Basenji Health Issues & Questions
Basenji Training
Here is the place to discuss training your Basenji (housebreaking, lure coursing, agility…).
It's a slow process, be patient and consistent with her. We adopted Bolt 6 years ago, he's 12 y/o and 3/4 Africain. We don't know his history, but at some point he got into a dog fight. He has the scars to prove it. When we walk, there are certain dogs that will trigger a violent reaction from him. Over the years I've gotten very good at reading other people, and how they walk their dogs, plus reading their dog's body language. A high straight up tail tightly wagging will send him off the rails. I've worked extensively with him to the point that he is manageable when he sees other dogs. I usually make him sit, or give as wide a distance as I can allow. BUT, he is a biter, so I'm extremely cautious when I'm around other people. All bets are off if that other dog is not leashed!! It does get better, and yes you can teach an older dog new behaviors, I certainly did.
Behavioral Issues
Basenjis' function in the wild is to go after small game. I expect mine to hunt (and kill if they catch them) squirrels and rabbits. Other dogs are a no-no ! Mine know I do not tolerate aggression to other dogs, regardless of their size.
We are just back from a long walk in the forest where my two ran free and hunted (abortively, nothing caught) with a Cocker Spaniel. We met and chatted with lots of other dogs of all shapes and sizes and their owners . Humans stopped to chat, dogs did the normal meet, greet and sniff and there was not a single cross word.
The only trainer mine have ever had is their own pack alpha - ME !
Do not let aggressive behaviour take hold. Nip it in the bud NOW.
Basenji Feeding
BTW - kong toys come in different sizes - I can see the problem occurring if the wrong size if given to the wrong dog - I have never had any problems with my dogs using these (I would stuff peanut butter plus kibble in them)
Lost and Found Dogs
Don't feed the trolls/spammers. Though usually here it doesn't matter, they hit and post and never return.
Basenji Puppy Pen
Post here tips on raising young Basenji.
Crate for sleeping at night should always be in the bedroom with their people. Should be close to the bed. I use wire crates and typically have more than one Basenji so the crates are all next to each other, but still in the room we sleep in. If an only Basenji should be next to your bed that that your pup knows where you are and you can dangle your fingers in the crate to assure them you are there. And cover the crate to make it more den like. Agree with a "crate buddy" stuffed big toy... and this crate buddy should only be used in the crate at night. I have never had any of my Basenjis sleep in any other room other then the one I sleep in. I also agree that in a car any dog should be confined in a crate, period.
Breeder Talk
Congrats!! You made a great choice! My first boy was out of one of their dogs and he was the best ️
