Hello everyone!
My name is Michael and I'm a 23 year old student at San Diego State University. I recently adopted a now 9-month-old Jack Russell Basenji. I found him in an ad on craigslist; he belonged to a nice woman with 4 children and a small apartment who simply couldn't adequately care for the dog. I feel unbelievably lucky having gotten the dog, vaccinated, 50 pounds of food, bowls, toys, nail clipper, and his bed all for free. They originally named him Smokey but I renamed him Oscar. He has, without a doubt, changed my life. Unbelievably energetic/hyper at times, but also very mellow and relaxed at other times. He is very intelligent and curious, looking at every person we pass by, right between the eyes. I was easily able to teach him a plethora of tricks http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-g0bUGvgBYU&feature=youtu.be , however he was pretty difficult to potty train and still barks at random people at random times. I live in an apartment, not particularly big, so I assume his hyperactive spurts are the result of feeling pent up. I take him on at least 2 walks a day. I am only assuming he is part basenji based on his appearance. So if you think otherwise, I'm interested to know. He is not neutered and I am hesitant to have him fixed, although also have been told it may help to calm him down. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
I would definitely have him neutered! He is older now so he is mostly grown and for health reasons. I find that my dogs that I have had neutered at a younger age do not mark/lift their legs nearly as much as intact dogs or dogs neutered when they are older.
Jennifer
Welcome to the Forum. Great video. He is certainly very smart and what a cute looking boy!! I personally don't see Basenji in him but then again who knows!
Hi Michael, welcome to the forum! Your Oscar reminds me of my Joker, who is supposed to be a rat terrier, but my vet suspected he had some basenji in him. I loved your video, and you seem to be the type of person filled with positive reinforcement. Whether Oscar has basenji or terrier in him, I think it's important to give high praises when he does his business outside, to include loving scratches behind the ears, lol. On the other hand, if you come home and there's been an accident, I wouldn't "rub his nose in it", but I would carry him over to the spot and gently scold him, "Oh Oscar, what did you do?" And then I'd promptly take him outside and when he potties, high praises again.
Think of Oscar as a 4 year old child… while they don't necessarily understand the words, they understand when you are happy or sad. He is in good hands with you, and with time, he will behave better inside... but I agree with others that it would be good to get him neutered.
Hugs, wags, and roos! 
