I think any dog can do it trained or untrained. This work is in their DNA. Where the drive comes in is how long will the dog work the track, through what obstacles, distractions, and other issues that could cause the dog to lose it or quit. What we look for is a dog that has so much hot, off the charts drive for work, that it's scent memory retention is high. We look for dogs that once they engage, they do not quit. This is what separates the professional dogs from the amateurs and one of the main traits we look for for dogs that we provide for police, military, or SAR. The trait is not so much basenji as it is "dog" for us. We provide GSD's, Malinois, Dutch Shepherds, bloodhounds, goldens, and labs for work and this trait is important in each breed. What I have found with the basenji, and what originally drew me into the breed, was the "natural" drive for certain things; OCD in a way but with uncanny intelligence behind the OCD. It was almost preternatural in form and quite useful. It may be what is missing in certain other over bred domestic breeds. The problem is that is not all that common in the basenji either just different.
What foods are bad for Basenji's?
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I am looking to find out what foods are bad for Basenji? I do not want to give my baby anything bad for her or make that mistake. I do have two other dogs well Pups in the house and they are Shih Tzu one is half SCHNAUZER/ Shih Tzu. They are loves spoiled too.
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Here's a link on things bad for all dogs. Corn is only listed as 'corn on the cob', but many basenjis do not do well with any form of corn. You really have to read the ingredients on any bag of dog food to make the right decision. Feeding is a very personal thing. People on this forum feed either a high quality kibble or a raw diet (or a mix of both).
Quantity is also important. Feeding should be twice a day - try to stay away from 'free feeding'. Also important is your basenji's weight. You should be able to spread your hands over your basenji, with thumbs along the spine and fingers on each side, move your hands towards the tail and be able to feel ribs (though not see them). Hope this helps.
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Fran, thanks for the helpful link! My boy won't be living in a bubble, but all nutrition educational materials are so appreciated!
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Besides the usual stuff like onions, mine don't do well on dog foods that are over about 12% fat. Besides food, something few people seem to know is that dogs in general (and Basenjis in particular) are VERY sensitive to cleaners like Lysol, air/fabric fresheners like Febreeze, scented candles and rug deoderizers. I've stopped using ALL of the above after my female developed liver cancer and now make my own spray cleaner from baking soda, vinegar & borax…and amazingly, it works better!
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I prefer grain free or a single ingredient diet as many of my Basenjis including my rescues have had allergies.
Jennifer
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chocolate is a no no.
