How well-trined can a Basenji become?

[Schouiffy]

well it sounds like you are def a Basenji owner! thinking outside the box normally is how we manage to swing it

[wizard]

Welcome to the pack Sheree! I've two basenjis but never puppies so I can't help with some puppy-level issues. But one thing I would definitely encourage is to train your furbaby to come to a special whistle for a special treat. This will help if your dog does get away from you (and chances are she will slip out) or if you need to have your dog return to you immediately (in case of danger or safety or whatever). I have a dog whistle and have treats that are given only with this whistle – I trained my dog to this and he was already 5 yrs old. It has come in handy a couple of times already.

As for the FURniture - why not make one corner of the couch or a chair special just for your pup. Put a towel or old blanket there and let the dog think it's her special place. I don't mind having mine on the furniture because it's easier to bond with them on the same level (I'm too old and stiff to roll around on the floor with mine).

And read through the topics on this forum for all kinds of additional tips (including feeding and health issues).

[Robin_n_Jack]

@SNA:

The dancing Basenji was awsome, thanks for posting that link, my son and I much enjoyed it.

About the couch, I have come to the conclusion that perhaps she doesn't like being on the floor because it's polished floorboards and she can't sit on it without starting to slip (only realised this when I started to do more training inside too). And her crate is tucked in next to the couches so she can't be right next to us. So I'm off to find a nice comfy mat for her to sit on right next to where we sit on the couch. It will be interesting to see if it makes any difference!

Regards
Sheree

You are probably right! We recently moved to a house with wood floors, and Jack hates being on the floor, too!

[sharronhurlbut]

I believe its because they can't get any traction on the wood.
My b's use the carpeted areas as push off points to get going before they "hit" the wood floors..
Another short squirrel story..Lou hubby came home with the dogs over to the stove yes, this is the same stove the other story is about..but he didn't shut the pantry, block the dogs behind a baby gate, or open the back door or garage door for the citter to run into.
Yes, you guessed it, Lou opened the stove, the squirrel poped out and not only when all over the counters, but behind the frig, into the pantry, and finally, out the back door.
Lou got the broom when the squirrel was in the pantry, and dogs still loose
got the squirrel out
Squirrel, left the safety of the pantry and started running on the wood floor toward the back door..
Now the b's got into running toward the back door, but on the wood floors, neither could get any tractions…so it was squirrel move 1 in, dogs move 1 in, until the squirrel got outside on the deck and then hit warp speed.
I didn't see it, but did see the mess and Lou telling me this story made me laugh until I cried..
Like an old Tom and Jerry cartoon!

[applechowder]

There is a type of dog training technique called Positive Reinforcement training founded by Emily Larlham. You can find free limitless high quality training videos by her under Youtube channel, "Kikopup".

http://www.youtube.com/user/kikopup/videos?view=0

The concept of this training technique is getting the dog to WANT to do you what you the dog to do! Emily Larlham / kikopup features many training tutorials including tips and frequently asked questions. So if you have a question, there's a very high chance the answer is already posted somewhere else in her channel. There can be a multiple videos about one trick so watch out for those. Larlham is always adding more and more content and getting down to better organizing the information.

As far as how obedient basenjis can be. Here are some examples I found you can judge yourself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUDPsUKLbtk&list=PL4DD6FA6A43484234&index=5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bptDteozRbk&list=PL4DD6FA6A43484234&index=8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlMdQ3gklnc&list=PL4DD6FA6A43484234&index=16
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwh0b7PLFQs
…I've also seen a video with impressive basenji obedience knowing a lot of vocabulary that is unlike any other that i've seen, but they took down the video

[AnubisTheBarklessDog]

@soulmate:

Do you know Clicker-Training? This is how you can get your dog "thinking". They learn to try variations and see what you like. This is how you could get your basenjis to think it's his/her idea to do things….

http://www.basenji-life.dk/Video_Dogdancing.htm

The link doesn't work for me! My girl does heelwork to music, I'd love to see yours! She was also taught through clicker training; Basenjis seem to respond exceptionally well to it.

[kjdonkers]

They learn quickly and know exactly what you mean by your commands, but that doesn't mean you get what you want every time. Patience is key, and our 2 sisters surprise us every day - in how good AND bad they can be. Just this morning, at the end of our off leash walk in the forest, I unhooked a leash before calling them, and they came immediately and sat patiently in front of me, even before being called. Tasty treats help!

We love them on the couch with us! We use a lot of fleece blankets for cover. Works fine for everyone.

As to biting, correct her when she bites you, but notice the difference in play-bite (easily diverted to chews and toys) and I-am-now-testing-this-human-to-see-if-he's-fit-to-be-my-packleader-or-that-I-should-take-over. The second form of biting is more serious, and should be corrected immediately. As soon as she gets the message, i.e. you ARE the pack leader, it will stop.

[Barklessdog]

Our first basenji learned all the commands, sit, sit stay, heel etc, but chose to ignore all of them unless treats were involved. then he taught me to get up, walk me, i need a time out etc.

[DebraDownSouth]

Okay didn't want to make a THREAD, but where is ivoss? I looked and no posts since January.

[Chealsie508]

I thought that too, along with Kipawa…hmmm

Maybe they were trying to avoid puppy season..lol

[DebraDownSouth]

ROFLMAO, puppy season… oh the unfulfilled yearnings!

[Shaye's Mom]

As everyone here has said, it's possible to expect your basenji to e "reasonably trained" - but, that doesn't mean he/she is going to do it every time, and they are very easily bored. As someone has as a tag line, "A Basenji does not obey to orders, it may listen to proposals." The operative word here being "may." Success ten times in a row is no assurance regarding the 11th time. Still, they are worth it. As to the furniture, etc., we finally decided to make a choice: a pristine household or basenjis. Guess what we choose. …....

[Barklessdog]

Same goes for having a nice garden, or not.

[DebraDownSouth]

Y'a know, just a random thought.
I love Rotties, chows and basenjis.

ANCIENT breeds – chows and basenji in the oldest group.
New breed::: Rottweilers.

You can teach a freaking Rottweiler to do ANYTHING, consistently. They live to please.

Chows and basenjis-- yeah right.

I remember about 15 yrs ago going first to the American Rottie front page online... article on how to get your dog to do a flip and finish etc.

I go to the Chow page. I am not joking.. main article... How to Teach Your Chow to Come.

I laughed a long long long time at the truthfulness of it all. I once knew a lady here in GA that got OBEDIENCE AND AGILITY titles on her dogs. I one day got to meet here when I picked up a rescue to transport and so I asked her HOW. She said, you have to do it young because between 18 mos and 2 yrs, they stopped performing for you.

So, at least we aren't alone.

Chow Rules

[tanza]

@DebraDownSouth:

Okay didn't want to make a THREAD, but where is ivoss? I looked and no posts since January.

Ivoss is awaiting the birth of their first child!….. so busy with that, baby's room, Basenjis, and teaching school. But all is well with the Voss household

[Chealsie508]

Whoo hoo, congrats to her..I had no idea

[krunzer]

I think Chow Rules are spot on with Basenji rules!

[DebraDownSouth]

OH MY GOODNESS! Please please give her my congrats! LOL we should throw her a basenji board virtual shower.