Skip to content

Your duties toward your dog

Basenji Talk
  • The following "Ten Commandments for Dog Owners" were written from the perspective of a dog, and provide some good guidelines about your duties to your "best friend."

    1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you get me.
    2. Give me time to understand what you want from me.
    3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial to my well-being.
    4. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, entertainment and friends. I only have you.
    5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice.
    6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it.
    7. Please don't hit me. I can't hit back, but I can bite and scratch, and I really don't want to do that.
    8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. I don't speak your language. Perhaps I'm not getting the right foods, or I've been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak.
    9. Take care of me when I get old. You will grow old, too. You'll hope someone cares.
    10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch," or "let it happen in my absence". Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, I love you.
  • So true, it brought a lump to my throat.In an ideal world Everyone would read and think about this seriously before getting a Dog or any other pet.

  • Made my eyes well up.

    I promise my dogs they will never suffer. When I had to put my 16 year old, Congo, down. I did it with a smile and held him and told him he would have a young body again and that there were lots of bunnies to chase in "puppy heaven".

    I know people who shouldn't own any animals, ever. Luckily, I am not one of them. I have come to the realization that I will always own dogs. They are just who I am and I am lonely without them.

    Thanks for the "10 Commandments". They are true.

Suggested Topics

  • Aggression towards other dogs

    Basenji Talk
    12
    0 Votes
    12 Posts
    10k Views
    Buddys PalB
    ok, so the overall assumption is that this is dog aggressive, but there are variable demonstrations of aggression. Aggression where the dog wants to kill the object (dog, other animal,…) or if it is fear aggression, then the thyroid has nothing (probably) to do with the 'aggressing' towards the other dog. If the dog has a fear or inability to socialize with other dogs, then the growling, lunging, last resort bite,(if that variable is actually followed through or if the snapping is done and the fearful dog retreats)...all have different methodologies of rehab with the fearful dog making better decisions in the area of his/her tolerance trigger. CAT or BAT is what you want to talk over with a behaviorist or trainer with the knowledge.
  • 0 Votes
    8 Posts
    7k Views
    DebraDownSouthD
    In your position, where you really have to take her out a lot, I understand. And I hope her comfort continues. My point was it is situational need, not dog need to be that social. :) I have a slim chance of that having worked with my current 2, but with my incredibly dog aggressive first one, I'd have been out in a basket muzzle and warning everyone to keep their dogs away.
  • Dogs diedfrom dog treats

    Basenji Talk
    3
    0 Votes
    3 Posts
    3k Views
    D
    If the dogs are having similar symptoms as in the previous years, they need to be treated ASAP! It is my understanding that many are developing the acquired Fanconi Syndrome and need to be put on the protocol. Many vets though do not have the equipment to do the venous blood gas test and get an accurate diagnosis. Emergency vets should have the equipment. Do not buy any dog treats that come from China and if the package does not state where it is from then do not buy it! Jennifer
  • Dog Attack- What to do?

    Basenji Talk
    12
    0 Votes
    12 Posts
    5k Views
    DiegosMomD
    Thanks for the advice everyone! Picking them up would have probably worked in this situation because the other dog was small, but i couldn't think that fast as it was happening! but carrying some kind of spray sounds like a good idea, i am going to look for that at the pet store. Thanks again!
  • Bad dogs

    Basenji Talk
    3
    0 Votes
    3 Posts
    2k Views
    rnastoR
    Lol…sorry to laugh but I was walking Indy the other day and for some strange reason there was a pair of socks in the middle of the side walk. Needless to say he saw it before I did. He raced up to it grabbed them and was starting his best show dog prance by the time I saw him.
  • Devil dog/good dog

    Basenji Talk
    6
    0 Votes
    6 Posts
    4k Views
    nobarkusN
    Yes I agree Pat, Fort Funston could get very crowded and dangerous for smaller dogs as packs of bigger dogs playing could cause injury. My 2 Basenjis were very good and stayed pretty close to me and got used to the crowds. The only problem I had there was with this lady who had an older Tri color female Basenji. It would bite my blk/wht, Nika who was 1-1/2 on the butt. A few times of that and I stayed way away from her. The problem is Nika was a very playful girl and never did anything like that. A few times of getting nipped on the butt started her doing it to other dogs and Basenjis. A Basenji would want to play and Nika would chase and give a nip and the the other dog would get mad and a fight would occur. Nobody would ever get hurt thankfully. It was rare that it would happen as I took them there for 9 years, mostly on the weekend without problem. We had a lot of fun and people loved the Basenjis! Ringo, the red/wht was a very entertaining clown when we'd go down to the beach.