Tactics for Breaking a Basenji of Separation Anxiety Is your basenji depressed? Is your absence sparking a little separation anxiety in your canine? A lonely basenji can make for a depressed, anxiety-ridden pet. When humans are sad, they can vocalize their feelings, exhibit signs of detachment or even take an anti-depressant to cope. But, when basenjis are left alone, their separation anxiety can go undetected and ultimately lead to behavioral problems. We compiled a suggestion list of ways to ease your absence away from your basenji: The diminutive tibetan spaniel, with his feather-like tail, may look a bit like other spaniels, but the breed is actually not a spaniel at all, but more closely related to some combination of the shih tzu, pug, pekingese and Japanese chin. Promote Self-Reliance In order to promote self-reliance in your basenji, deter clingy behavior. Instead of allowing Fido to frolic next to you, give him a toy and leave him alone in another room for 20-40 minutes. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the longest lived dog was an Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey. The dog lived to be 29. This case was considered unusual since smaller dogs generally live longer. The chihuahua is actually the breed that tends to live the longest. Make Departure Rewarding Prior to heading out for work, synchronize your departure on an upbeat note. Instead of playing with your basenji and making your departure more emotional, feed your basenji a small meal and hide treats and toys around the house for him or her to discover. If your basenji is restricted to a one room, plant these items around the confined space. It will alleviate the added stress of your departure while serving as temporary diversion in your absence. Chihuahuas, because of their size, are often treated like babies, but they actually do have something in common with human babies. Chihuahuas are born with a "molera", also known as a soft spot, on their heads, exactly like a human baby. Usually the soft spot closes as the dog matures. Downplay Homecomings Rather than feed into the enthusiastic greeting of your basenji, keep greetings casual. But, remember to smother your basenji with affection after he has settled down. St. bernards have a well-deserved reputation as rescue dogs. In fact, the most successful mountain rescue dog ever was a st. bernard. His name was Barry. He lived during the early 1800's, during which time he saved 40 lives. In conclusion, breaking a basenji of separation anxiety does not mean not giving your pet the love and attention he or she requires. Quelling a basenji's separation anxiety is a form of conditioning that can help your basenji become socially adjusted and capable of coping in your absence without triggering any behavioral problems. The Skye Terrier's origins are connected with a centuries old shipwreck. Early in the 1600's a Spanish ship wrecked on the Island of Skye in the Scottish Hebrides. Some of the survivors of the shipwreck were Maltese dogs that mated with the local terriers, creating a new and unique breed.