack was on his little tie-line cable and a little bunny hopped out from under a bush to say hello.

    Well, Jack saw it, and I expected him to go crazy, since the bunny was sitting out of reach, just watching us. And, sure enough Jack ran over to the end of his tie-line, not really straining or anything…..but his tail was wagging, and I can't be sure, but I thought I saw a puppy grin....

    Is it possible that Jack wanted to play with the bunny? I always figured that he would just want to eat it, high prey drive and everything.

    I have no desire to go out and get any small animals and see how they do together- I'm just curious about the tail wagging....

  • Sometimes they wag as happiness or sometimes to release stress…
    I hope it was the former!
    Baby bunnies are the cutest!

  • Oh- no- I don't think it was stress- he looked like he wanted to play! I expected him to want to eat the bunny:eek: :D

  • As crazy as it sounds, if Jack is anything like Shango, he just wanted to play with the baby bunny.

    Shango loves to chase things (rabbits, squirrels, ANYTHING that runs) but when they are babies, he seems to know. We've come across baby birds, rabbits, kittnens and puppies and his behavior changes! It's almost like he knows he can't play as rough with them! It's adorable. He's so paternal.

    Jack probably just wanted to play!

  • Don't forget that the most favorite game to play for most Basenji's is, guess what? Chase games! They love to chase other dogs, and BE chased too. That's the favorite activity for our boy at the dog park. If he can find another dog that understands how to play the 'chase game' he's in heaven! And heaven help you if want to get ahold of him around the house. If I step after him, he immediately darts away and looks back as if to say "come-n-get me" tail wagging the whole time!

  • can't wait to be bale to get that back yard fenced in and he can chase the squirrel, birds and bunnies all over the place!

  • I would have to say… given a chance, he would NOT play with the bunny... IMO... it would become "lunch".... and yes, many times tail wagging is not only "happiness"... mine will "wag" at the lure bags... and it is NOT for play... especially if there is a "real" skin in those bags....

  • Thanks Pat- that was what I was wondering…..I knew he wasn't stressed out, but he looked so happy to see him....was wondering if it was "Oh, lets play!" or "Pass the mustard!"

  • @Robin_n_Jack:

    Thanks Pat- that was what I was wondering…..I knew he wasn't stressed out, but he looked so happy to see him....was wondering if it was "Oh, lets play!" or "Pass the mustard!"

    I would bet "Pass the Mustard!"…. :eek:

  • At our house it would be…."I wonder if you taste like chicken?" ;)

  • @EskiLovr:

    Don't forget that the most favorite game to play for most Basenji's is, guess what? Chase games! They love to chase other dogs, and BE chased too. That's the favorite activity for our boy at the dog park. If he can find another dog that understands how to play the 'chase game' he's in heaven! And heaven help you if want to get ahold of him around the house. If I step after him, he immediately darts away and looks back as if to say "come-n-get me" tail wagging the whole time!

    That sounds just like my boy! He will grab something he knows he isn't supposed to have [i.e. a sock] & make sure that I see him then just start running through the house. If I don't chase him, he will drop it after he notices I am not chasing him. Haha. It cracks me up!

Suggested Topics

  • should I get a basenji?

    Basenji Talk
    21
    0 Votes
    21 Posts
    8k Views
    elbrantE
    @lovedogs @eeeefarm said in should I get a basenji?: wait until the time is right, even if you really, really want a dog now I agree... with everyone. Sometimes you just need to accept that (no matter how much you want a dog/car/kid/house) you aren't quite ready for it. I waited 5 years before I brought my Basenji home and it was probably the most adult thing I've ever done. I was still in recovery from a spinal injury and knew that I wouldn't be able to provide (her) the exercise she would want and require. Waiting made all the difference in the world. Whan I was finally ready, the most perfect little girl was ready for me. Don't fret about it. You can read, research, consider all of your options, and really prepare yourself. (Don't look at puppy pictures online! You'll fall in love without even meeting the pup(s) and it will pull at your heartstrings.) Remind yourself that "one day you will have a Basenji", just not today.
  • Thinking of getting a Basenji

    Basenji Talk
    11
    0 Votes
    11 Posts
    3k Views
    C
    I have a general question. Does anybody elses Basenji not like to be picked up. Ours sometimes loves it, and sometimes not. Also sometimes she runs up to dogs as quiet as can be and plays, and than other times she makes a squeeling noise, and people are afraid she is picking a fight with their dog. But I think shes just talking. She squeels at our new Whippet puppy, and loves to play with her and is as gentle as can be, considering the Whippet puppy is really rough on my poor Basenji baby girl. does anyone know what the squeeling means. The baroo I get she does that all the time. The squeeling is confusing.
  • What reactions do you get?

    Basenji Talk
    35
    0 Votes
    35 Posts
    10k Views
    Forever AmberF
    I still get alot of people who ask what breed zoe is. At least at 8 months no one asks if she is a chi anymore. Some start out asking what kind of mix she is. Every once in awhile someone recognizes that she is a basenji. Just yesterday we were waiting outside a sheetz gas station when a woman looked up and saw zoe at the window with me and had to come over to ask if she was a B. I get people who uncurl her tail all the time luckily she doesnt mind in the least you can touch her all over no problem. And most of the time she loves the attention. I swear if someone passes by her without petting and adoring her she will look at them like they are idiots.
  • Considering getting a Basenji

    Basenji Talk
    4
    0 Votes
    4 Posts
    1k Views
    lvossL
    Yes, early socialization and positive experiences is the best way to go. I think the most important thing about puppy kindergarten is that it is positive based and focuses on socialization with both people and dogs. Some basenji don't necessarily do well with the small dogs and other love them. Sophie was always the best with the new pups of any size in her puppy class, she just had phenomenal dog language and would make herself as small as possible and go at their speed. What you want to be careful about is people who have already formed a preconceived notion of basenji behavior. My mom's first puppy class instructor always expected her boy to be aggressive even though he never showed any aggression and was always very appropriate in his interactions. I crate puppies next to the bed while housebreaking and it works fine. I have always used a large stuffed toy in the crate and this year used SnugglePuppies, they were wonderful. The pup snuggled right up to warmth and fell asleep, provided we did a good job of tiring him out for the night. I got my first basenji while I was in Grad school and lived in an apartment. It is doable as long as you are willing to make sure they get enough exercise and mental stimulation.
  • Thinking about getting a basenji…

    Basenji Talk
    32
    0 Votes
    32 Posts
    26k Views
    tanzaT
    @JazzysMom: Well, it's a good thing we went straight to a breeder! I'd considered BRAT, but decided to get a puppy instead. Good thing, because with six kids at home and lots of other kids in and out, we'd have never gotten a dog! Sad isn't it….
  • Cali gets houseguest

    Basenji Talk
    11
    0 Votes
    11 Posts
    6k Views
    tlbuddyT
    The neighbors boxer was not so much aggressive with Cali as she was with my brothers boxer. Cali usally plays with their German Shepherd pup and they get along really well. True, I shouldnt have taken Lady anywhere near their boxer, but I thought they would get along because their boxer gets along with the other boxer down the street.. My brother also has a Cane Corso(Italian Mastiff) and a Rottweiler and his Boxer is used to playing with them all of the time because they live together. When I say discipline I mean more of a "time out" in the crate or a stern NO! Sometimes if I clap my hands once and say NO! at the same time she gets the message. I have had her 2 months now and we are both making progress. I am learning what worked for my other dogs does not necessarily work for Cali. I do notice that training her is a lot different from my previous 2 dogs (Pitbull/Rottweiler mix and a German Shepherd). I have been reading a lot of the posts about obedience and training on the forum and it has helped a lot. Cali is like no other dog that I have owned, but I like being challenged.:) :) :)