@jordandwilly - Thanks for clearing that up.... 9-5 is just fine, IMO.... I work and have always had to leave mine when I was at work, never an issue. That said, we were able to set up the house that access to the backyard (with 10 to 12' privacy fences) with a doggy door and a dog room in the house for them, Locks on the gates so there is NO access for anyone. Dogs sleep 90% of the day so being at work doesn't bother them... never have mine even when I had a litter in the house (And have been in the breed as owner/breeder for 35+ years). You can hire a dog walker to take them out mid day..which is a good solution. and give them a mid day meal depending on their age. I do not and never have used free feeding, period. Especially if you have more that one... you never know what/who is eating what. And you can set up camera's on line to watch them from "afar".... LOL. Keep in mind people that many of us need to work and have day jobs. The most important thing is the time you need to spend with them when you are home. Example would be, if you have young children and you work... when you get home you are going to spend your time with your human children... NO dog would be happy if left out... they need their time also because they are a family member and need as much time as a human child. Again in my opinion
What tricks your Basenji has taught you?
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My naughty Tri color male goes around the house looking for any tiny bits of celephane, foil wrapper, metal staple what ever he should not eat. He comes up saying "I'm going to eat it, I'm going to do it", swishing it around in his mouth with him popping the object out once in a while.
He has me trained to give him a treat in exchange for the tiny object.
If I try to get it from him he runs away, I can't catch him, if I ignore him he eats it.
He tried it with my wife, she totally ignored him, he just dropped it and walked away. I tried the same and he ate it!
Remember consistancy is key, they know this as well.
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Wow, our dogs love cellophane too. Especially the little windows from envelopes.
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Whenever Corky is in trouble for going in the garbage, grabbing something off the table or whatever, he instantly does his 'show me your belly' trick. He has us trained to stop lecturing him because he's so cute when he does that, we just can't help but rub his belly.