When you are dealing with something that an animal is afraid of, the best approach is to find his "comfort" distance from the thing that scares him. A busy street makes this a bit more difficult, as you have to find a way to give him that "distance". If you have a car, maybe transporting him to a less busy area might make a good start. Perhaps a side street, where he is comfortably away from busy traffic. You could then walk toward the busy street, pausing as soon as you see some sign of anxiety, and retracing your steps just little until he is in his "comfort zone" again. Gradually…...with the use of bribery and rewards......ask him to approach closer to the scary stuff. Liberally reward him for being there, then retreat. The idea is to not force, let him decide when he is ready. If he feels he can retreat at any time, he will have more confidence. This approach may take awhile, but is less likely to create a permanent aversion. (it works well with spooky horses).
Loyal Puppy
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I think all dogs tend to show preference for whoever is responsible for their primary care.
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All mine will listen to me before anyone else. I too, feed them and usually do everything with them.
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Jack's just weird then. I do all the real care for Jack and spend the most time with him (Geoff is in the NAvy so hes gone alot) but my Hubby seems to disapline a little more strict and harsh than me, and when i really get upset and i say NO to Jack or punish him, he doesnt care at all. but when my husband says no, Jack takes off, lol. I guess the dominate male (my DH) of the house is scary and the dominate female (me) is seen as a mom maybe…idk.
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The first thing I learned about Basenjis is that they are completely loyal to the one person that they consider master.
I find Basenji's are loyal to themselves. Ours like who ever has food or a warm blanket. I guess our male does tend to stay with me, because I do most the walks!
I really DO NOT see them as one person dogs in a family situation
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I agree with Barklessdog. Dash is the same way. He does tend to sit with me when I am on the couch more than Ernie. But in bed he MUST be in between us.
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Ok, so what about the whole male dogs like females best and female dogs like male owners best?
I found that my female basenji always chose to cuddle with my exhusband or current boyfriend before me every time. She seemed too look for affection from the men.
The boys i have, well they love attention from anywhere.
And, it has always been established that I am the alpha, so they all have always expected me to be the nurse, the disciplinarian, the trainer and the one that will always be there.
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All THREE of our dogs are quite plainly MY dogs.
It is plain they love the family. They love to cuddle with anyone, play with anyone, get excited if anyone comes home, etc. Keoki has to sit on dh's lap every night to sleep and snuggle. But if I leave the room and he's awake enough to realize it, he'll jump down to follow me.
BUT, They usually need to be in whatever room I am in. If we are outside walking and someone else has the leashes, the dogs have to keep stopping to make sure I am still w/them.
If I am in my bedroom with the door shut, all three will wait in the hall until I come out.My kids feed them, work w/training, etc. so I don't know why. Although I was told that it is because the dogs perceive ME to be the pack leader and so respond to me as such. Whether fact or fiction, I don't care – it's a fun thing to point out to my husband on a regular basis --even the DOGS know I am the REAL boss of the place. LOL
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If I am in my bedroom with the door shut, all three will wait in the hall until I come out.
At least yours wait-Sugar grodels and Shadow scratches at the door til I open it, or go out and put the baby gate up at the end of the hall.
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…even the DOGS know I am the REAL boss of the place. LOL
That cracked me up! Dwight is Nala's "love", but I am clearly the boss, as you are "JazzysMom"!!
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My husband was afraid that Cooper was "my" dog at first, but things really evened out after we went through training as a family. Now, Cooper is attached to me during the day (when I have days off), and glues himself to Geoff after dinner every night.
He still walks and rides in the car better with me, though. And I'm the only one who can brush his teeth!
