Looking for Basenji in South Carolina (Prefer Young) ( Will pay :) )
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Some basenjis give unconditional love…but not all! You have to work for their love and respect, and mutual respect is the best kind of human-basenji relationship, at least IMHO.
And yes, that blank stare..."why are you yelling? please don't disturb me while I eat this couch"........ -
The more homework you do before you get this breed, the less grief you will have!
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Welcome to the forums.
I have to agree that reading about a basenji is a lot different that living with one. Cody is my first dog (besides the ones that I grew up with as a child and teenager). I got him a year and a half ago when I was a senior in college, and I just knew that I was ready. I had done the research, understood their good and bad sides, was aware of their little quirks, and I was pretty sure I could handle living with a basenji. Let's just say that it was quite a struggle at first. It's one thing to read about the destruction they cause, but it's entirely different when you come home to shredded blinds, holes in the carpet, chewed window and door moldings, pots and pans pulled from previously closed cabinets, plants knocked over and soil trampled into the carpet, etc, and there's your beloved basenji, innocently sitting amidst the chaos. BTW, that was all in less than 20 minutes… I had left him to go exchange his crate for a larger size. He also decimated my wardrobe that first year, and still has an affinity for jeans, bras, and zippers. Luckily, the training process works both ways... I have been trained to pick up my stuff if I don't want it destroyed, because if he can reach it, it's fair game.I'm not trying to discourage you from getting a basenji; I'm just saying that spending time with one or a few will give you a better perspective. I think fostering is a great idea. You could try posting something on craigslist about hanging out with someone's basenji. In hindsight, I wish that I would have spent time with a few. If you weren't so far away, I'd let you "borrow" Cody for a weekend (well, as long as Cody approved, that is).
You also mentioned getting a dog to keep you entertained. Basenjis are independent. While you may laugh at their antics (I think they are better than television!), they kind of just do their own thing. With Cody, sometimes he wants to play with me, but most of the time he's perfectly happy entertaining himself. They aren't really out to please humans. I'm pretty sure Cody thinks it's the other way around: humans were put on this planet to do his bidding.
Along with BRAT, keep checking out the "Rescues and Homes Needed" section. Quite a few people will post basenjis that they come across on Craigslist and Petfinder. There are also a few responsible breeders on here that are rehoming basenjis, although none that I know of in the Carolinas.
Welcome again and good luck!
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^ i could not agree more with your post! life with a basenji is 100% on its terms, not yours!
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Crystalncody…. well done!!! Great post for anyone to take to heart!!!
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Crystalncody and Tlish…you hit the "IT" button head on..it is truly a life on their terms...and come to find out..they train us humans well for it...your life will never be the same again..for the better, in my opinion.
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ROFLMAO, I would really resent the info that the dogs train us and we live on their terms… except sadly, there's a lot of truth to it.
I think it is a matter of understanding the breed you have and knowing what the limitations are.
It's like teaching a chow to get obedience titles. Very few do because well, this is so true... and a lot of it is true for basenjis. Thankfully Chows are rarely destructive... paper goods seem to be the norm, lol.
So people see Wishbone and want a JRT, except that's not what those…lol well even the owners call them "crack russel terrors". They need a job and tons of exercise.
I wouldn't lay down and just accept your dog will be busy, destructive and a total thief of all things chewable. But the Arabs have a great saying... trust in G-d but tie your camel.
Train your dog but put your valuables away. :)
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Ah yes, my house has never been so tidy since I've had basenjis. Used to leave shoes, sweaters etc. out. No more. And my guests learn than any used kleenex or paper products must be disposed of immediately!
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I have never thought of Basenjis looking like they could be ASD but can certainly see why people may think so ;)
I once had someone tell me that my last Basenji, Benji was stone deaf. I guess he had tried to interact with him and i hadn't noticed until he gave me the diagnosis ;)
Last week a lady suggested i shorten Malaika's name to get her to come back. I didn't bother telling her that Malaika's recall is practicaly perfect if there is only us on offer :D -
Dear Tekkster, you really should have experience, or else the many problems that arise from an untrained human result in a very fustrated Basenji!!! If you want entertainment, I just happened to have recently run into a lady with two hairless dogs. Talk about being entertained! The care needed is just like your own skin, lotion and sunblock, and putting clothes on them is recommended! Read the treads on this site and BRAT. Sooooooo many B's are given up by untrained and inexperienced humans! Good Luck in your search!
