@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
Basenji Growth Plates
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I'm minded that coursing is only in straight lines, not curves, until the puppy is 18 months - could be wrong but this seems sensible to me.
So a little holding back in the early month should prevent any damage to the growth plates.
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Here's a really good article about growth plates in dog's. I never knew it was a thing until I read your post @Beth314
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@beth314 - I will talk about one of my Basenjis that broke her leg climbing a gate in the house and hit the front leg, breaking both bones in the front leg... she had surgery at 4 1/2 months and had a plate put in to secure the break (this was back in 1992) and then two weeks later that growth plate closed on that leg. Another surgery to reopen the growth plate (and make sure if this is ever needed that you have a board certified orthopedic veterinarian) she recovered just fine, finished her Championship and also her Field Championship.... so injury regardless need to be seen by a certified Vet Orthopedic Vet!
That said, hikes should be fine for your pup.... When she is tired stop the hike.... she will tell you
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I’ve been keeping my 5 month old to hikes 3 miles and under (our every other day hike is a 2 mile out and back with 1000 feet of elevation behind my house) at a 2.0 mph pace and off granite when possible, and he blows me away for stamina. I try to stay on bouncy pine needles. I can’t imagine it’s more dangerous than 2 miles on sidewalks.
He seems to love it, doesn’t show exhaustion or laying down, takes numerous sniff breaks, doesn’t limp, and his foot pads are fine. I much prefer it to dog parks and neighborhood walks. Maybe I’m messing up but I don’t I’m pushing him at all.
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This made me feel a lot better.
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@tanza said in Basenji Growth Plates:
When she is tired stop the hike.... she will tell you
I've heard about slings that you might opt for as a way to carry a pup the rest of the way when they get too tired.... maybe someone could offer a link or description?
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White Mtns of NH is not trivial hiking (they did not bother with switchbacks; just straight up the mountain and straight down). I will wait on that sort of hiking for her. I'm beginning to age out of it myself.
She, like many dogs, will tolerate more pain than is good for her so I don't trust when she says she's reached a limit. Today was warm here in So Cal and clearly too hot for her paws. She went into my sling and was not happy about it but I am using a sling! She hates it! But it does help me as she's getting too heavy from me to carry for long.
I will do my best to keep her injury-free but there's always risk, I realize. My history is agility where growth plate closure is much discussed. But it's been a long time since participating in this sport.
I will read the article, @Jengosmonkey, so thanks for that.
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@elbrant Slings abound on Amazon and on the net generally. I had one for Mku when he was a puppy and Kito then used it. Just google 'puppy slings'
Ideal for taking the pup out on walks before he has had his shots and can go walkies or on squirrel hunts. The older pack is not penalised by having a shorter walk or having to stay home until the puppy can come out too, and the pup gets to see people and other dogs and socialise.
Everyone wants to pet the pup in the sling !
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I hike the belknaps/ossipees with my pup. Would never take him up a 4ker until like after 10 months. After all which are less than 5 miles?
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@bill-t Awesome, Bill! Ya, in CA people laugh at the NH 4Ks ... until they try them. Then they cry. Lots of dogs on the trails, though. I'll PM you to see about a B hike!
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@zande Yes, I use my sling a fair amount and bought it on Amazon before I even got my pup. She does not love it - too many lizards and rabbits to chase - but it saves my back.
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@beth314 They do get too heavy, even for the sling !
