@basenjicurious
It’s great that you’re doing your homework on the basenji. I think the reason you read all these “horror stories” is because they are not your typical dog. They are a beautiful and highly intelligent breed with a very strong prey drive. My Kembe is my first basenji but I was familiar with the breed because my brothers were basenji owners. I got her when she was 1years old - she was returned to the breeder by the previous owners. Kembe has never been destructive, she has free reign of our house, and I can leave her at home alone. It’s extremely important to exercise them regularly - especially exercise and stimulate their minds, and establish a routine (I can set my watch to my dog). They are definitely trainable - it scares me to see how smart she is and also well behaved. Basenjis are extremely lovable and hilariously funny. If I have a treat that my dog especially likes - she will do her whole “repertoire of tricks” without me even asking her. She dances to let me know it’s time to eat and will sit right next to me and hit me with her paw when she wants to go for her walk.
I think our basenji chose us - when we went to the breeders home to look at her - She jumped up next to my husband on the couch and curled up! I was sold on her! I really hope you find a basenji that right for you!
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Things I have learned from/since getting my Basenji…
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8. That food MUST be for me!!
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Yep, you're hooked!
I don't even get upset at chewed furniture anymore… I figure it will always be there to remind me of them! -
Basenji Wish List
Sunshine, full belly,
toys, treats, races with my friends
warm bed at night, bliss -
oooooh, that's lovely eee!
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Basenji Wish List
Sunshine, full belly,
toys, treats, races with my friends
warm bed at night, blissa haiku! yay!
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9- There unconditional love.
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Anything that falls on the floor is mine!
If I can take it from you-it's mine! -
12- Things on counter tops are there to help me keep mentally and physically fit by figuring out how to get up there and doing it.
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LOL, btw– We have not one but 2 people wanting this dog (she opens jars of stewed tomatoes, no breaking of the jar or lid) and eats them. She came out of puppymill-- bless her heart she is making up for lost time! Opens cabinets... LOL, yes we learn a lot about the world, and how insane we must appear to others to enjoy it!
Her foster Mom says she’s breaking records for jumping up and on things such as the kitchen table and counter, without really pushing herself too hard. She’s learning not to counter surf and hop up on tables. Apparently, she has an aversion to hydrangeas–she's twice taken hydrangeas out of a vase (without upsetting the vase) while leaving other flowers alone, even if the other flowers are right next to the hydrangeas. She's responsive to training when she is caught in the act. She’s moving along with house breaking. The new forever family will have to continue to work with her on this.
Her behavior is mostly good when someone is home, but all bets are off when no humans are around. She's a Houdini, escaping from two different crates. She can open cabinets, jars, just about anything. Tansy is a very smart girl and needs a home that is basenji experienced and will stay one step ahead of her or at least try!!! She’s doing best in her foster home by confining her and the resident basenjis to only a couple of rooms, using two stacked baby gates across the door. This is less than ideal as there are still many things for them to get into, which they completely have done.
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LOL, btw– We have not one but 2 people wanting this dog (she opens jars of stewed tomatoes, no breaking of the jar or lid) and eats them. She came out of puppymill-- bless her heart she is making up for lost time! Opens cabinets... LOL, yes we learn a lot about the world, and how insane we must appear to others to enjoy it!
She sounds like little genius dog…I love dogs with smarts and opinions
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Debra - she sounds like a sister or soul mate of my Bungwa - at 7 he is still the same!
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I thought hydraneas were poisonous to dogs?
