@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
Fencing my Yard for Roo the Basenji
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Although we live on a riverbank and have a beautiful view, Miranda and I are considering fencing our yard or part of it, so Roo will have a place to run other than in the house or in a dog park.
I have pretty much decide that we are going to invest in the new plastic type privacy fence. Unless Roo grows suction cups on his paws, I do not think he wil be able to climb this type of fence.
We know that fencing is very expensive so even if we can only afford a few panels a month, we feel we can get this done as Roo grows. My question is, how high of a fence do I really need? Also, what kind of bottom treatment do I need to do, to prevent Roo from attempting to dig under the fence.
Thanks
Jason
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If the yard is big enough and he is happy enough, you should only need the bottom to go to the ground, and the fence should be about 6' high. Medjai does great with 5' wood fences that go just to the ground, he doesn't climb or jump up unless there's a squirrel, and that's just to see the squirrel, then he's fine without attempting to get out, and he can even fit through the gate, so we worry all the time.
I don't know if you were considering an electric fence. That may be an option, or at least worth trying if you really want the view. I'm not sure what it's like all around you, but I don't think you should have an issue with the water, that should be good enough to keep roo out of the river.
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Five to six feet should be fine…. as far as digging under you can go the electric hot wire route (string of electric wire that they use for cattle and horses along the bottom) or you bury wire (like chicken wire) covered with gravel and attach to the bottom of the fence... that will prevent digging...
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We are lucky, only have a 4 ft chain link fence and no escapes. A nice metal fence would give you your view , probably more expensive, but might be worth it on the side facing the river. Some basenjis are born escapers but some are really pretty easy and will be kept in, especially if you have 2, so they aren't lonely and looking for adventure.
Anne in Tampa
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My yard came with the standard 4 ft chain link fence and I have never had any real problem with EL D. When I acquired him from the breeder I made sure he was not a climber to begin with (she had some dogs that could clear 6 1/2 feet easy as pie). He likes to sit sometimes in the corner and watch the activity out front by the neighbor's, so the chain link is a plus in that respect. The squirrels learned pretty quick not to run across the top of the fence.
The only time I've had a problem is when one neighbor acquired a pretend-dog that likes to come by our adjoining corners and harass EL D (and me or anyone or any other pet in the vicinity).
