Help Please!!

[eeeefarm]

Oh, they are real cuties! And I am sure they can get into all sorts of trouble. It's really too bad you don't have a yard for them to play in. I'm sure that would help a lot. Do you have a contained area, e.g. a garage, where they could work off some of their energy? Also, an ex pen in a garage might be helpful when you are out…..

[tanza]

They are cute, not sure I see the Basenji, but still cute… and at their age, lots of energy... need lots of exercise.... period.... as with all dogs, a tired dog is a good dog. If they can expend the pent up energy, you will see different dogs for the most part

[lvoss]

It also doesn't have to be physical exercise. Mental exercise will also help them burn excess energy. Using things like food dispensing toys for meals instead of feeding out of a bowl can really make a difference in their energy level.

[mmp2011]

Thank you all for your compliments on these dogs! :-) Tanza, they were listed as Basenji mixes so maybe that was incorrect? However after reading up on the breed they do exemplify many of the same behavioral traits. Yes we are thinking about getting an invisible fence which I said I would never do as I think those shock collars are inhumane but it's also inhumane to keep these animals inside sitting still. Since they are so smart they should catch on quickly at a low setting I hope. Lvoss, I will look into the dispensing toys which sounds like something they would love. I just fed them and the little one threw up because her "sister" wouldn't stop rough housing w/her!! I really need to get that under control.

[KMac]

I love them! they are so pretty!
I can not belive how much your pups look like my dog. Mine is a mix too. Not sure with what. Adorable. I really wonder what kind they are. Kentucky came from a Kentucky shelter and is about 8-10 months old. here is a picture!

[eeeefarm]

@mmp2011:

Yes we are thinking about getting an invisible fence which I said I would never do as I think those shock collars are inhumane but it's also inhumane to keep these animals inside sitting still. Since they are so smart they should catch on quickly at a low setting I hope.

I would not use invisible fence without a physical barrier as backup. The issue isn't the shock. (IMHO, it is far less inhumane than too much crate time) The issue is the fact that the fence doesn't prevent other dogs or people from accessing your dogs, and the fact that some dogs will learn to run through it. Proper conditioning is essential, and not everyone covers this step as well as they should. Bottom line, unless you live out in the country well away from hazards, I would not trust them inside invisible fence without your supervision.

[DebraDownSouth]

Have to agree– invisible fences are horrible unless you are out there with them at all times. They learn to bolt through, then don't come back in.

[nobarkus]

Someone posted here recently having lost and later found their Basenji having run through an invisible fence because it was frightened by thunder.

[gbroxon]

We've had invisible fencing (the REAL Invisible Fence brand which included rigorous, mandatory professional training) for three dogs (rottie, dobie, basenji) in a rural area. Worked a charm for each one, and is still working for my B-Boy. I'd recommend it in a heartbeat if your circumstances were right. We reinstated it for Magnum when he was close to two years' old (we got him when he was a little over one, and he's almost 8 now). With two acres "fenced," once he learned the boundaries, he rarely tests them now, and steps back (or circles round, if he's running) to a safe area when he hears a warning chirp. He's chased many animals and turns back when he hears the chirp. Basenjis may be prey driven, but they don't like to be startled and shocked either. I believe his first thought is, "Go back to where I was" when he hears a chirp from the collar, prey be danged.

Two acres of freedom versus a walk on a leash or circling a 1/4 acre fenced-in yard? Since he's always supervised and in a rural area, I think it's worth the risk. Just my opinion, of course.

[Patty]

You'd definitely need supervision with an invisible fence. Obviously from gbroxon's experience they work for her Basenji but I think you could expend a lot of money and find it just wouldn't work.

Basenjis, in the main, do have incredible prey drive (I must admit it does seem latent in some) and if attractive prey was outside the fence not even a strong shock would stop them.

Personally I'd find a way to check them out before investing more money.

Lovely dogs and you're very brave to rescue two without experience, especially if they do have strong Basenji characteristics..

[eeeefarm]

If you really want to be sure your dog responds appropriately to invisible fence, it is essential to "proof" it properly. After you have thoroughly conditioned the animal to the fence, you need to use very high value distractions or lures while you are present (but not visible) to observe behavior. It's the only way to be reasonably sure your dog will not bolt through the fence, and then you still have the problem of other dogs or people possibly trespassing and causing a problem, since there is nothing to keep them out.

In the country, invisible fence can work well, although there is still the chance that the dog will learn to run through it. My friend uses it at her farm, and one of her three dogs (not Basenjis) will go through the fence if the temptation is strong enough.