@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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Basenji sitter urgently needed
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Thanks for your replies. Because of the challenging issues I am nervous about hiring a stranger to live in my house, sleep with the dogs, and take them for walks, which are a two-person job. There is a high risk that the male would escape and/or chew through the leash. I did board them with the breeder but they were crated and the male damaged the heavy-duty crate as well as his teeth, so it was a disaster. I’m trying to find a solution where they would be safe and not traumatized/crated.
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@rosamunde Is there no way for you to take them on your trip (with you)?
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@rosamunde said in Basenji sitter urgently needed:
Thanks for your replies. Because of the challenging issues I am nervous about hiring a stranger to live in my house, sleep with the dogs, and take them for walks, which are a two-person job. There is a high risk that the male would escape and/or chew through the leash. I did board them with the breeder but they were crated and the male damaged the heavy-duty crate as well as his teeth, so it was a disaster. I’m trying to find a solution where they would be safe and not traumatized/crated.
If I was in this situation I would investigate professionals in my area and get them familiar with my dogs and routine, by walking the dogs with me and spending time in my house. Most professional dog sitters are bonded, so the security risks are less, but they need to know the dogs and the routine and understand thoroughly how they react to situations, and their quirks, such as leash chewing. Even if you don't anticipate having to leave them for a trip, IMO it's good to have someone, either a friend or professional, who could step up and care for them in unexpected circumstances. When I broke my ankle four years ago my dog walker immediately took over while I was in hospital, and I had no worries about my boy.
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Unfortunately can’t bring them with me because I’m traveling too far.
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@eeeefarm Thanks for the suggestion, great idea. How did you find your sitter/walker?
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I found her when I saw her walking dogs down my street, shortly after we moved here, but there are a couple more in my area that advertise. Do an online search and you may turn up some, or ask at your veterinarian's office or local pet food store. Before I moved to my current location I had long time friends and neighbours who would help out in a pinch, and there was also a farm sitter who would deal with the dogs when she came to do the horses. I am guessing if you inquire you will find there are some in your area, and hopefully more than one so you can pick and choose.
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@eeeefarm Thank you so much for your advice. You’re very helpful!
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@rosamunde said in Basenji sitter urgently needed:
@eeeefarm Thank you so much for your advice. You’re very helpful!
I hope you can find someone reliable. I actually had two women who run their business together. Neither had had a Basenji before, but they got on well with my boy. The first time I asked for overnight sitting I said "I hope you don't mind sleeping with my dog" and the response was laughter and the statement "We sleep with a lot of clients' dogs!" A good dog sitter/walker enjoys the company of all different types of dogs. My boy was popular because of his quirks. He always made them laugh!
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@eeeefarm Your story is inspiring and gives me hope! It would be wonderful to find a sitter like the one you describe. With time and patience, I hope to find a good person.
