Thank you, fellow Basenji lovers. I've been on the path you recommended for months. I'm making a little progress, but it is so slow.
Lastnight, at bedtime, Bailey decided she needed to clean me up! I let her lick my hands and arms, then I kissed her gently on the eyes, nose, forehead, and ears…she melted into my arms like a little baby. Bailey breaks my heart because she is so maladjusted, and I believe developmentally lacking.
I'll get back to you with info about her breeder after the vet visit on Friday.
Bailey's face is peculiar - very slanted eyes and a large forehead. She isn't what you'd call a pretty Basenji. When I adopted Bailey from rescue, I immediately noticed her strange features.
It is very possible that she had/has birth defects…. it happens...
Vicki, I am so sorry to hear about Bailey. What does your gut tell you? Do you feel as if the vet got it wrong, or do you see what Mary was explaining as very accurate. You know Bailey much better than me, so I can not tell nor judge one way or another. I understand exactly what you explained and can see that to probably be very true. I can see it being a long road back. Please know that I wish I had an answer, but I don't..hopefully some of the "old timers" will chime in with ideas/points and then you might know more of how to handle this. Were did you get Bailey?
I don't have much to offer but since you are asking for any input…
We got our Ella from a breeder at just over 6 months (she is about 15 months now) and we found out later that she had pretty much ZERO socialization with humans other than the breeder herself during that time. She spent almost all her time in a fenced yard with a bunch of other dogs. (And the breeder defended this behavior, but that is another story). She did continue to live with her parents and one sibling. As a result, she is pretty good around other dogs, but exhibits some of the troublesome behavior that you mentioned around humans.
I sometimes sense that Ella is just not as happy as she could be. She definitely seemed "lost" for many months when we got her as far as figuring out what to do and what was expected of her. Much slower than most other dogs. She would shiver and shake with nervousness often. Sometimes I also thought she might not be quite right in the head. I don't think that as much anymore. Although she eventually did bond pretty well to us she is skittish around most other people. She will cuddle next to us (nap time and sleep time are the best) but she is just as likely to get herself comfortable by herself in another part of the room. She was not food motivated at all when we got her and still only moderately food motivated.
Regarding food, we found that adding a little water and heating up the food did make a big difference. Also, we changed her food from what the breeder was giving her and she has been much more excited about the new food that we switched to months ago. Also, we only feed her AFTER walks. She is more excited about food after a walk. I forget what her old food was but it was not very high quality. We switched to Innova Evo. She likes the chicken and the beef.
It took us months before we could even begin any obedience training but now she is really coming along learning commands. While these commands are very useful in themselves, I think it stimulates the dogs brain, builds the connection between you and the dog and establishes your leadership. A good trainer in 2 sessions gave us the guidance we needed to get Ella learning 6 or 8 new commands. It might be worth a try. Made me realize Ella was smarter than I gave her credit. Ella is a huge chewer and loves her chew toys, which we have plenty. She gets a very happy and contented expression on her face when she is chewing so we let her.
We have no other pets or children, so it is possible that Ella landed in the best situation possible with us.
You seem committed to making it work. The one thing that has kept me going with Ella is that while she has a long way to go in a lot of ways, she seems to be making progress as opposed to getting worse. That being said, she can back-slide and has on several occasions. She is independent, sometimes aloof, sometimes demanding, always exasperating. Somehow, I have accepted that this is the Basenji way.
Good luck.
It is very difficult for any dog when it has missed this critical socialization period. The longer they went without interaction and socialization the more difficult it can be to work with them. I have seen truly amazing turn arounds with dogs using click training and positive reinforcement. I have volunteered at the shelter and have worked with dogs that are non-affliative but it is a long process. Since you are pretty much hand feeding right now anyway, I would see if she likes the Natural Balance roll which is a complete food. If she does then buy a large roll, cut it up into small pieces and put it in a tupperware container in the fridge then get a bait bag or apron or treat can and put her daily allotment of food into it and then click and treat every affliative behavior she offers through the day. If she follows into the next room, click and treat, if she sniffs your hand click and treat, anytime she chooses to be near you and the other dogs reward. If she sits down or curls up next to you give her a jackpot of treats. Once she "gets" that being around you and the other dogs is a good thing then move on to other behaviors. The process of training really helps to teach these dogs a means of communication and builds confidence which is often lacking in these dogs.
Vicki, The old saying I wish I had the words of wisdom. I just read Ivoss post and I must say I like the click and treat that sounds wonderful. I know you will give it your all and Bailey is in the best care and hands with great home and that really will make a difference. Knowing that there is good health was one good word for the day.
I wish you best and keep us posted please anything I can do let me know. Take care all of you.
Rita Jean
Vicki, I think we often forget that in the gene pool there are naturally smart dogs and on the opposite side, dogs of lesser intelligence. Some times these traits are innate, some times physiological.
I hate to make the human analogy, but for lack of a better example, can I say that our dogs (or any dog for that matter) could have experienced an in utero birth defect that may effect the learning curve; much like you see in Autism or Aspergers syndrome.
I am in no way saying that training and socialization can't help, nor that a diagnosis should be used as an excuse. I guess I'm just suggesting that some of our pets could use alternative training methods more geared to their personal/household needs
Yes, you are fighting an up hill battle with a pup that was never properly socialized… and sad to say... some will never come around.. every time there is a mill bust and puppymills dogs/bitches are place either in forever homes or with fosters... it is a total challenge to socialize them... some are of the "opinion" whatever and go with the flow... others never trust what is happening... and some can take years....
IMO... if you could find the right home that she was "number 1", I think I would jump at it... she would be the center of attention... and just may come out of her shell... regardless of what you decide... she is still in a super place as compared to where she came from....
I think you are certainly doing all you can for Bailey… and kudos for doing so.... we are all pulling for you...
Vicki,
Bless you for having such a huge heart. I will keep Bailey and you in my thoughts and hope things work out. I know you will do anything for her and that is great, but sometimes the best you can do is to let somebody go..I know you will do what is best for Bailey and yourself as the packleader. PLease keep us updated.
It sounds like thyroid to me as well. We have a rescue here, while most of her thyroid work is good, there is one thing that is a bit off. Not enough to seem to make a difference, but, we have put her on meds recently, just to see if it will make a difference. She is also moody. So, you never know about thyroid.
As for the affection part, keep up what you are doing. While, I believe, yes, that her critical period was missed, I still believe that with hard work, she will start to notice you. There was a dog a while back, a basenji from rescue, that was totally ignoring the owner as well. Would rather be off chasing butterflies in the back corner. She started working on the dog, one on one, and the dog slowly came around somewhat. I'm not saying she will ever be a 'normal' dog, but she may, with a lot of work, come around somewhat.
Good luck on her.
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Ahhhh, progress!
The clicker with several dogs, I know what a mess. I usually separate the one dog I am working on, either to a different room or outside..so they can work one on one, more concentration, less strugglingto get teh treat before anybody else does.
Sounds like she will do really well on it, good news indeed.
I even taught Otis to give me kisses on demand with the clicker, so anything is possible, they are so treat/food motivated..which in the instance is a great thing.
Good luck, keep it fun and keep us updated.
What do y'all think about this: Recently, I discussed Bailey with the rescue coordinator who fostered Bailey. I find it interesting that people think that a dog's quirks deserve physical punishment rather than behavior modification. I was told that Bailey was head-strong and she needed a firm hand - yes, she is head-strong, but she is also very confused. Rolled up newspapers, a fly swatter, or physical punishment isn't the answer with an anti-social dog!!
I have unfortunately heard/seen this response all too frequently from people and have seen the damage it causes. In most of these situations, the dog does not know what is wanted. It can not change its behavior to something more suitable if it has no clue what it should do. Physically punishing it only exacerbates the situation because though it may learn that doing that will cause punishment it doesn't know what it should be doing and often the alternative behaviors the dogs tries also cause punishment leading to a more and more confused dog who distances itself further and further from humans.
As for the clicker training, I am glad you are making progress. You may want to work with Bailey on name response so instead of clicking to get her attention when she is behaving inappropriately you can redirect by getting her attention with her name then clicking the positive behavior. To teach name response say her name and as soon as she starts to turn toward you, click and treat. As soon as she starts to move away from you, say her name and as soon as she starts to turn toward you click and treat. Keep repeating. It doesn't take too long for most basenjis to just start staring at you waiting for you to say their name, you can then use that as a starting point for "look at me" or "attention". I just start clicking for a longer and longer period of looking at me. 1 click/treat, 1, 2 click/treat, 1, 2, 3 click/treat etc.
I love the clicker and the response you get from the dogs when they "get" the game and learn that they have the power to make you click. It just does wonders for bringing them out of their shells and also for getting them to use that brain which I love because it means a tired dog after a training session.
Congratulations on your progress with Bailey.:) I am of the school of thought that thinks our dogs can learn from one another as well as from us. I'm glad to hear your pack is helping in the training and socialization. There will come a time when you will want to work with Bailey alone, but in the mean time Bailey sees the others sit and wait patiently for a treat or "good dog"scratch or a hug and kiss, and realizes she may also have to wait for her turn…delayed gratification (as you know from working with Sp. ed. kids) is a huge milestone.
I'm wishing for you the best with Bailey and your pack.:D Please keep us posted.
Dawn
Vicki I am so sorrry you got hurt I wish I was closer to your home. You are the only one that can answer as what to do. Bailey is yours and you have to make that choice.
Old words I grew up on from my grandfather is this a choice you can live with. Whats done is done.
You cannot keep getting hurt and the dogs cannot keep fighting. My question are you really sure there is not a home for her a home with no other animals were she would get all there time and love?
I wish you luck in your choice.
Rita Jean
Oh Vicki, I wish I had the magic answer, but I don't.
I understand what you vet is saying by suggesting to have her put down. I don't wish that option on anyone, as it is so very hard, but no one will blame you, or judge you if you find that your only option..
Sometimes the kindest thing you can do is let them go….
Vicki my heart goes out to you have a nice evening and rest.
Rita Jean
Good for you Vicki your letting your heart lead you.
I know you can and will make Bailey a super great Basenji. You know she loves you so much she just wants to be near you. You saved her and I think she just wants to be yours all the time.
They must know when they have done wrong but Bailey must be able to smell your leg and know it is hurt. Better days ahead so happy for you all.
Let us know how things keep going my best wishes.
Rita Jean
