Hello All

[etzbseder]

I have been on the forum for a little while and I am going to be getting my new basenji in about two weeks. As this is the first time I have bought a dog and I am trying to do it without my parents help (the usual dog owner/purchasers) I have a few questions that I would like answered.

How much should you feed a 5.5 month old and how often/when?

The breeder said to refrain from collars because they can get cought on cabinets and suc so to only use it when going out for walks and the like. Is this true?

He also said that Bs can get agressive towards unknown people and will atck intruders if the owner isn't there. I haven't heard that yet and didn't know if that was true either.

Does anyone know of a good trainer/training classes in south west denver, CO?

When I met with the dog and owner, I brought my parents dog, and the B was sniffing at my parents mutt and then nipped at his leg and got him to bark (very unusual). How common is this and ld I be worried,? The two dogs won't be together much and will always be attended anyway.

For all of you wanting to see, here is a pic of us, but when I get the B, I will take more pics of him for you all to see.

I also wanted to know if there should be a bill of sale or something.

[lvoss]

@etzbseder:

How much should you feed a 5.5 month old and how often/when?

The breeder should have told you the puppy's schedule and routine. I am feeding my 5 month old twice a day. She eats in the morning before her walk and again in the evening.

@etzbseder:

The breeder said to refrain from collars because they can get cought on cabinets and suc so to only use it when going out for walks and the like. Is this true?

I have never heard this as a reason for not wearing a collar in the house. Mine do not wear collars when they are home for two reason. The first is that as show dogs I do not want the collars to rub away hair and the second is with four that love to play and roughhouse I do not one to get caught on another's collar. Mine do all wear collars when we stay out of town and they are all microchipped.

@etzbseder:

Does anyone know of a good trainer/training classes in south west denver, CO?

Try http://www.apdt.com

@etzbseder:

I also wanted to know if there should be a bill of sale or something.

Yes, you should recieve a contract and a bill of sale stating the dog's name, registration number, sex, color, date of birth, sire and dam, and the purchase price.

[Quercus]

Ditto to what Lisa said. I would also make very, VERY sure that this puppy was well socialized the entire time he was at this man's house. You could be fighting an uphill battle if he has been hanging around with no socialization for the last three months. Some basenjis can and will get afraid of strangers if they aren't introduced to all kinds of people as puppies….and then they may growl and bite out of nervousness or fear. At this age, the puppy should be very outgoing and friendly when you meet him

[etzbseder]

thanks for some of your concerns. The puppy was extremely nice and was not afraid at all except for the one time my dog barked at him. I did meet the parents and they were also as gentle as could be, but he just said that it was a possibility for them to be agressive and attack if there were an intruder and I weren't around.

[tanza]

Have you talked to the man (breeder?, who is the breede?) about health issues and what testing has been done? There not only should be a bill of sale, but a contract… Is there are requirement to spay/neuter? Will your breeder be responsible to take the pup back during its lifetime regardless of the reason? Is your pup AKC registered? and are the registration papers in order? Has the pup been micro chipped?
I don't keep collars on in the house for the same reason that Lisa said, again we have multi basenjis... so chewing on the others during play happens quite a lot... for a single pup, I really don't see that as a problem.

[tanza]

That would be health testing on the parents of the pup… but also the pup should be up to date on shots also and you would want that information, again usually provided with a contract. If you are unfamilar with the health concerns in our breed, then please visit www.basenji.org and read about them. Anyone that is considering a new pup should know as much about the breed as they can….

[etzbseder]

Thank you for you feedback. This all looks good and I have been talking with him about his dogs' health issues, and yes there is testing, I am just writing here and to him simultaneously. No spay/neuter contract, but will take back if any problems. Yes AKC, no microchip, ( i can do that myself). It all looks to be in good order yes there is a contract he has. I just didn't see it in person, but over e-mail after i asked. again. Thank you for feedback. I think i should be in good shape now.

[dmcarty]

Many times when some breeders say they are health tested, they mean taken to a vet and checked out.

When we (breeders) say health testing this is what we mean:
Vet Opthamalogist - check for PPM, PRA etc. For a pet you would not need to have eyes that CERF but it's nice to know what you have.
OFA - puppy is too young to have hips done BUT parents should have and you should get a copy of the number - it is public information on the OFA website if you have part of the dogs registered name.
Parents checked regularly for fanconi? - while there is no diagnostic tests and we are working on a genetic marker - they should have their urine strip tested monthly
Pedigree check - what can your breeder tell you about the dogs in their pedigree. How long did they live - what they died from - their accomplishments as lure coursers, obedience, conformation etc.
Then you MUST get a 3 generation pedigree and most states have a puppy lemon law that provides you with legal rights for a period of time.
The contract should tell you if this is a pet or a show dog, you should have the AKC papers (and not pay extra for them).

Now if the dog you already have or have access to is a male - you best be getting the opposite gender - while you SOMETIMES can have 2 of the same gender get along - when it stops working - it stops.

[tanza]

And unless this is a show puppy that the breeder plans on showing, it really should be required to spay/neuter… IMO.... There is no reason to leave him in-tact....