@organicshadows - Don't feel judged, that is not what we are doing... just as been said, just honest opinions. And many, much, all of the things we have talked about goes for all breeds, not just Basenjis. And I laid out what I have done, because I could... the main point I wanted to make is that Basenji (and Whippet also for that matter since they are both sight hounds) is that they like windows to watch the world go by. And by window, NO blinds or you will find that redecorated as so to see out. Just as a point, I have friends that had many years ago a West Highland White Terrier, they lived in an apartment and she was the best pup... then they rearranged the room and she started to eat holes in the rug... until they figured out that they blocked her view of the outside... being bored in the house she showed her displeasure by eating holes in the rug. They put the room back the way it was and that all stopped period. The pup was happy! Just something to keep in mind.
2Bs vs 1B - How Much Different w/Multiples
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Thank you. One more question, they sleep together & play together when you are gone, does that mean you put them in the same crate? I was wondering if that would work…
I use gigantic crates and often put two dogs in one. Three works but they get real unhappy and testy. I have also crated the cat with Chip (when the others are gone) because otherwise he gets lonely and even in a crate he can cause a he** of a lot of trouble. Plus I dont want him to be lonely. The cat is pretty mellow - if the dogs dont chase him he is cool. (Pretested with Angel at the shelter)
Also, I was going to keep everything separate but decided not to. All food, water, toys, chewies are abundant and crate doors are left open when I am home. Dogs walk in and out of whatever crate they want. If it is crating time and two are in the same crate, I leave them together. They never know which crate they are going to end up in. The key is to have abundance for everyone so there is no competition over goodies. Even when I brought a new African home, he fell right into that pattern, tho he is still pretty anxious. The other African doesnt have a problem with the new boy wandering in and out of crates or taking a chewie that he just had, cause of the way he was raised. Of course, they are all on the same diet - otherwise I would likely do feedings when everyone is crated and leave the crates shut or the food out of reach otherwise - but I would still alternate crates and crate arrangements and enforce (abundant) communal toys and chewies.
Marie
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I use gigantic crates and often put two dogs in one. Three works but they get real unhappy and testy. I have also crated the cat with Chip (when the others are gone) because otherwise he gets lonely and even in a crate he can cause a he** of a lot of trouble. Plus I dont want him to be lonely. The cat is pretty mellow - if the dogs dont chase him he is cool. (Pretested with Angel at the shelter)
Also, I was going to keep everything separate but decided not to. All food, water, toys, chewies are abundant and crate doors are left open when I am home. Dogs walk in and out of whatever crate they want. If it is crating time and two are in the same crate, I leave them together. They never know which crate they are going to end up in. The key is to have abundance for everyone so there is no competition over goodies. Even when I brought a new African home, he fell right into that pattern, tho he is still pretty anxious. The other African doesnt have a problem with the new boy wandering in and out of crates or taking a chewie that he just had, cause of the way he was raised. Of course, they are all on the same diet - otherwise I would likely do feedings when everyone is crated and leave the crates shut or the food out of reach otherwise - but I would still alternate crates and crate arrangements and enforce (abundant) communal toys and chewies.
Marie
What are your african's registered names?
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Darn, now I want a new B, my Sahara is Queen of the house, I believe she is alpha. Should I look for another female,or male pup? Anyone know of breeders in NC? Basenji B, do you like the same sex together when there is 2, or opposite sex?
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The general rule of thumb is that its a male/female pairing to have the best results.
If not, then male/male.
Female to female is not recommended, tho there are some who do it successfully.
As with people, dogs like some and not the other..so introducations can make all the difference with this going well. -
General rule is male/female… as the best pairings... and that is the normal recommendation give. 90% of the time holds true
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well i have three the reason why we got the 2nd is becuase our mail had very bad separation anxiety and it because 100% better when we got the 2nd they are inseparable
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About six months ago, I added the second basenji to our household. Like you, I got on this site and ask opinions of 1 vs 2. Our gal was about 1 1/2 when we got our male, who was six months old.
It really worked out great in our case. Duchess was demanding an enornmous amount of attention, and now she and Ramses really enjoy having each other. They eat together-no problem, play together and share a huge crate at night time. Occasionly they get into a short ruckus over sleeping space, but a quick reprimand usually ends that.
As for walking. I do use two leads at times, but usually use a split lead that works quite well. Ramses had never been on a lead, or even inside a house, so he adapted wonderfully. I expected lots of problems but had very few. So I am very glad I decided to add the second one. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. -
Sorry, I am behind on this list, someone asked if I crate my 2 b's together.
Nope, they are free to run the house and yard when I am gone.
We shut the bathroom doors and keep the floor clean except for bones and doggie items.
But they usually sleep, unless they are outside in the backyard, enjoying the deck. -
I'm single also and was considering a second beastie - I've had El D (alpha male) for only a few months and he has the run of the house with no problems. Previously I had one (also male) for 6.5 years. Does it work better to have oppposite sex or can it work with 2 males?
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Opposite is usually better-but it can work with 2 males.
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I'm also single and have just 1 alpha male for only a few months (I previously had one male for 6 1/2 years) who has the run of the house while I'm at work with no problem. I'm considering getting a second one also. Is it more advisable to get a female or will 2 males work? Will the second learn pretty quickly from the first?
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Sorry for the second post - for some reason my computer was doing funny things.
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I really think male/female is the best…but Arlene is right 2 boys can make a nice pack, if they get along temperment wise.
I do believe the first dog will teach the second dog the routine.
I have seen that in my house.
IMO, 2 b's are better than just having one.
They are company for each other. -
There are a few considerations introducing any type of dog to a household with an established dog. Is this an older dog? Are they both neutered? Will you be introducing an older or younger dog?
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This is my second time around with Basenji's. My first two were one female (spayed) and a male (Liter mates). My female lived 15 years and the male, 17 years. I got them at the same time, so don't have the expeirence of adding one that time. I was always convinced they lived long healthy lives because they had each other.
Ten years later, I acquired my female. When she was 1 1/2, we decided to add one more, and this time also a male. (Chosen for his domestic qualities and championship line. As I said before. Only a few minor problems adding the second one The female has always been just crazy about him, and they are ideal companions.
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Introducing the 2 dogs can be the key.
Where are you getting your second basenji from? -
Add me to the chorus wherein 2 B's are actually an improvement over having only 1. When I see other people with only 1 dog, I feel sorry for the dog. They are naturally social pack-oriented animals. I also agree on the common advice of pairing opposite sexes, or if it works out, two males. 2 females rarely work out…I know, because I fostered a few females, and my resident female always made it clear that only one queen could rule the roost.
When we got Buddy, our first B, he was always chasing the resident cats and chewing on things. When we brought home Bella, his pesky behaviors immediately ceased and they bonded within a few weeks.
2 B's are easier than 1!
Also agree on the need to let the B's work disagreements out on their own. 95% of the time, it seems, major disagreements are triggered by human behaviors. Example: last week, my daughter scolded Buddy for reaching for something on an end table. That got him thinking "If I can't have it, then sure as heck, Tippy can't either, and I better make sure he understand that!!!" Then, Buddy went after Tippy in a "kick the dog" frustration reaction.
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As much as I would love to have a second beastie right now and I fully understand the social part, there's a matter of what to do with two when I'm out of town and, of course, finances - two vet bills, two boarding charges. At present I'm trying to get EL D used to my brother's dogs so I can board with my brother - he has a backyard kennel but not a fenced yard. El D will +/- ignore the miniature schnauser but attacks the puppy black lab. And until he feels more comfortable with my brother's family (even without the other dogs) I wouldn't leave him. So one will have to do for now.
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Okay Kim, I lost my first Basenji last year after sisteen years so last November I purchased a new puppy female brindle. Four week later I purchased a male puppy from the same litter. I have now had them for a year just about. I have had very good luck with both and they do well together. The cost is double and the food is double everthing is double. The only problem I can say that I have had is that if one doesn't sleep well than you have two that are not sleeping well. I do walk them together on a double leash and they walk well together. If I go somewhere I take them both, a little more work and if I have to board them that cost more to. But if I had it to do again I would get two again but mine have been together from the begining. Good luck
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As much as I would love to have a second beastie right now and I fully understand the social part, there's a matter of what to do with two when I'm out of town and, of course, finances - two vet bills, two boarding charges. At present I'm trying to get EL D used to my brother's dogs so I can board with my brother - he has a backyard kennel but not a fenced yard. El D will +/- ignore the miniature schnauser but attacks the puppy black lab. And until he feels more comfortable with my brother's family (even without the other dogs) I wouldn't leave him. So one will have to do for now.
Certainly two + won't work for everyone for a variety of reasons–-lifestyle, finance, spousal tolerance, lease/rental agreements, etc.
But it IS nice when they have a buddy.
