Skip to content
Basenji Forums
  1. Home
  2. Behavioral Issues
  3. Neutering to reduce anxiety?

Neutering to reduce anxiety?

Behavioral Issues
  • P

    Kananga - when I leave my dogs alone in the house I use a CD on repeat. The CD is called 'Relaxation Music for your Dog'. It is very effective in keeping them calm. I think I got it from Crosskeys. The producers are Omnibus Media and their web address is www.musicsales.com I can also endorse the Dap which I have found effective in calming my dogs when necessary.

    0
  • KanangaK

    @Patty:

    Kananga - when I leave my dogs alone in the house I use a CD on repeat. The CD is called 'Relaxation Music for your Dog'. It is very effective in keeping them calm. I think I got it from Crosskeys. The producers are Omnibus Media and their web address is www.musicsales.com I can also endorse the Dap which I have found effective in calming my dogs when necessary.

    Interesting. You know the long drive back I had when I initially picked him up (2 hour drive home) I had classical music playing which really put him into a deep sleep on the car ride. Ever since he's always calm around that same music.

    I should give that a try. :D

    0
  • KanangaK

    Day 1 was an interesting test. I did not expect any results for at least a few weeks.

    I came home, nothing was moved, he had a big smile on his face, and he was extremely mellow when I was taking him outside. Normally he seems a bit distracted outside, but today he was just easy going. Actually got a bit vocal with me outside (few roos) which I have never had him do on a short walk.

    We'll see how the next few weeks go. :D

    0
  • KanangaK

    Proof of the big smile (he only does this when he's had a long walk, so it's the first I've seen with no walk):

    It's strange, he is acting differently. But in a good way. :D

    0
  • QuercusQ

    @Kananga:

    Day 1 was an interesting test. I did not expect any results for at least a few weeks.

    I came home, nothing was moved, he had a big smile on his face, and he was extremely mellow when I was taking him outside. Normally he seems a bit distracted outside, but today he was just easy going. Actually got a bit vocal with me outside (few roos) which I have never had him do on a short walk.

    We'll see how the next few weeks go. :D

    Day one of what? The DAP?

    Andrea Walters

    Quercus Basenjis

    NW Ohio

    0
  • KanangaK

    @Quercus:

    Day one of what? The DAP?

    Yep. It's been on for about 24 hours now.

    0
  • BasenjimammaB

    wow, that Dap is something else. I will keep my fingers crossed that it keeps up.

    Petra

    Petra and Pippin

    with Otis in my heart…

    0
  • agilebasenjiA

    D'uh, music, of course. don't know why i didn't think of that. i've taught several control unleashed class and night one i recommend several cu compatable things, one of which is:

    http://www.throughadogsear.com/

    I have the book/cd combo and i assure my students that the cute basenjis on the cover had nothing (well, almost nothing) to do with me checking the book out from the library, which I later bought.

    0
  • P

    Kananga - glad that the DAP seems to be working. If you do decide to go with the CD.
    I checked and they are still available on crosskeysbooks.com - click Dogs-Dog Therapy CD page.

    0
  • YodelDogsY

    While I agree with the reasons others have mentioned in favor of neutering, I am not convinced your dog's anxiety is hormone related. Personally I think continued use of the DAP along with some serious exercise to get rid of some of his tension would be the best route to take at this point. Another thing is to never make coming home or leaving home a big deal. I don't know how you handle either but many people make the mistake of "working the dog up" with a rousing goodbye or hello and this builds excitement or anxiety in a dog. If you are calm and give off good vibes the dog should pick up on this and it may help calm them also.

    Robyn Dubbert

    Sherwood Basenjis

    One thing that I have learned in life is to accept that things are not all black or all white. Life is shades of gray and just because someone sees a different shade of gray than you do, it doesn't mean their shade is right or wrong, its just different. ~ Robyn Dubbert

    0
  • tanzaT

    Good thoughts Robyn… and that is true... the less you make out of coming and/or going the more they will think it is not a big deal... Mine rarely would get out of bed in the morning when I left for work..gggg and if they did, they would then go beg Dad to put them back under the covers....

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

    0
  • KanangaK

    I'm pretty good about leaving. I simply walk out the door without saying anything. This morning I noticed he didn't even run to follow me out. Normally he was running to stop me, today that changed. I never heard him run after me.

    Coming home he's always fairly calm. I do tend to give him attention when I get home but its nothing over the top. He'll simply walk over to me and wait for me to pet him. Doesn't jump or show any hyperactivity.

    Perhaps I'll work on the coming home part. He does get plenty of exercise. He gets minimum about 45 mins worth of walking time on a daily basis. On top of that he'll get a 30-60mins walk at least a few times per week. He sleeps well and maintains a good weight.

    Oddly enough his stools appeared firmer today. I find it hard to believe the DAP is already taking effect within 48 hours. I expected a few weeks before any results.

    0
  • KanangaK

    I know its only day 2, but he is improving very well. (i'll wait another week and give you guys an update)

    I figured I should note this on the 2nd day though…

    His stools are increasingly firmer, his dander has reduced immensely to almost none now, he is much more vocal outdoors now (previously very quiet), destructive habits are non-existent still on day 2, and he is generally more relaxed.

    I'm quite amazed at the progress only on 2 days now. It has been aprox. 48 hours since I originally plugged the diffuser in.

    I can only hope things continue like this. I much appreciate the recommendations on the DAP. :D

    0
  • KanangaK

    Well, it's been about a week now. Not a single piece of furniture has been chewed on. And I still have that small tear in my couch near the top that is easy access for him to pull out the stuffing (until I get it repaired and sealed). He has not attempted to unstuff that part.

    It seems the DAP diffuser is working. Can't think of any other reason why his behavior would discontinue.

    0

Suggested Topics

  • Y

    Anti-anxiety medication for separation anxiety. 14 month male B.

    Behavioral Issues
    20
    0 Votes
    20 Posts
    2k Views
    ZandeZ
    @tanza it can work if you can set up your home to work with the pup... But if you can't ? (or find it easier not to)
  • BethB

    Separation Anxiety

    Behavioral Issues
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    3k Views
    elbrantE
    @beth Try behavior training before you add another dog. This is going to take a bit of repitition over the better half of a morning, and a few days of follow up training -- but it works. Do whatever preperation you normally do to leave. Tell your dog that you will be "right back" (insert whatever command word/phrase you want to use). Then exit and lock your door. Walk around the corner of the building, then return. Praise your dog as you greet them. Wash, rinse, repeat, gradually increasing the amount of time you are gone. Start at a few moments, then trips to the store, etc. This reassures them that you will come back,. but you are actually teaching your pup the routine ques. It alerts the dog that you are preparing to leave (without them). Slightly different for when they get to go with you. Your dog will learn the difference ("Hey, if she picks up the leash, I get to go, too!"). I (personally) use bribes as a tell-tale. I give my pup a kong filled treat, or a frozen neck bone (her favorite) to chew on if she's staying at home. If I call her and pick up the leash, she's coming with. But she's ok, even on the rare occasion that I'm gone for 6 hours!
  • Buddys PalB

    Is it Separation Anxiety?

    Behavioral Issues
    3
    0 Votes
    3 Posts
    4k Views
    Shaye's MomS
    With a basenji it doesn't necessarily need to be separation anxiety. They do this stuff out of boredom too. Taking him for a long walk or doing something else to tire him out could help a lot…....a tired basenji is a good basenji. On saying that, our little one didn't get better about all this chewing, tearing, etc. until we got her a companion when she was 9 months old. Worked like a charm to have another dog in the house.
  • agilebasenjiA

    Anxiety wrap on sale

    Behavioral Issues
    1
    0 Votes
    1 Posts
    1k Views
    No one has replied
  • P

    Neutered male

    Behavioral Issues
    6
    0 Votes
    6 Posts
    3k Views
    YodelDogsY
    She is probably not picking up on his signals to go out. He knows better than to pee on the floor so he gets up on something elevated and then pees. Or it is possible he has a UTI or some other issue. It may hurt when he pees so he is trying new places to find somewhere it doesn't hurt. (A very common reason for cats who suddenly refuse to use the litter box but it can happen with dogs too.)
  • Anubis's MommyA

    SEVERE Separation Anxiety

    Behavioral Issues
    5
    0 Votes
    5 Posts
    3k Views
    C
    I will concur with Lisa. See a CAAB or a veterinary behaviorist so that your dog can be evaluated and possibly put on medication. SepAnx is simple to treat, but by no means easy. The sad fact is that many dog owners do not have the time or financial means to handle it because step one is to stop reinforcing his fear. That means that during treatment, the dog cannot be left alone. This means that when you go out, you'll need someone to stay with him. Please at least consult a good local trainer who can give you a training plan to get started on and who can evaluate whether or not drugs are warranted.