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).
Want to get something cool for our B's in our backyard
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Are there any basenji jungle gyms or obstacle courses anyone can recommend for a backyard? We have good space and want to put something cool out there for them to play in.
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@cognition Good question! I stayed at a KOA camp ground last summer that had a dog park with some agility apparatuses. I tried to get Logan to use them but he wasn’t having it. He HATED the teeter totter.
I would think something like a wooden box that they could jump up on, get some height giving them a better vantage point might be fun. Keep it well away from fences though. I have a couple of Kuranda dog cots that mine love to lounge on while sunning. Mine climb on all my backyard patio furniture including tables.
I’m curious what others might suggest…
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I would go with a short retaining wall (18 inches or so) if you have a spot for something like that. Doodle loves to walk at the top of a wall!! I can just picture her in human form with arms out to either side balancing on the "high wire". LOL Something like that is an instant game!
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After a strenuous race around the woods, chasing squirrels mostly but otherwise anything that moves, mine just like to sunbathe so something comfortable to lounge on is all that is needed.
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@jengosmonkey thanks for the box suggestion! I was thinking the same about fences if I were to do it lol. What is a KOA camp?
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@elbrant that sounds cool. Do you know where I can order it?
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@zande I was hoping that would be a set or something I could order from somewhere:(
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@cognition You don't pay for the weather ! If it is fine, Basenjis will sunbathe. My neighbours save me discarded curtains and carpet off-cuts so they always have plenty of comfy bedding. And my son built them a large table which is placed again a South facing wall, and covered in carpet.
Only time they can't use that (apart from when it rains) is when we are crushing and pressing apples for cider. Their table is ideal for use then !
@JENGOSMonkey has the right of it too. Boxes can be jumped on and then shredded. HUGE fun !
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@cognition said in Want to get something cool for our B's in our backyard:
Do you know where I can order it?
How odd that none of our suggestions are things that you can "buy". Although a low wall will cost you money... just call a local landscaping company and ask if they can design/build a low wall for you. The wall could surround a patio area, or be used as a separation between a grassy lawn and a garden. Regardless, the dogs will think it's just for them!
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@zande do you have a picture of one? Trying to envision how low it should be.
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@cognition I'm not sure what you are asking me for a picture of ?
