Activities For Eskenjis

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Activities For Eskenjis

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Introduction

Eskenjis are a mixed breed combining Basenjis with American Eskimos. Your pup will retain the fluffy white fur of the American Eskimo dog and the escape artist energy level of the Basenji. A medium-sized pooch, your Eskenji will need routine grooming and 90 minutes of exercise per day to be a happy pup. If you have a fenced-in yard, it is still best not to leave Fido out there alone for long periods of time as Basenjis are notorious for their Houdini-like talent at escaping the most impossible confinements.

American Eskimo dogs love snow, and your mixed breed will most likely enjoy snow and cold weather to some "degree."

Hiking

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Any Day

Cheap

Normal

90 min

Items needed

Leash

Harness

Water Bowl

Activity description

Your Eskenji is a breed that loves to be outside. While you can move most activities indoors, your pup is sure to enjoy outdoor activities the best. Hiking for 90 minutes is one way to let your pooch work off some of their boundless energy.

If you live in an area that has a state park, many of the trails there will likely be accessible for dogs as long as Fido is on a leash. Basenjis are very curious dogs, so an Eskenji will enjoy exploring the forest trails. Don't forget to bring some water!

Step

Find a park

Your first order of business before starting off on a hike is to check that your local or state-operated parks allow dogs. Many do, with the stipulation that owners must clean up after their pups. If you can’t find a local park that is dog-friendly, a long walk around your neighborhood will suffice.

Step

Purchase a proper harness

Basenjis are slippery little escape artists. There’s no doubt that trait will show up in your Eskenji, making harnesses a necessary item for your hike. As a medium-sized breed, you have to take measurements for your pup to make sure the harness fits correctly. A too-tight harness is uncomfortable and a too-loose one risks escape, which is what you’re trying to avoid.

Step

Grab a doggy backpack

Both Basenjis and American Eskimos are working dogs who enjoy having a job. For your hike, your pup’s job can be carrying water and a water dish in a special doggy backpack. Don’t put treats in the backpack or they will be trying to eat them for the entire hike, but give treats when you are training your dog to wear a backpack.

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Teach Fido How to Run on a Treadmill

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Any Day

Moderate

Hard

90 mins

Items needed

Treadmill

Treats

Activity description

Yes, dogs can use treadmills, too! You can train your pup to use a human treadmill or purchase a safer treadmill that is made just for dogs. Treadmills can be loud, which some dogs will need time to accept.

One method to train your dog to use a treadmill is to stand in front of it, giving treats as encouragement. You can hold onto a leash while your dog is walking the treadmill, but don’t tie the leash to the machine or leave a leashed dog unattended on a treadmill, as the leash can get stuck and become a choking hazard.

Of course, if your dog is absolutely terrified of the treadmill, don’t press the issue. Find another activity.

Step

Purchase a treadmill for your dog

Given an Eskenji's medium size, you need a treadmill that is large. If you already have a treadmill, you can use that or you can buy a special treadmill manufactured for dogs. Training your dog is a great indoor activity that can be done if the weather outside is too cold for Fido.

Step

Walk alongside the treadmill

Before you start turning the treadmill on, make it a game of walking on the turned-off treadmill to help ease your dog’s anxiety. Your pup might be frightened of the treadmill at first. If you feel that they can be trained to enjoy the activity, reassure your pup by walking next to the treadmill or on it with them if there is room.

Step

Gradually increase speed

When you do eventually turn the treadmill on, you want to start at the slowest speed possible. If your dog enjoys the activity and isn’t afraid, slowly increase the speed over time. Don’t expect your pup to run on the treadmill from the beginning. Use treats as needed for encouragement and positive reinforcement.

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Jumping Through a Hoop

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Sunny Day

Cheap

Hard

90 mins

Items needed

Hoop

Treats

Water

Activity description

Hoops aren’t just for waists; they can be used as an obstacle for dogs to jump through. This activity is a difficult one to train your pup to do, but Eskenjis are intelligent enough to learn and the perfect size for the hoop. Basenjis love to jump, so your Eskenjis should be a natural at this activity.

You’ll need a lot of treats and a lot more patience, but this is an easier option than setting up and taking down a full-blown obstacle course every day. Once you’ve trained your dog to jump through hoops, you can break the party trick out at BBQs and picnics to impress all of your friends!

Step

Purchase a hoop

Hoops are very cheap and easy to find. Just look in the toy section of any department store. The hoop doesn’t have to be any special color, though dogs do see yellow and blue better than red and purple. Your dog will probably spend the first training session sniffing out the hoop.

Step

Train your pup to jump on command

Training your dog to jump on command is half the battle in getting them to jump through hoops. Of course, you should have already taught your dog not to jump, so Fido might find jumping on command confusing at first. As with all training, patience is the key.

Step

Reward with treats

Since you’ll be dispensing a lot of treats, you might want to consider giving one piece of kibble at a time and using diced carrots or other healthy treats so that your dog doesn’t get sick. Overfeeding dogs with treats can lead to picky eating behavior at mealtime. Jumping through hoops is a difficult trick, so use praise as another encouragement to go with the treats.

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More Fun Ideas...

Mountain Climbing

This activity is similar to hiking, but at a higher elevation. The Eskimo part of your pup will enjoy the cooler weather while the Basenji will enjoy the climbing. It will give Fido a chance to work off their excess energy. Make sure the mountain range is dog-friendly and feasible or you’ll be carrying your pup back down the mountain.

Fetch

Fetch is a simple game, but it’s also the favorite of many dogs. Basenjis and Eskimo dog breeds are both very playful, giving you a pup with double the playfulness. Before you begin to play fetch, teach your dog the “drop it” command or your pooch will retrieve the ball and play keep away with you.

Conclusion

Basenji and American Eskimo mixed breeds are quite rare, so you’re in for quite a treat with your Eskenji! Their luxurious white coat can be hot for them in the summer months, so it’s important not to over-exercise them. Conversely, they may refuse to come indoors during snowstorms.

Your pup will have a very high level of energy and will require at least 90 minutes of exercise daily, maybe more. Hiking, jumping through hoops, and the treadmill are three great activities that should tire Fido out for a little while. A high-energy dog can be annoying, and you might feel like putting them outside in the yard, but Basenjis are known for scaling high fences and escaping, so it’s best to supervise them when they are outside. Taking the time to find fun activities you both enjoy is better than hoping they run off their energy in the yard, and you both will enjoy them, too!