Off leash can be OK…..

[basenjishunt]

Hi All,
I'm new to the forum, but not "B's". I regularly run my dogs and my friends dogs(4 total) off leash. I make sure I use an open area with no roads, naturally. When the situation arises, I put them on the leash. Yes, they have chased things and been gone for a few minutes, but always come back. I make sure to always have a treat they love along with me so they have an added reason to stick around. The best advice I ever got about "b's" was
" never make a big deal out of anything". If they are used to going on and off the leash they won't mind it. I hope I don't get flamed too much for my views! As I've mentioned in other posts, I also use my "b's" for hunting. It really helps their Basenji brains letting them do their natural thing…..running, chasing, rolling in smelly stuff(yuk!). I'd like to share a great site if you don't know of it already. It's basenjis.dk...there's some great pics, articles, etc about "b's" in Denmark.........Tim

[dash]

Our B is not good at coming when called. I agree about keeping calm though. If I want Dash to follow me and he is willing then I just walk the other way and tell him lets go. I am still nervous doing that off lead with no fence. I will try doing it with treat on a long lead. he is good at the dog park when it is time to go. Thanks for the advise.

[jenwilson]

I have recently tried walking with Hollie unleashed, but ONLY in areas FAR from roads. She does remarkably well and I love seeing her run through open fields while we are out. I too, releash when close to a road. I would NEVER allow Hollie to walk unleashed close to populated areas. She loves being free to walk and HUNT!!!

[jys1011]

We have done some practice in fenced in areas off leash to practice following & responding to a sound..ie-smooch smooch means come follow me & you get to have TURKEY & they actually stick around.

In an open space we've practiced using a 30ft training/hunting leash. We're trying to train a solid call back so that we can go lure coursing

[basenjishunt]

Don't forget even having a sirloin steak in your pocket won't stop them from chasing a furry critter…:D

[jys1011]

You GOT THAT RIGHT??!! LOL

But maybe if I had a squirrel in my pocket LOL

[basenjishunt]

If you have access to a "Pork Chop Suit" that could work:D

[jenwilson]

NOW, ya tell me. With a "Pork Chop Suit" I could finally get Hollie to quit PULLING me around the park!!

[dash]

Where exactly can you buy a pork chop suit or a squirrell?

[gbroxon]

@jenwilson:

NOW, ya tell me. With a "Pork Chop Suit" I could finally get Hollie to quit PULLING me around the park!!

Oh, she'd still be pulling ya around the park, just not by her leash!

[jenwilson]

Wherever it is… it'll be our dog's favorite store!!

[Basenji_Boy]

@dash:

Where exactly can you buy a pork chop suit or a squirrell?

:eek:

[jenwilson]

Too Funnnnyyyyy!!!!! :p

[Quercus]

@Basenji_Boy:

:eek:

uh…I am literally, LITERALLY laughing uncontrollably! Thank you! I needed that!

[Basenji_Boy]

@Quercus:

uh…I am literally, LITERALLY laughing uncontrollably! Thank you! I needed that!

I couldn't find a Pork Chop pic.:D Glad it brightened your day Andrea.:)

I did find a squirrel site that had some good stocking stuffers for B's. Enjoy!
http://www.cafepress.com/buy/squirrel/?click=true&recexp=a&CMP=KNC-G-PC-ZOO&ovchn=GGL&ovcpn=Animals+and+Wildlife+Prime&ovcrn=sr2PA1go35027sb5648pi2ai849+squirrel+clothing&ovtac=PPC&SR=sr2PA1go35027sb5648pi2ai849

[Vanessa]

OMG!
Hahahahaha
Do they make that in adult sizes????

[Basenji_Boy]

@Vanessa626:

OMG!
Hahahahaha
Do they make that in adult sizes????

Are you sure you want to test those waters V?:D

I don't know why, but B's hate those things(the tails perhaps?). Our's got one in the backyard (RIP) and there's another one running around somewhere without a bushy tail.:D

[Duke]

@Basenji_Boy:

I don't know why, but B's hate those things(the tails perhaps?). Our's got one in the backyard (RIP) and there's another one running around somewhere without a bushy tail.:D

Yessss! I know what your saying BBoy. I found a squirrel tail on my driveway last fall. In January, when the BRAT rep came in for a home inspection, we let Duke outside to show her how well he does with the e-fence. The squirrels went scrambling up the trees. BRAT rep noticed immediately the one without the tail. LOL

As far as letting Duke off leash - There is only one place we allowed Duke off-leash - Waaay up north at my father-n-law's cabin. He's got 20 acres and surrounded by state land. Though he's a B-mix - he's got all Basenji mentality. Thankfully - there wasn't a deer, bear or squirrel in eyeshot during those times off leash. Thankfully, he would come with some encouragement. It was nice that he came when called (no critters in sight) We'll be going back up again soon - I'll have to remember to bring pork chops as good insurance. btw - loved the kid in the squirrel suit pic.;)

[Basenji_Boy]

My son uses a foxtail he has on a fishing rod to play with the B's…....a few of them will chase it till the tounges drag on the ground. It's fun to watch them.:)