Benny's Hyperactivity

[Benny]

We've had Benny since March, he is 11 months old now. Since we've gotten Benny neutered (3 weeks ago) he has stopped humping (great) but his hyperactivity has increased 10x the amount it used to be. He was generally a sweetheart 90% of the time, and a little devil when he got home from his night walk for an hour or so. Now, it seems when he's not sleeping, he's looking to get into trouble some how. He doesn't bite to hurt, but he does it to play. He's more explorative, he pulls everything off of every counter, desk, table and toilet he can reach.

He used to just chew his stuffed animals, now he's ate the plasma TV remote.

He doesn't respond to "No", he never has, but it hasn't been a big deal until now. It seems when we are firm with him and yell, he gets even more hyper.

Any tips?

Also, he's always been an ankle biter when people move fast around him, he'll go after their ankles playfully, but it hurts. Does anyone know how to stop this?

One more thing, we take him for 2-3 15 minute walks/day. Any time a car drives by, he trys to run after it, anyone know any tips to get him to stop?

[lvoss]

Have you taken him to a training class? It really sounds like he needs to mental exercise to help wear him out. What sort of toys does he have?

When he starts to go cruising for trouble do you redirect him with an appropriate activity like a frozen stuffed Kong that will keep him occupied for awhile?

If you don't have something like a Kong how about taking the empty toilet paper rolls and stuffing some biscuits in them and them folding the ends over so it is some work for him to get the treats out. Once he has mastered that you can hide the toilet paper roll in an empty kleenex box or something to make it more challenging to get the treat.

[Benny]

My girlfriend and I work separate shifts and never made time to take him to training classes. I think we're going to have to make some time.

I've never heard of a Kong toy, but I just looked one up, that seems like a great idea. What type of foods do you put in them?

[tanza]

There are also toys you can get that you put kibble in and they have to roll it around the floor to get it out….

[mauigirl]

Some things you can freeze in a kong:

kibble, canned pumpkin, canned dog food, yogurt, pieces of boiled chicken…..
try to make it chunky.

[agilebasenji]

yes, what tanza said - buster cube is one name-brand. i feed my young dogs with this sort of thing.

Kong - try a kibble/cream cheese blend and freeze it over night - yummy, yummy!

Also, look into clicker training. doesn't matter what you train him to do (beyond basics), you really want to engage his little brain. there are lots of websites/youtubes out there on clicker training. i like these webs:

http://www.shirleychong.com/
(check out that loose lead walking!)
http://www.clickertraining.com/
http://www.clickandtreat.com/Clicker_Training/GG/gg.htm

Also he may not be getting enough exercise (and it only gets harder when it gets colder). I've been known to use a long line (not flexi) to let my dog run more.

[sharronhurlbut]

It would help you and him if you can get him to a gentle obedience class.
It will help you learn how to work with him, and him to realize you are the boss.
Its always a time hassle, but you will find it so worth it.
Also, if you can find a lure coursing group, you will have one tired basenji….

[lvoss]

Another Kong recipe:
Equal portions of kibble and canned pumpkin
1-2 spoonfuls of canned dog food
Mix together in mixing bowl.
Stuff into Kong then freeze.

I usually stuff a bunch all at once that way I have them in the freezer when I need one.

[tanza]

Thanks… totally forgot the name... "Buster Cube"....gggg

[Benny]

Thanks for all of the tips. Is this what you're talking about?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Buster-Cube-Dog-Toy-Treat-Food-Feeder-Puzzle-Large-NEW_W0QQitemZ120333124124QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item120333124124&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

[agilebasenji]

yes, i actually one of these:
http://www.pet-dog-cat-supply-store.com/shop/index.php?page=shop-flypage-25203#longdesc

I like it better b/c it is quieter. the buster cube is hard platic and noisy. this one is made of soft rubber and a little easier for the dog to manipulate since it is round. however, i don't think it is quite as durable. i had a buster cube, but ended up throwing it away because (after years of use) there was some mold at the bottom and i tried everything to clean it to no avail. i would say i probably did get my $ worth out of the buster cube.

[agilebasenji]

i should add i did not like this one:

http://www.alphadogtoys.com/twist_treat_rubber_dog_chew_toys.html

after a few runs through the dishwasher (top rack) i cannot screw it down enough for the treats to dispense. the just spill out. i tried to lubricate the screw part, but that made it worse. ick.

[Nemo]

@agilebasenji:

i should add i did not like this one:

http://www.alphadogtoys.com/twist_treat_rubber_dog_chew_toys.html

after a few runs through the dishwasher (top rack) i cannot screw it down enough for the treats to dispense. the just spill out. i tried to lubricate the screw part, but that made it worse. ick.

This one isn't my favorite either but I have treated it more like a Kong and put peanut butter or other "paste-like" concoctions into it.

[Janneke]

@Benny:

Now, it seems when he's not sleeping, he's looking to get into trouble some how. He doesn't bite to hurt, but he does it to play. He's more explorative, he pulls everything off of every counter, desk, table and toilet he can reach.

This sounds like he could be my 11 month old pup :rolleyes:
I think you have to make sure he's really tired.. I walked Tillo for an hour this morning (in the rain..) I try to do some tricks with him and let him meet some other dogs. When we're back at home, he's satisfied. No need to bite for attention.. Just time to relax. I give him something to chew on and after that he sleeps. (or stares out of the window.. he's doing that right now :))

@Benny:

He doesn't respond to "No", he never has, but it hasn't been a big deal until now. It seems when we are firm with him and yell, he gets even more hyper.

Any tips?

Try a waterbottle.. We have done that for a couple of weeks.. and now I only have to whisper 'no' and he takes off..

@Benny:

Also, he's always been an ankle biter when people move fast around him, he'll go after their ankles playfully, but it hurts. Does anyone know how to stop this?

A waterbottle could help here as well. You could also try to make people stop walking and ignore him. If he stops, praise him.

@Benny:

One more thing, we take him for 2-3 15 minute walks/day. Any time a car drives by, he trys to run after it, anyone know any tips to get him to stop?

I would really try to upgrade the lengths of the walks.. And the obedience isn't a bad idea either. When you're outside and he tries to chase a car, stop walking and wait for the dog to look/come to you.. (most of the time they will.. because they wonder why you stopped..). Again praise for the good behaviour. (he's walked on leash right?)

[Benny]

@lvoss:

Another Kong recipe:
Equal portions of kibble and canned pumpkin
1-2 spoonfuls of canned dog food
Mix together in mixing bowl.
Stuff into Kong then freeze.

I usually stuff a bunch all at once that way I have them in the freezer when I need one.

Thanks for the recipe. What size kong do you have? We bought the kong for powerful chewers 15-35lbs. He messed with it a little bit, but it seems like it's too tough for him.

[Benny]

@Janneke:

This sounds like he could be my 11 month old pup :rolleyes:
I think you have to make sure he's really tired.. I walked Tillo for an hour this morning (in the rain..) I try to do some tricks with him and let him meet some other dogs. When we're back at home, he's satisfied. No need to bite for attention.. Just time to relax. I give him something to chew on and after that he sleeps. (or stares out of the window.. he's doing that right now :))

Try a waterbottle.. We have done that for a couple of weeks.. and now I only have to whisper 'no' and he takes off..

A waterbottle could help here as well. You could also try to make people stop walking and ignore him. If he stops, praise him.

I would really try to upgrade the lengths of the walks.. And the obedience isn't a bad idea either. When you're outside and he tries to chase a car, stop walking and wait for the dog to look/come to you.. (most of the time they will.. because they wonder why you stopped..). Again praise for the good behaviour. (he's walked on leash right?)

Thanks for the tips… yes, he is walked on a leash. We'll give those a try, I hope they work. He hates water, so it should teach him what no means.

[Benny]

@agilebasenji:

yes, i actually one of these:
http://www.pet-dog-cat-supply-store.com/shop/index.php?page=shop-flypage-25203#longdesc

I like it better b/c it is quieter. the buster cube is hard platic and noisy. this one is made of soft rubber and a little easier for the dog to manipulate since it is round. however, i don't think it is quite as durable. i had a buster cube, but ended up throwing it away because (after years of use) there was some mold at the bottom and i tried everything to clean it to no avail. i would say i probably did get my $ worth out of the buster cube.

Did you buy the small or medium amaze-a-ball?

[youngandtired]

I have put kibble in a empty clean 16oz. soda bottle. Leave the cap off and your furbaby will try to get the kibble out, Sahara loves to play with these, and they are cheap.

[agilebasenji]

i have the large one, but the other breed in the house is a belgian malinois and i think it was really our first malinois's toy. i know the one i have can hold over a cup of kibble in it. that would be a bit much for a basenji, so you may want to get the medium size. i don't think the basenji can carry mine off (malinois can), but she can sure get the kibble out!

[Schouiffy]

my personal 2 cents, is that he is not being walked enough. I second everyone else's ideas for toys - but my mind jumped to the walking. That's not even an hour outside, I know my little girl, if she doesn't get a solid 3 hours of walk time (if not more) through out the day, she is a nightmare. Now, all Basenjis are different, and all owners have different ways to burn off that extra energy (although much of us can contribute that to a second B, hehe) but I know for Lycia, 90% of the time she has too much energy or is just being obnoxious is when she needs a walk. Do you have a dog park close by where he can really RUN? Can he work out with you? Do you have a friend who has a dog that you could trade walk times with - so he had a buddy to burn off "all that extra fun" he has pent up? Ppl are normally very open to having their dog have a playbuddy, it's mutually beneficial - you could even do a advert of Craigslist for one if you didn't have a doggie friend.

Anyway - good luck!