Independent Breeds (like Basenjis)

Betsy Polglase, Massachusetts

Basenjis belong under the classification of Independent breeds of dog, and, accordingly, pleasing you is not on the top of their list. This is not a fault of your particular dog; this type of breed is simply made that way.

Independent breeds of dog "work for a paycheck," in other words, you need to make it worth their while to do what you want them to do-or else make is so Uninteresting that they don't care to do it.

With a Basenji, your choices are:

1. Make it worth their while to do what you want. (Treats, bribery, creative trickery)
2. Make it uninteresting. (Bitter Apple, Chew Stop, etc.)
3. Physically prevent them from doing something. (Put them in a crate, behind a gate or outside)

For example-"Counter-surfing:" I'd keep things far back from the edge so there is nothing interesting for them to grab on the counter.

To "make it worth their while," use treats or bribery of any sort. Happy talk, praise and petting all are good ways of encouraging them to do what you want them to do.

If you don't want them to do something that they KNOW they REALLY want to do, they can be very sneaky about finding ways of doing it when your back is turned. Avoidance techniques work better here-remove whatever they are trying to reach or make it uninteresting or bad-tasting.

Copyright © 2001 by Betsy Polglase
All rights reserved.

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