I've taken my previous basenjis to the closest dog park and everything was fine for the most part. There were occasional dominance type snarkiness events but only once did a real fight start (and the owners pulled their dog immediately). Never encountered a jerky owner. But I was very careful not to go when the prime times were - Saturday mornings (and if I had a day off then around noon) were usually the times only a handful of dogs were there and it was easy to keep an eye on them.
I haven't taken Gossy since she goes to doggy care once a week and has a lot of fun there. Also I've discovered that though she is exceptionally friendly, if another dog becomes nasty aggressive to her, she will definitely fight back. So the dog park will require more vigilence on my part I think - this park is half wooded and kind of large - I'm a firm believer in owner socialization comimg second to keeping a watchful eye on the dogs.
OMG!!!! Is our dog insane?????
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And once you keep to a routine they will not be as anxious when you leave. Our B's both know when the weekend is. They get quite upset when we go into town on the weekend to get groceries as it is 'out of the ordinary'. Maybe a Kong with peanut butter in it will keep her entertained while you are leaving.
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This is great news! That's what I did with Buddy, just leaving him loose while I did yard work and looking in the window, then going to the store and then just increasing the time. He does very well in a crate but leaving him in there all day is too long.
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Hopefully it will work for you. I haven't had a problem with leaving them out at night, now during the day, if they get PO'd at me, they may decide to redecorate one of the cushions! LOL
The only concern I would have with giving him the kong in the beginning is that he would finish it and then cry when he woke up. If you wait until he wakes up by himself and then potty him and give him the kong, then he may forget about crying by the time he finishes the kong. On the other hand, if you give him the kong when he wakes up, you may be re-enforcing the behaviour of waking up and crying to get what he wants. It's like a double edged sword-do you or don't you? This is a decision you will have to make and try out. Sorry I can't be of more help, but every dog is different, just like kids!
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This is such good news and now you can go from strength to strength.
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I hope your girl is okay! I had a foster who ate carpet before I obtained her and I did not know it-they put it in her crate. The strings were ripping her intestines and she had to have 50% of her intestines removed. Please have your girl x-rayed to determine if anything is stuck. My girl had to go to Gulf Coast Vet Specialists in Houston to have the surgery because my regular vet thought it could be complicated and it was!
Jennifer
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Hi, Zola's mommy, have you contacted her BRAT Coordinator?
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Hello Everyone,
I just wanted to give you all a further report on Queen Zola! Today was a GREAT day for her. I don't know if it's the DAP diffuser, the calming collar, the Thunder Shirt, or just the fact that we have been slowly training her to be loose in the house by increasing her "alone" time. But today was a big test for Zola: it was the first day she was alone in the house for a full 8 hours…. and she did WONDERFUL!!!!! I have taken the advice of most of you and left her with a "smart toy" to challenge her and keep her busy. I was SO excited to call my hubby and tell him that I walked into the house today to find her sitting in her spot on the couch... quietly... no accidents or disasters awaiting me. It was GREAT!!!!!
Tomorrow is a really long day for us so Zola gets to go to doggy daycare! I just wanted to follow up with all of you. We are so proud of our girl. And yes, we have been talking with our BRAT coordinator almost daily through this first month. We are just so happy!!!!! And so is Queen Zola!
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YAY for Zola!!! This sounds wonderful, good for you guys.
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oh that's wonderful news!!!! Please don't be alarmed or overly upset by any set backs. That's normal. (Or maybe you turned a corner never to go back)
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This is really good news and well done to you both. Yes you may have setbacks but don't be disheartened. Thank you ofor the update.
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What happy great news to read!~
