We actually got out Gish's crate (the older female) to try to prevent accidental encounters…she's not that happy about it, but I'm trying to do my best here! I'm also not happy about the damage she is doing to the woodwork at the gate at the top of the stairs. It is good to hear that there are people out there like me who are struggling just to keep all of their animals. Most people think I'm nuts!
Most people think I'm nuts!
I've said it once, and I'll say it again: We're all at least one fry short a happy meal for being so dedicated to these miscreants. But, non-basenji owners will never understand what it's like to have a dog that can communicate the myriad of feelings that a basenji can, or experience the happiness that their little wagging curly tail can transfer. They are a dog like no other, and until you own one, you just won't get it.
I seriously doubt that medication would help…. sounds exactly like the younger bitch is trying to "up" her place in the house. I have had that also, my one bitch at 5 months decided that my oldest bitch was the one to challenge and the older she got the worse it was. Believe me the best for all is to place one of them and like the others it should be the youngest to go... that is what I did, the oldest was there first.... And I did find a great home where all are happy.....
As others have said especially with children in the house accidents can happen and someone will get seriously hurt....
Thank you again for all of your input…it looks as if maybe Allie (the little girl) may have to go. I would miss her so much and would only want to place her with a basenji friendly good family. She is like my baby...she follows me around like I am her mother. I am willing to try to work it out here, but again like everyone has said accidents can happen, although my daughter (she's 5) knows to get away if there is any kind of scuffle. She is very aware of the situation. Right now it's actually kind of easy w/ her, b/c I always know where she is (my daughter, I mean).
You really might look into having a behaviorist look at the situation. It is almost impossible to get an accurate picture over the internet. But behavior modification will take a lot of commitment, and work, and still may not work…but you sound like you are willing to go a long, long way to try to make it work. It might be something to think about.
Can you recommend anyone? Thanks!!!
Stacie, can you send me a private message with what general area in PA you live in? I will try to locate someone.
I live in Northeast Pa. near Wilkes-Barre/Hazleton, close to the Pocono's. Thanks so much! I definitely think the person that we would work with would have to be basenji friendly!
there should not be any medication for this behavior. I have only heard of mommy daughter females being successful together.
please let me forwarn you. a basenji fight is not something you want to see. if something happens, water is a good way to break up a commotion.
your older female is just being alpha, it is who she is. your younger girl is doing the same thing.
from what i have seen you can have many males together with one female and avoid problems.
I would suggest talking with Brat and placing her in a home that wants and knows the breed. please do not feel guilty for making a smart decision about something instead of waiting for something bad to happen first. take the time to place your young girl in loving hands.
you could soften the change with a male puppy….
I honestly have never heard of two non related females jiving at all. lots of people like to adopt basenjis after the puppy stage.....
keep us posted on your thoughts. what ever you decide sounds like it will be difficult.
Thank you for your advice. Yes, this will be a very difficult decision. If any one out there knows of any one looking for a basenji, please let me know! I only want what is best for everyone. I have also e-mailed BRAT to see which girl would place best. I think the younger one would place easier, but maybe there is a retired couple out there looking for a calm girl to snuggle with and take for walks. Lord knows, our younger girl is anything but calm! She and my daughter have equal amounts of energy! Thanks again.
Hi Stace…we have our own issues that we're working on but I came across this person Pia Silvani from St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, Madison, New Jersey.
This may be a bit of trip for you but she came highly recommended by Patrica Mcconnell the author of "The Other End of the Leash" GREAT BOOK by the way!!
Hope it helps & good luck with your girls 
Hi everyone,
Just a little update on our girls. We still have everyone here…we have been using muzzles for the girls when we are all outside together. (Never unsupervised!) They are doing great! They realize that they can't hurt each other and for the most part get along! They still try to get off the muzzles, but every day, it's less. They are giving up on that. We only use the muzzles a little each day, and for the most part still keep them separate. It's easy when it's nice, b/c someone is always outside during the day when I am home. Thanks to everyone for their support! Stacie
that's good news stacie. keep it up!
Good luck to you and hope this continues to work out. I know how hard it must be for you to even think about getting rid of one of your babies and I sympathize with you. Look forward to more updates and hope for a happy ending.
I do think it would also be a good idea to seek some professional help for the dogs, like other members have mentioned, a behaviorits so you can get some input on the situation. Long term training is definetly key and will help you in the long run.
That's great! What a great job you're doing "managing" the situation. I think it's the best you can do & we all have to find ways to manage these little furballs & their crazy quirks
that is great news!!
