I feel the same way!!
I think any dog can do it trained or untrained. This work is in their DNA. Where the drive comes in is how long will the dog work the track, through what obstacles, distractions, and other issues that could cause the dog to lose it or quit. What we look for is a dog that has so much hot, off the charts drive for work, that it's scent memory retention is high. We look for dogs that once they engage, they do not quit. This is what separates the professional dogs from the amateurs and one of the main traits we look for for dogs that we provide for police, military, or SAR. The trait is not so much basenji as it is "dog" for us. We provide GSD's, Malinois, Dutch Shepherds, bloodhounds, goldens, and labs for work and this trait is important in each breed. What I have found with the basenji, and what originally drew me into the breed, was the "natural" drive for certain things; OCD in a way but with uncanny intelligence behind the OCD. It was almost preternatural in form and quite useful. It may be what is missing in certain other over bred domestic breeds. The problem is that is not all that common in the basenji either just different.
The Art of Basenjis in the Rain
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Mechanized transport. Check the radar to find a break or lighter showers. Put them in the car. Drive to the area. Let them out. They'll pee, yank in the direction of the car, hear the "Nooooo", and then poop. However, we had one who was stubborn beyond belief.
If it's just a pee then we can go the @Zande route and use the front or back.
When younger they don't seem to mind. As they get older the dislike seemingly grows.
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There is nothing about a Basenji that you will "figure out". A Basenji just happens....
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Oddly, my boy loves being in the rain! The harder it’s raining, the longer he walks. I figure it brings out his hunting instinct even stronger.
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@sirronsunflowergirl Haha! Too funny! Wish we could!
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@sanjibasenji Encouraging, thank you. Beyond wanting her to be able to potty when it is raining, we also want to do backpacking/camping with her. Can't always stop walking just because it is raining, so I want to figure this out!
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@krazytoo100 This sounds like luck! We don't seemed to be poised for her to like it at all!
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@donc Haha, love it!
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@jengosmonkey lol, so I was wondering about getting a rain coat, if that would help....
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We have a big lean to next to the house. Really helps with rain or in the winter with snow
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I've always found going for a walk until successful usually works. But for some reason not all Basenjis figure out that action brings return to the house! My boy Perry hated rain while leashed, but off leash he didn't have a problem rambling around the farm. Winter cold weather was more of an issue. The solution was to take him into the hay barn and let him run around until he did his business. Cold feet were a huge problem outside, so if I had to walk in cold weather boots were essential.
"In order to get along with a Basenji, you have to be at least half as smart as the dog!"
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@eeeefarm said in The Art of Basenjis in the Rain:
I've always found going for a walk until successful usually works.
Unless you have a pack that realises that you will turn for home as soon as they have done what you are walking them for !
Donner knew darned well why he was on a lead, being walked down the lane alongside the garden. All kinds of excitingly different smells in the grass verges. He would hang on until absolutely bursting rather than 'go' and have to head for home.
Donner was my first Basenji. Numbers increased and Marvin and I walked two each along the country lanes. Later as the pack seriously grew in size it had to make do with the woods - driven there by car - or the garden. There is a picture on my own (long neglected but still containing articles and pieces) website of me walking 7 on leads. Eight proved too much, even for me.
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@italeigha - My Basenjis that live at home or pups that I placed couldn't care less about the rain when it is things like coursing, hunting, etc... very happy to get wet! Walks in the rain for something like camping/backpacking really will not bother them.... !
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@italeigha Binti will wear her raincoat and go for walks in light rain...but NO dice if it is pouring.
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Miss Bliss finds water falling from the sky abhorrent.
When forced out for the (pre-pandemic) walk before work and it was raining,
she was very quick about her business. Well, at least the pee part.
Sometimes that we enough for her before she'd turn around and head for home.
We are now in week four since she was hit and broke her right front leg.
She went four days in a row twice without pooping until we went to the vets.
Not constipated, just stubborn. She is becoming a very good patient.
T
he last two days she has done her business easily and quickly.
She is escorted out when she says it is time.
You all know what I'm saying.
Back to the ladies amateur golf.
Stay safe out there
B -
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Maybe trying getting out just before the rain starts. With her coat on, she can transition from dry to wet. Hopefully the rain starts lightly. My B is fine when it starts to rain, it’s like he doesn’t notice it the change
Or doesn’t care. But when he can see the sky falling outside already; he’s not having it. -
Sanji swimming
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@sanjibasenji If I could upvote your video a hundred times I would! That's incredible. Great training! I'm curious about the life vest... any info about the brand and size? Also, remind me... how old is Sanji and what is his weight?
Also, if you have time, I'd be really be interested in a somewhat detailed description of how he was trained to be comfortable in water and what was involved in getting him to jump into the water voluntarily. To me, this video is right up there with Ellie telling me that she's not a bloody Jack Russel.
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@sanjibasenji
Wow! I’m impressed. My B has the same life jacket but would never go into the water voluntarily. We have a summer camp on a lake in the Berkshires - she loves the pontoon boat but does NOT like the water. She would watch the geese and ducks and I know she wanted to jump in after them - but would never do it. That is a GREAT video - thanks for sharing!
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My girl Lady would jump off our dock in pursuit of water skiers. Didn't change her opinion of rain, however!
