My dog sleeps alot and I want an activity to do with him that's fun. Any ideas?

Question

He's a Basenji, a rare breed found in Africa. They're prertty active, but he's not. I'm really wanting to get him off the couch more, but he never listens to me. Help!!!

Answer 1

Hi there again...you may want to have his thyroid level checked. Basenjis are susceptible to thyroid problems. The symptoms include lethargy, bad skin. Let the vet give him a good once over.

Answer 2

My new puppy sleeps 20 hours a day! But when he's not falling asleep, I take him on walks and runs and he LOVES it! Just make sure you bring plenty of water in a little water battle and tupperware bowl you can set down anywhere. You can literally run your dog into the ground if you're not careful.
That way, you can rest assure knowing that your dog is sleeping because he's actuallyl tired out from a fun activity instead of tired from being unhealthy.
If the overtiredness lasts for more than 20 hours a day, see your vet, your dog could have one of many health problems including Parvo; Thyroid problems; or other puppy/dog diseases.
Good luck and I hope this helps!

Answer 3

That is not right. How old is he? Even when alone they should be pretty active.. not couch potatoish anyway.

If this is normal behavior.. strange dog... but famous breed for being 'strange'. If this is since a while you may want to check with a vet, He could be having kidney problems and that puts anyone in a couch mode.

Answer 4

basenjis have a mind of thier own as u might already know so it could be hard but try agility or fly ball. try to get her in an activity like that.

Answer 5

i have a really old dog whos supose 2 have a lot of energy, shes always outside, and thats wat keeps her giong, i think that you should take him to the beack or go on a walk where you dont need a leash. dogs like to have their freedom off a leash. i take my dog 4 a long walk 2 keep her healthy and keep her giong, maybe u should consider giong on a walk, or keeping him outside 4 a whole day, or even buy treats and toys, my dogs do tricks for those things. i think keeping him outside 4 a whole day would be best with a walk.

Answer 6

it really depends on your dog's personality and your enthusiasm.

Here are my favorite games (each of my dogs perfer a different game):

- Dog Tennis: I (and sometimes a friend) take a tennis racket and hit the ball around. My dogs like to chase it.
- Dog Soccer: play soccer w/ them with a slightly deflated soccer ball.
- Find it! I hide a dog toy and my dog finds it.

One of my dogs doesn't like toys - he only likes good ol' fashion personal interaction like walking, wrestling, or hiking.

Good luck! Just keep trying things. And keep it short at first- about 20 minutes so your dog doesn't get bored.

Answer 7

Have you tried a dog park or beach. They are so fun and there is a ton of dogs there so he wont be playing alone. Or maybe set up playdates with another dog. That will almost force him to wanna have fun and be active.

Answer 8

Dogs of all sorts love to walk.. Buy a lease and get him out of the house.. The more sights and sounds, the better

Answer 9

FETCH!!! (Try to not do it with a stick. I saw something on Animal Planet Emergency Vets, and this lady was playing fetch with her dog. The dog fetched the stick, and it got caught in his thoat! Was not pretty.)

Answer 10

Have a friend bring over their dog, this always works with my lazy dog. They will run and wrestle, and after your friend leaves he should want to play more often. My dog always does