Tika Lynn, the monster
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My first basenji could be let off the leash while I did garden work in front but not on walks - but it wasn't until he was 7-8 yrs old before he could be trusted to do that! I would never ever let my current one off as her hunting instinct is very high and very well developed.
I agree with the comments about the muzzle grabbing and instead use bitter apple spray as soon as she begins to move towards your ankles - even if she's only playing its not a good thing. It may be the muzzle grabbing is reinforcing her view that you are lower in the pack as well; she's maybe tell you to get out of her way.
It also sounds as if she needs more mental stimulation - for whatever reason this is showing up more now than before. If I'm not paying enough attention to mine, she'll go into the bathroom and grab the tissue box and rip up tissue all over the hallway until I either play with her or feed her. Toys that have space for kibble or treats work great - although I've found I had to go through a bunch of different kinds before I found the ones that are of interest to my dog. I also will hide kibble and treats in different places in the house before I leave for work (in her toy box or under her bed covers etc.). -
I do hide little treats on occasion throughout the house, but I guess I can do it more consistently. I will try to get some of the Bitter Apple Spray today. That sounds like it may be a good solution. It's not harmful to them, is it? (Tika has grabbed the tissue box before as well. That was fun, picking up tissue all over the house and yard, haha) I do agree she seems to need more mental stimulation. She is SO smart and it is apparent. Sometimes I feel like she does things, just to prove to me she can, and we cannot stop her. It is a little game to her, and we cannot help but laugh.
How did you work up to being able to walk off leash? I have definitely noticed she mimics other dogs A LOT. So, when she is with my sister's labs, she will come when they come. It seems like the solution may be working with her, with them around? The labs listen really well, and Tika has already learned a lot of games from them. When she is playing with them, there is nothing in the world that would make her run off. Maybe my solution is to get another dog??
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Did you get your Basenji from Kathy Britton?
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Pat, that was going to be MY question. laugh
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TikaLynn
Don't feel bad about grabbing her muzzle - you didn't know and now won't do it again. That's the wonderful thing about this forum - there is so much good advice from experienced basenji people. -
No, not from Kathy Britton. Tika has not really been responding to the yelp and ignore method, but, it is kind of funny. The day I saw on here to try that method, and maybe get bitter apple spray, I went out and bought the spray, and was all prepared to yelp and ignore. Believe it or not, Tika went DAYS without nipping at me or anybody. That has NEVER happened. haha She must have known! The first time she nipped at me, I yellwed, "Ouch, and turned my back, so she jumped up at my back (I was sitting) and bit at my back. I got out the bitter apple, started to spray it, and before I even got any on my arm or anything, she was gone. I will keep trying the yelping method, and see if it works. I think more than anything the warmer weather is beginning to help, because I think she plays harder when she is outside now, and she sun bathes when not playing, and the sun drains anybody's energy!
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Who did you get your girl from?
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I am not sure I feel comfortable posting the name of the individual I got my Basenji from on here, simply because without permission, I would never want to post anybody else's name or information online. I am not trying to be evasive, as I have no reason to be - the individual is reputable, and was truly a pleasure to work with. I just really do not think I should mention any names without permission.
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Whatever you are comfortable with, many of us have related Basenjis, so just wondering if yours is related to anyone here….. If they are a responsible breeders they most likely are on the BCOA website as breeder referrals or if members of a regional club on those website also.
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I looked on the BCOA website, but do not see them on there. I am sure quite a few people on this forum know them, though. I actually contacted somebody with BRAT initially to look into getting a tri, and my process went through a few different breeders before finding the ones out of Oregon. After many phone conversations, exchanged emails, and pictures, we met her halfway, because she, nor my husband and I, agreed to "shipping" the dog. We have all kept a close relationship, and I know she keeps in very close contact with other Basenji breeders, and is very involved with dog shows. Tika comes from a long line of champions - but the only showing she does is her own prancing around at the dog parks!
