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
    9k 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.
  • Dogs diedfrom dog treats

    Basenji Talk
    3
    0 Votes
    3 Posts
    2k 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
  • Travelling with a dog?

    Basenji Talk
    11
    0 Votes
    11 Posts
    7k Views
    D
    If you ship him underneath in cargo, don't forget there are temperature restrictions. Where would you transfer planes at? This summer has been hot in many cities! Please check the requirements for the airline you will be traveling on. There is usually a limit to the number of dogs allowed on board and in cargo. You will need to make a reservation for him at the time you make your own. There may be additional requirements since you are coming from Canada, you will need to check with the USDA, the CDC and the State of Massachusetts. You can find the requirements on the USDA website and it has links to each state. http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/pet_travel/pet_travel.shtml You need to make sure the carrier will fit under the seat so if the carrier you are considering is much larger than the large size Sherpa brand bag I doubt it will fit under the seat. I used to travel with Arnie onboard about 10 years ago before 9/11. I trained him to get in and out of the Sherpa bag and to stay in for short periods of time. He almost always laid down in it. He never made noise even when we were in first class and they served food! Most people did not even know I had a dog. I also made sure I was comfortable carrying him in the bag. I figured if the airline employees thought I was struggling with him then he was too heavy and he would not be let on the plane. He was an older pup but weighed about 18-20 lbs. Jennifer
  • Such a dirty dog

    Basenji Talk
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    2k Views
    gemurrayG
    We have one of those spray heads on our shower that you can take off and use by hand. I get the water nice and warm, and even though Samantha isn't excited to jump in the tub, she's so good to just stand there and relax while I lather her up with doggie shampoo and rinse her off. I used to have to wrestle with my other B's to get them clean! I guess the old German saying: "All good things come in threes" is really true!
  • Smelly Dogs!!

    Basenji Talk
    18
    0 Votes
    18 Posts
    6k Views
    GoobyG
    The only sweat glands on a dog are on the feet. They keep their foot pads supple, but also sent mark the trail. I actually like the way goober smells. Probably because I grew up with a dish called Frito and Chili pie. My old dog Missy had the standard stinky dog smell which I wasn't too fond of, but I didn't hate it enough to give her a bath more than once a month. I wonder if th
  • Dog escape

    Basenji Talk
    4
    0 Votes
    4 Posts
    2k Views
    luzmery928L
    Who let the fox in..hahaha