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205 Obedience and Rally
Prepared by Linda Siekert
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Obedience training is the best thing you can do for your puppy, adolescent or more mature basenji. Why? Because.....
Training creates and maintains communication: As you teach your basenji how to learn, you open up the lines of communication between you and he begins to realize you are actually trying to tell him something more compelling than No! Stop it! Leave it! Cease and desist!
Training builds relationships. An obedient basenji (even minimally obedient) is a much better companion when compared to the alternative; a four legged dictator sporting 42 teeth which he knows how to use, and does on a daily basis; on furniture, drywall, human arms or legs.
Training instills confidence. Many problem behaviors stem from insecurity; separation anxiety, excessive vocalization, fear biting, and/or inter dog aggression.
Training is exhausting. A tired basenji makes for a happy basenji and an even happier owner; training can mentally fatigue a basenji as much as physical exertion; a lot of training can be done in the comfort of your own home via doodling and games.
Training establishes defined roles within the "pack" in non-confrontational ways; very important with basenjis, a breed that does not tolerate, or respond well to rough treatment. Asking your basenji to comply to simple requests automatically puts him into a subordinate role.
Training creates the necessary foundation for other venues such as agility, therapy dog and even lure coursing, where a recall comes in handy at the end of a run.
While the ideal time to start training your basenji is when he is a puppy, before bad habits are formed, there is no time like the present to begin, no matter the age. Many basenjis have started their training as adults and have gone on to earn obedience and Rally titles; it is never too late to start.
There are a number of different organizations which offer both Obedience and Rally trials but for the sake of brevity this course will mainly focus on the American Kennel Club (AKC) with a few obedience comparisons to the United Kennel Club (UKC).
Click on the links below to access the segments of Course #205 Obedience and Rally:
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