Dog parks can be fun but also can be very bad places as you have found out.
Long walks, jogs or hikes (on a leash) are just as much fun but a lot safer. I have never taken any of my dogs (three basenjis over 20 years) to a dog park. They walk around 3-5 miles a day every day except when the weather doesn't permit and they have all been very happy.
One thing that might help is to buy / build ramps. My vet told me that going up and down stairs, along with jumping on and off furniture is not good for an older dog. So whatever you can do to minimize that should help.
I have seen this before with all my dogs, both puppy and adult. My current B will occasionally jump down off the chair and Yelp for no apparent reason. Maybe a muscle pain or something but it's never caused any problems.
Having said that, it doesn't happen that often and your pup is young so I would grab a vet check just in case.
Oddly, (after establishing that they don't go back in until they do their stuff) I never have a problem. On a sunny day it can be five minutes outside sniffing before anything happens. However in the rain, it's out do whatever quickly and then boom back in again.
"In fact, she had gotten so close to the action that he has peed on her head."
Hmm...my girl also did this, several times....sounds like you may have her reincarnated lol.
I have had two males, both very easy to train, no problems. My female was difficult and even after being almost 100% trained she would still occasionally poop in the house. It was 18 months before she stopped and after that she was fine. Never had another problem, so be patient, consistent and I am sure you will be fine. Basenjis are notoriously clean by nature.
@roguecoyote I take mine (from about 8 months) on half hour walks 3-4 times a day in the summer. If it's hot I take bottled water and a bowl for a water break. By observing the dog you can get a good indication. They start by being super curious and energetic, while wanting to trot along fast. Then after a mile or two they will be much more laid back and walk more at my pace. A good tell is if they come back, sprawl out and take a nap.
Walking is so important to dogs, both physically and mentally.
@giira2121 Mine are muzzled at the vets, unless I am holding them and comfortable that I can control them. My two males have been fine with that. My female needed to be muzzled as she was fearful and hated the vets.
There are really two separate issues.
I don't look for a vet based on how the dog reacts, I choose one that is knowledgeable and competent. Vets simply don't have the time to put the dog at ease and all my Basenjis did not want to be poked by needles and examined.
It is safer for everyone if the dog is muzzled for the short period of time at the vets. It is the same as the crate argument, the crate is a safe environment for the dog. Any dog that shows any aggression should be muzzled at the vet, it protects the staff and also the other dogs.
The best advice I can give is based on this. "However, he’s still eating normally and seems content."
I have had two pass and when they are no longer eating and they are no longer content.
It's never easy, but you have to live with the decision and the hole they leave behind in your life.
@beth314 Two solved the separation problems with mine. Male and Female have worked well for me personally.
I always split ages to six or so years apart because the downside is the medical bills and care they need when they get older. One dog is hard, two would be double.
You do have age in your side, so that is a bonus. Sounds like he does not like the car, so anything you can do to distract /divert helps. Your idea of short drives sounds like the best idea as it tends to work well with crate training as well. A matter of getting past the initial objection.
I have never had a problem (with three basenjis) on the car rides as it usually means we are headed to a park. However if we pull into the vets....all three have protested verbally and loudly lol.
One idea which works sometimes, (distraction) is that if the scream or howl at you, then mimic the same back to them. If it just ends up being a howling match, then no good. Sometimes they will just look puzzled at you, which distracts them.
@mikesull "Today he ran on beach for an hour and was so tired i had to carry him home lol."
A tired Basenji is a good basenji, rule #1 in my book.
I look at it that I enter a contract with each dog, they get lots of walks, play, good food, warm sunny sun room, sleep on bed, worshiped like kings and queens. In return they don't drive me too crazy and when I am really serious, they obey me lol.
@mikesull My first B would scream the house down whenever he was in the crate alone. Neighbors told me it sounded like a small child being tortured or something terrible. Finally solved the problem with a second basenji, she kept him company and he was fine with that, no screaming.
Second B was fine so long as another B was in a separate cage close to her.
Third B just sits in the crate alone and stares at the door waiting for you to come back lol, (we set up a camera to monitor him).
One thing that was consistent, all three are far better off staying alone in a room on their own napping while you do stuff BUT only after they are about six years old. Seems 6-8 is the mellowing age.
So I guess all are different.
@kembe I wouldn't trust supplements nor reviews in Amazon, many products have paid reviews. Asking the vet for medication would probably be better. Or maybe Cornell animal hospital.
I have had older dogs lose some bladder control, so maybe pee pads would help? They do doggy diapers but I suspect they wouldn't be much fun for the dog and may end up being ripped off on a basenji.
Mine have always been the same, they live to snuffle on anything and will sneak it down so I watch them like a hawk.
One reason to be especially careful is because kids throw sugar free gum on the floor and a small amount can kill a dog.
All three of mine would only bark when they hear an unusual noise, like an intruder outside or something falling over in another room. Very useful as you know something is up!