Ronin's Adventures

Hello friends and fellow pup-lovers! My name is Nick and I've got a furry friend that I'm dying to introduce you to. I love this boy with all my heart and want to share his adventures with the world! Meet Ronin, my Basenji mix (with what, I'm not quite sure - but does it really matter?).

As a first-time dog owner, I was blown away by how smart and compassionate Ro is. He's got a personality all his own, and he's not afraid to show it. Whether he's snuggled up next to me on the couch or chasing after a toy in the backyard, he's always up for some quality time.

Now, I know what you're thinking: "Basenji? What's that? Or, thats the bark-less dog, right?" Well, let me tell you, Ronin is the exception to the rule. Though he doesn't bark or yodel - he's got his own language and he makes his presence felt everywhere he goes. He's got plenty to say, especially when he wants a treat or a belly rub.

Now, I'll be the first to admit - this little guy can be a handful. Most of the time he's way too smart for his own good. He's always one step ahead of me, which initially made training a challenge. But we worked together and formed an incredible bond that I'm excited to share with all of you. He's just so dang unique and lovable.

So, that's Ronin in a nutshell - a one-of-a-kind Basenji mix who's equal parts love and curiosity. I've got plenty of stories to share about my best friend, and I can't wait to share them.

When I adopted Ronin in March of 2021, he was just a little ball of energy who had no idea how to behave. The animal shelter told me that he was aggressive towards other dogs, but I quickly realized that he was just scared and in need of some guidance. With a little patience and a lot of training, Ronin has transformed into a well-behaved, friendly pup who loves to play with other dogs and meet new people.

As Ronin approaches his third birthday in June, I'm so grateful for the joy and companionship that he's brought into my life. He's not just a dog - he's a member of my family, and I can't imagine my life without him. Whether we're snuggling on the couch, going for a walk in the park, or exploring a new hiking trail, he's always by my side, ready for adventure.

Training Ronin was definitely a challenge at first - he was so smart and curious that he always wanted to be doing his own thing. But as we spent more time together, we developed a strong bond and he started to listen to my commands. Now, he's a pro at walking on a leash, following basic commands, and even doing some fun tricks like "sit" and my mom's favorite "sit pretty." It's been amazing to see him grow and learn over the past few months.

When I first brought Ronin home, I quickly realized that his love of chewing was a major issue. He would chew anything he could get his teeth on, from the couch cushions to the wooden windowsill. No toy was safe - he would tear apart even the most durable chew toys in a matter of minutes. It was frustrating and expensive, and I was worried about the damage he was doing to my home.

I tried a variety of different chew toys and treats to try and redirect his chewing behavior, but nothing seemed to work. I was especially worried about the potential digestive issues that could arise from rawhide and bones, given Ronin's sensitive stomach. I knew I needed to find a solution that would keep him entertained and satisfied without causing any harm.

Eventually, I discovered the magic of antler chews. These hard, natural chews are incredibly durable and long-lasting, honestly almost indestructible. Ronin absolutely loves them. It's like giving him a tiny tree trunk to gnaw on LOL. They've completely stopped his destructive chewing behavior and given him a safe, healthy way to satisfy his urge to chew. It's been a game-changer for both of us, and I'm so grateful to have found a solution that works so well. Since I didn't know about these when I first became a dog dad, check them out here if you're interested in giving them a try! They took away a LOT of stress from the both of us.

Amazon Brand – Wag Deer Antler Chew, Naturally Shed, Whole, Large 8–9.5 inches

That being said, I want to share a recent adventure that Ronin and I went on to a local apple orchard. As a dog owner, I know how important it is to give a dog plenty of freedom, exercise and stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. This apple orchard is the perfect way to do just that.

Each time we arrive at the orchard, I made sure to do my safety checks before letting Ronin off-leash. I look for parked cars nearby, indicating that other people are around, and I also keep an eye out for any other dogs or animals that might be in the area. Once I'm satisfied that we are in a safe and dog-friendly environment, I unhook his leash and let him run free. This is where the zoomies kick in (my absolute favorite thing to watch).

It's always amazing to see Ronin's joy as he runs through the rows of apple trees. He loves to sprint ahead of me and then double back, making sure that I'm both watching, and waiting for me to catch up before taking off again. He has the time of his life, and it makes me happy to see him so happy.

This past trip was especially humorous. We continued our walk through the snow covered orchard and came across a running river. It was interesting to see considering it was February and there were about 5 inches of snow on the ground. Now, most dogs would have stopped and waited for their owner to cross, but not Ronin. He took one look at that river and decided he was going to jump right over it. But then he came back, waited for me to cross, and sprinted full speed towards it just to show me how much he's improved his jump. I have never seen him so happy and full of energy. We jumped back and forth over that river for a good ten minutes, and by the time we were done, Ronin was panting and happy. I felt good knowing that I had given him the chance to get out and explore his surroundings.

Now, I know what some of you might be thinking - "Letting your dog off-leash like that is risky! What if he runs away or gets lost?" And believe me, I understand those concerns. When I first got him it was a big and scary thing for me. We had to develop a system that started with trust. That's why it's also important to do your safety checks and make sure you're in a dog-friendly environment before letting your pup off-leash.

I truly believe that giving a dog the chance to run free and explore their surroundings is so important for their mental and physical well-being. I would get nervous when Ro would run out of my sight for a good long minute, then come back as if nothing happened. That foundation of trust is essential for creating a lasting and loving bond with your pup. Plus, the joy that it brings to both you and your dog is truly priceless.

As an owner of an active dog like Ronin, I've learned that it's so important to keep him engaged and stimulated. And taking him on adventures like this is the perfect way to do just that. He's not just a pet to me - he's a beloved family member, and I want to make sure he's happy and healthy. I'm so excited to continue sharing Ronin's adventures with all of you, and I hope that they inspire you to get out and explore with your own furry friends.