I know that frustration! Training with high value treats helps. Sanji loves salmon.
Windy, cool, and cold weather clothing
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@kembe said in Windy, cool, and cold weather clothing:
my Basenji hated them and would not wear them. It was hilarious to watch her walk in “exaggerated” high steps when she had them on - it was comical!
Yes, they usually do that for the first few steps until they get used to them. If you live where it really gets cold, boots are not optional. Coats are less critical, but cold feet will shut down a walk, or even a "bathroom break" very quickly. At -20F, Basenjis do not last long, and some will literally scream with pain when their feet are freezing. Like other things they don't enjoy, tolerance to boots can be learned. They are also good protection against road salt, which is prevalent where I live.
"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 Windy, cool, and cold weather clothing:
some will literally scream with pain when their feet are freezing.
Can't blame them for that!
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I had two who were very sensitive to cold, and one who definitely was not. My girl, Lady, on a cottage road across the lake from our house on a cross country ski hike. She also grew a heavy coat in winter. Dogs adapt to conditions! We probably went a couple of miles at 10F that day. She almost crawled under the wood stove when we got back!
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Good info for me too as we will be heading to northern New Hampshire soon where we live a good part of the year. - and if I get my wish we will remain there! Southern California weather is boring!!
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There is no way Piper will wear clothes. She chewed off a thunder jacket and started working on chewing off a custom sweater my daughter made for her. So I won't be investing in clothes and thank goodness in NC it is not extremely cold for long.
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@chrisf
Cinny won't even wear a harness unless she's supervised. She either wiggles out of it or chews through it. I sewed the first one back together twice, then just got another one. I have one now for her that fits more like a jacket, but haven't tried it yet. -
There are shops on Etsy that will make things to order. I don't know a specific one but if if you look on there, you'll probably find options.
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https://www.cleanrun.com/product/jumppa_pomppa_fleece_dog_coats/index.cfm?ParentCat=217
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Fits my Basenji perfectly. Size 40 seems to fit them the best. -
Polar fleece is the best for very cold weather.
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Second hand clothing stores. Little kids hoodies. If your fur kid trashes it...who cares. It was maybe 10 bucks
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We have been using Hurtta coats or Rukka. You could find them on https://www.hurtta.com/global_en/ or https://rukkapets.com/. But there is always a problem with size, with some is also tale problem. Definitely needs a test before buying. Faro hates everything that needs to get over his head. Zip on the back is for him the best solution.
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I see several people have had trouble with their Basenji trashing their clothes. Personally I would not leave clothes or harnesses or anything else that can be destroyed on an unsupervised Basenji. In weather cold enough to merit this clothing it's only likely they need the protection when they go outside, and when they go out you are likely going with them, so unless you are not paying attention they won't have the opportunity to rip up anything. Dress them just before you leave, remove when you return, problem solved.
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@Kembe
Thanks for the additional feedback! For practically custom-made clothing, the prices are not too bad. I got his booties from https://www.mtnridge.com/ Since winter passed, I forgot that I had them and tried them on just now and now realize they are too small. So, I'll wait to get another pair until Nov. or so, but use these to train him with. (Are basenji's full grown by 1 year? Earlier? Later?) I can't yet say if they work well or not. They're very basic, basically a little bag with velcro strap. Not sure if they'll stay on if the trail isn't packed.My dog trainer said to train him immediately to get accustomed to them, starting with one foot and lots of treats, tug of war or fetch, to create positive association and distraction from the awkwardness. With our last dog we didn't do that, and like you it didn't work and was a hilarious sight. Lots of youtube videos of that!
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In my view, any dog can be trained to do just about anything, including getting used to wearing clothes, booties, etc. The foundation step is "bump it" game. (We don't use a clicker, but instead say "yes" and treat simultaneously). Here's a video our trainer has on Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v7CcqAHm-4
When this is mastered, then one can get the dog used to any object by "bumping" it, then "yes" + reward. (Eventually, just "yes"). Clippers, ear wipes, toothbrush, harness, collar, leashes, clothing, etc. With clothing, next step is to put it on the dog for a very short duration, with "yes" + reward. Repeat 3-5 times a day, increase duration. In a week or two, viola. Your dog will look forward to the item.
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@vovka11
Wow, that Hurtta Extreme Overall looks perfect. What did you get, and what size, if you don't mind me asking... -
@kembe thanks for sharing this link. I will be getting my Simba something from there. Because nothing I find local really works for long.
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@sanjibasenji Bravo! Nice vid. I guess she chooses to use the word "command" from the military training days rather than "cue" which is used by professional animal trainers ... but, no matter, +R makes training so very fun!
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Faro wares Hurtta 40 sizes. But again, the best would be to try at first. As it sometimes is 38 and then 42.
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@sanjibasenji @Beth314 The video shows some basics of positive reinforcement in operant conditioning, and the only issue I have with the terminology is that it can be confusing if someone is going back and forth between different trainers when they don't use the same words. That said, the other really important thing that she doesn't get around to in this video is "fading" out both the clicker and the food reward once the dog understands the cue (or command if you prefer). When something is on cue, then you really need to switch to an intermittent reward, and you don't need to use a clicker once the behaviour is learned, that is for training only. It's important, IMO, to replace food with verbal praise much of the time, particularly for behaviours you will be asking for frequently. It should not be necessary to constantly feed your dog to get obedience!
"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
Agreed. This is just one of her free videos, the point being that one can train their dog get accustomed to their clothing. (We completed her month-long course online that covers the details you raise).
