Ok I am going to make the AKC very rich by buying all their harnesses size medium! lol…
Nike has chewed through 5 already in teh past 3 weeks. The only time they have them on is when I put them outside on a leash. And I know it's my fault for not watching them the whole time they are out there, but is there a better collar or harness that he can't out of?
Is this at home? In the yard? Is the yard fenced? Or is this at a dog park? You could try putting something on the harness that tastes terrible. Tea Tree oil comes to mind…
If at home and in a fenced yard, is there a reason that you have harnesses on?
My Mickii would eat off every single collar I put on the other dogs.. ggg... I could never leave them on the B's... of course I don't or would not leave them on anyway as I would be more worried that they would get hung up somehow.
Yes it is in the backyard, and no it's not fenced 
I wished it was. He is fine when we are going on walks, but as soon as he is left alone for more than 5 min he chews it up in a matter of a few minutes! Would a martingale collar work? I think the reason teh harness doesn't work is because he wedges his jaw on the shoulder part of the harness, and I figured that maybe a martinglae collar would work better since he can't get to it. Ahhh why can't he be more like his calm sister Mia lol…
@Mia:
Ahhh why can't he be more like his calm sister Mia lol…
Because he's a Serengeti boy of course! :rolleyes: LOL
Hello to all!
I saw a posting from BRAT and a member who suggested the "buddy belt" harness. I was able to locate a shop in Philly although they do have them on ebay (depends on the size you need). My 2 Basenjis LOVE them and I love the fact when we walk no stress on their necks. They are kinda spendy but absolutely worth the $$. I haven't seen either of my 2 try to chew them–they are just so happy when I get them out because they know it means a walk! A good tip from the shopkeeper was: if you are on the verge of the next size--choose the smaller size as leather will stretch somewhat with wear. You can google Buddy Belt harness to view them on the internet. Good luck to you and yours. Michele, Gibby and Poe
Is there a reason that he needs to be put in the yard unsupervised, on leash? My experience with martingales is that they are quickly chewed off by a basenji if left on when the dog is unattended. I would be uncomfortable leaving my dog on leash in an unfenced yard unattended. The scenario in this thread, http://basenjiforums.com/showthread.php?t=3560, is just one that comes to mind.
You never really knows what's going on in a dog's mind – I had a mutt once who was the most friendly dog, loved people, never ever any problems -- then one time I was camping, talking with neighboring campers, and one of then lifted his arm demonstrating something (not threatening in any way to me) but my dog thought it was an aggressive act towards me and trying to defend me, lunged at the guy and nearly bit him. It was so out of the blue but it could have been a tragedy. Country or city, I would never leave my dogs unattended in an area so open to access by other people (despite what "Merle's Door" espouses), particularly if you don't know all the people.
Mine chewed their collars when they were young and we just stopped keeping them on them during hte day. For leashes, we have to put bitter apple on every time we go out as they just love to reach back on a walk and take a nibble.
Every leash we have has a littel fraying about 4 inches up from teh clasp. Once, my in laws picked them up from the kennel when we could not get home in time and they forgot to take the leash off in teh car. One of th dogs chewed through a 1 inch nylon leash in about 30 seconds.
We have started buying Lupine leashes as they will replace them even if chewwed. WE will see if they really mean it after 10 or so as we have had 2 go back already.
Oops, double post.
I really don't recommend leaving a basenji tied out, without a human being in the yard with them.
Another dog can come attack them, someone can take them, or kids can taunt them..
Just not good, imo.
Michelle, have you considered buying an outdoor pen for them? I know they can be a bit pricey but certainly less expensive than an entire fence would be.
@Mia:
Yes it is in the backyard, and no it's not fenced
I wished it was. He is fine when we are going on walks, but as soon as he is left alone for more than 5 min he chews it up in a matter of a few minutes! Would a martingale collar work? I think the reason teh harness doesn't work is because he wedges his jaw on the shoulder part of the harness, and I figured that maybe a martinglae collar would work better since he can't get to it. Ahhh why can't he be more like his calm sister Mia lol…
Welcome to the club! Trixie chewed her way thru at least 5 - 6 harnesses and yes also in a matter of minutes. The only time she has a harness on is when she is going for a walk or if we are taking her in the car. She has had her current one for at least 3 months ! It's a miracle, but I feel your pain!
