The ears say Basenji. I have never replied but felt I had to this time. I have a Basenji-Pitbull mix named Daisy. It was Daisy's ears (and behavior) that I discovered her to be part Basenji. I have not found another breed with the ears such as Basenji's have. I'm sure I will get "crap" because I have not had DNA or other testing done but there is no mistaking, Daisy is part Basenji. I think its important to know if your dog is part Basenji because in Daisy's case she is 98% Basenji and 2% pitbull concerning her behaviors and personality. Daisy is 2 years old and it has been quite a learning experience owning such a smart, stubborn, loving, mind of her own, amazing dog! Daisy is a mix but I have to train, teach, go outside to yell out frustrations cause of her (and no I'm not kidding, but never in front of her) and all that goes with a pure Basenji because trying to train her like a normal dog does not work.
Need help, is a basenji right?
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You sure sound like you are doing your homework on this. The idea to take mom along to the breeder is the best suggestion yet. She'll have a chance to get all her questions answered there. And as long as you recognize that you have to put in a lot of time in training your dog (no matter what breed) I think you'll do fine. Good luck.
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Ah, puppies…..much more fun to think about than to live with, hehe. They require a lot of time, training and love. They shouldn't be in a crate all day, then all night and just taken out to play with a bit, they need a lot of human care, and yes, it might be your mom the pup bonds with, you have to realize that up front. Your whole family needs to be committed to help you with the pup, too, or there will be resentment later on. You are in school, gone all day. Are you in any after-school activities? Sports or things to do on weekends? Study at night? Hard to do those things with a set of puppy teeth sunk in your leg, or when you have to clean the carpet 'cause YOUR pup had an accident. Getting a puppy is a huge commitment in time and work. I don't want to discourage you, just to be sure you eyes are wide open. And if you really accept all the hard work that will come with the pup, go for it. You are braver than I am!
Anne in Tampa, who won't take a dog younger than 2!
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I have to come VERY close to agreeing with "Anne in Tampa, who won't take a dog younger than 2!" (MacPack). I will go lower (depending upon the situation) but it would take a lot of talking to convince me to take a young puppy. Cory is our first basenji and she was 9 months old when we got her. Our previous two dogs were approximately 2 when we adopted them as rescues. The first two were little puppies. To paraphrase and totally misquote Scarlett O'Hara: As God is my witness, I'll never housebreak again! The nice thing about getting an older dog or older puppy: They've probably been house broken and crate trained and, even better, someone has evaluated their personality. When you get an adult dog or an older puppy, you have a better idea as to whether or not they are on the high end or low end when it comes to destructive tendencies. I think that there are people for whom a puppy is the perfect match and there are people for whom an older dog is a perfect match. If your mother is concerned about what destruction the dog might do and what work she might be stuck with, I think you might have an easier time selling your mother on the idea of a dog that is already housebroken and crate trained.
Best wishes in your search,
Pat -
your life will be very unsettled for the next few years, finishing school, going to college or work, getting your own place, dating, etc. do you really want a dog? will you really have time to be a good basenji owner?if you want to go out with friends after work, (in 3 years), will the dog be in a crate day and night? and then, when you do come home, you'll be ready for bed, not play. a cat, ferret or lower energy dog might be a better choice.
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I have to come VERY close to agreeing with "Anne in Tampa, who won't take a dog younger than 2!" (MacPack). I will go lower (depending upon the situation) but it would take a lot of talking to convince me to take a young puppy. Cory is our first basenji and she was 9 months old when we got her. Our previous two dogs were approximately 2 when we adopted them as rescues. The first two were little puppies. To paraphrase and totally misquote Scarlett O'Hara: As God is my witness, I'll never housebreak again! The nice thing about getting an older dog or older puppy: They've probably been house broken and crate trained and, even better, someone has evaluated their personality. When you get an adult dog or an older puppy, you have a better idea as to whether or not they are on the high end or low end when it comes to destructive tendencies. I think that there are people for whom a puppy is the perfect match and there are people for whom an older dog is a perfect match. If your mother is concerned about what destruction the dog might do and what work she might be stuck with, I think you might have an easier time selling your mother on the idea of a dog that is already housebroken and crate trained.
Best wishes in your search,
PatI disagree… it the pups comes from a responsible breeder they have already evaluated the litter for things like personality, dominance, activity, and should pretty much know what is what... and a responsible breeder matches the puppy to the people, home, life style..... they do not just let people pick what they want... 99% of the time. And as far as destructive tendencies, I don't agree that you would know that on an older pup because it depends on the living situation... IMO... there could be a pup at a breeders home that never shows any destructive tendencies because they are in a pack situation with other dogs... taken from that to maybe a single dog... and you never know what will happen...
As far as house training, honestly, I have never had much problem.... the only time that I had a problem was when "I" didn't pay attention.... and I have seen older dogs placed in a new home that within a month "became" un..house trained...
So it is really all how you look at the situation... with a 10 wk old pup, you do the "molding" following up what a responsible breeder has started... with older they have been molded to some point... and now have a possible different set of rules...
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I disagree… it the pups comes from a responsible breeder they have already evaluated the litter for things like personality, dominance, activity, and should pretty much know what is what... and a responsible breeder matches the puppy to the people, home, life style..... they do not just let people pick what they want... 99% of the time. And as far as destructive tendencies, I don't agree that you would know that on an older pup because it depends on the living situation... IMO... there could be a pup at a breeders home that never shows any destructive tendencies because they are in a pack situation with other dogs... taken from that to maybe a single dog... and you never know what will happen...
As far as house training, honestly, I have never had much problem.... the only time that I had a problem was when "I" didn't pay attention.... and I have seen older dogs placed in a new home that within a month "became" un..house trained...
So it is really all how you look at the situation... with a 10 wk old pup, you do the "molding" following up what a responsible breeder has started... with older they have been molded to some point... and now have a possible different set of rules...
While I won't completely disregard the possibility of adopting an older dog – most of the dogs I've ever owned in my whole life have been rescues, I find I also prefer getting puppies. The hard work is worth the pay-off.
And the puppy faces and goofy antics are just too hard to resist!And actually, Gypsy - my beloved Golden mix you've all heard so much about here -- was over 1 yr old when we got her, and she was a housetraining NIGHTMARE!!!! Took FOREVER to get her to stop using my son's bedroom as her personal toilet. Geez, it was disgusting!! Yup, I'd been told she was housebroken....that was a joke.
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I almost hit "delete" instead of posting my thoughts because I was afraid people might misconstrue the point I was trying to make. I love puppies and I love dogs and I hope never to live without a dog in my life…....but I don't like housebreaking. Some people love cookies but hate to bake and clean up the kitchen! I just wanted the young lady who was having difficulty trying to convince her mother to get a basenji that there might be another route to take. What I probably should have also thrown out for consideration was the fact that some breeders have older puppies. Our previous two rescue dogs were rescued off the street and not from any rescue agency. The basset had health problems and would sneak off to pee where she wanted - inside the house. I had the patience of Job with her and her accidents. The lab was NUTS and had to be locked up whenever we had non-family members over. So, I do know that there can be problems when one takes in a rescue and when those two dogs passed over the Rainbow Bridge we decided we wanted to try a different route. I still wanted a dog that didn't need to be housebroken because I babysit my two little grandsons and I can't be as attentive as housebreaking requires. Also, we replaced all our flooring after our basset died. We got Cory from a breeder (Robyn) and doing that was one ofthe smartest decisions we've made. In fact, we are currently talking to her about the possibility of getting another older pup from her. She has a couple and she is weighing in her mind which is best for us and working with us to decide if Cory is even going to be receptive to having a permanent playmate. Robyn knows Cory and she knows the personality of her two "little boys". (And they are housebroken and crate trained.:) ) It is great to be working with someone who is able to weigh all the facts.
So I am not necessarily advocating that the young lady NOT go to a good breeder and I am not advocating that she not rescue. I am not even advocating that she not get a puppy. I'm just suggesting that if her mother doesn't want to deal with a puppy, there is a very good plan B to put out on the bargaining table. A couple of people did make the observation that it sounded like the mother might be hesitant about getting a puppy.
Pat (Who honestly loves sweet furry little puppies!)
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ughhhh wow. maybe right now is ust a low point, but now i dont even know if i can handle a dog.
i just want someone i can come home to and have them be exicted to see me! and play with them and then just hill out and cuddle (which is probably my favorite thing to do. =])
the puppy stage scares me beyond anything. and maybe thats because my last dog died then. but i dont know if i can handle a puppy of any breed.
i have been to countless of shelters to see if i even like a different breed. and yeah there are a couple that i find adorable. but its not "the one"
uhhh this is frusterating. =[
maybe i shouldnt get a dog at all. it might not be the right time, and i dont want to let any dog down because i couldnt handle him or her.
=[
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I think you make some awesome points Pat. Different families have different needs for what fits their situation.
Personally….I LOVE puppies. It would be very unlikely that I would ever adopt an adult dog, because I like the idea of laying the foundation work myself. But that doesn't mean that I think that is the right tactic for everyone.
I think that 'golden opportunity' dogs...also known as 'retired show dogs' or 'retired breeding dogs' from responsible breeders are an AWESOME opportunity for people who want a wonderful pet, that is a little more mature, and ready to be the center of attention.
I am so glad that you found Robyn...she is an wonderful resource as a friend and breeder!
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ughhhh wow. maybe right now is ust a low point, but now i dont even know if i can handle a dog.
i just want someone i can come home to and have them be exicted to see me! and play with them and then just hill out and cuddle (which is probably my favorite thing to do. =])
the puppy stage scares me beyond anything. and maybe thats because my last dog died then. but i dont know if i can handle a puppy of any breed.
i have been to countless of shelters to see if i even like a different breed. and yeah there are a couple that i find adorable. but its not "the one"
uhhh this is frusterating. =[
maybe i shouldnt get a dog at all. it might not be the right time, and i dont want to let any dog down because i couldnt handle him or her.
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I rather think you've answered your own question, then. This may well NOT be the right time for a puppy. If you are not sure that you can handle the commitment, then it's definitely NOT the right time.
If you are looking for a cuddle-buddy, then it may be the right time for a dog, MAYbe. But even an adult dog is going to need some training, exercise, etc.
Maybe you should wait a bit.
Any chance you could volunteer at a shelter for a while to at least be able to spend time with dogs? It may fulfill some of your desire for doggy-love, and also be a good reminder of the work involved.
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While I won't completely disregard the possibility of adopting an older dog – most of the dogs I've ever owned in my whole life have been rescues, I find I also prefer getting puppies. The hard work is worth the pay-off.
And the puppy faces and goofy antics are just too hard to resist!And actually, Gypsy - my beloved Golden mix you've all heard so much about here -- was over 1 yr old when we got her, and she was a housetraining NIGHTMARE!!!! Took FOREVER to get her to stop using my son's bedroom as her personal toilet. Geez, it was disgusting!! Yup, I'd been told she was housebroken....that was a joke.
Is Jazzy and your other B, rescues? What a deal!!!
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Is Jazzy and your other B, rescues? What a deal!!!
Oh no! I guess I wasn't clear. Sorry…
Most of my other dogs, with one exception, in my life have been rescues.
Jazzy and Keoki we got as pups from Jumoke, and I have loved the puppy experience overall.
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i just want someone i can come home to and have them be exicted to see me! and play with them and then just hill out and cuddle (which is probably my favorite thing to do. =])
the puppy stage scares me beyond anything. and maybe thats because my last dog died then. but i dont know if i can handle a puppy of any breed.
maybe i shouldnt get a dog at all. it might not be the right time, and i dont want to let any dog down because i couldnt handle him or her.
As many people have pointed out, making a commitment to a dog is a big step, no matter what age you are. It is something everyone on the family needs to agree on because it is a commitment for the life of the dog and things happen, it may be your dog at the start but maybe when you go to school stays home the first year and is more your parents' dog.
My recommendation when people come to me about getting a puppy and want to know what comes next after they have decided that a basenji is right for them, is to think about what their dog's schedule is going to be and how they are going to fit in things like puppy kindergarten, daily walks, feedings, etc. How is the puppy going to fit into your household and routine?
When it comes to age, yes there are things to consider but being young does not make you a bad fit for a dog, provided you can provide for that dog and are commited to making some sacrifices to own a dog. I got my first basenji at 22, I was in graduate school and I know many people who would not have considered placing a dog with someone that young. Nicky, turned 10 this past December and I am so glad I have him, and all the doors he has opened for me.
When I had my first litter 3 years ago, I was contacted by a college student interested in getting a basenji. He came to meet me at a lure trial where my girl climbed to the top of his head and then screamed in his ear because she wanted the "NOW!!!" He then asked to come see them at my house and bring his roommates. He visited 4 times to meet the requirement that all his roommates meet me and my dogs and were okay with adding a basenji. Ramses has turned 3 this year and his owner is graduating from college. Ramses is well loved and goes with his owner to his parents' house on breaks and loves the attention when they are "at school" from all the roommates and girlfriends.
So my point, there are many things to consider when you add a dog, no matter what your age. Do your homework about those things, find a puppy kindergarten and get their schedule, write a routine for your puppy, think about what happens when you go to college, and make sure that everyone in the household is committed to being the support net for this dog. If you do these things, I am convinced that you will know when the right time to add a dog is.
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One thing you might consider too (if you have the time for puppy/dog training then you'll have time for this) is to volunteer at a local shelter. You'll get to see lots of breeds and personalities. You'll see dogs that were mistreated and you'll see dogs that were well-treated but the owners didn't have time. You'll fall in love with so many and some will enjoy your company as well. But you also won't have the commitment issue as you would if you brought one home. It might also show your mom that you're serious about taking care of an animal.
Also did I remember correctly that you said in an earlier message that you already have another dog? Who takes care of that one? -
We had our first two basenjis 18 years before they died, 18 glorious years with our two friends that allowed us to love and care for them. Are you ready to commit to the next 18 years with your loving basenji when your adult life hasnt even started yet? my advice to you is to wait until you are settled into an adult independent life style before you commit to the love of a basenji.
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I LIKE TURTLES!
(Only those who have seen that silly little kid on the news will get that…)
I'm a little late coming back to this thread, but I wouldn't have a dog under 2 either. But, like it has been said here, I was a special need case and found a way to have a B and get some of the things I didn't have time for resolved before even getting Tucker. He WAS housetrained, but, as stated by others here, the new living situation made me believe he wasn't housetrained at all. He peed everywhere! However, this hurdle was able to be leaped in time, but it did take time. However, Tucker's behavior was not based on him forgetting how to 'take it outside', rather, he just needed to adjust. There really wasn't any training involved. He peed because he was pissed, no pun intended. It was ALL spiteful peeing. He did it because he was left alone, he did it because he was locked in the kitchen, he did it because he's a dog who thinks he's going to be abandoned YET AGAIN. But once he realized he wasn't, we came to terms.
The biting thing is still an issue, though, but at least I knew about that one.
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I am impressed you are doing this much research. When I first moved out of my parents house I got a dog. Life happened and I was forced to move back. I was not allowed to bring the dog. Luckily, I found a good home for him but it sucked. Anyway, I think it would be worth it to keep looking. Just don't feel you have to make any decision one way or another. Good luck.
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Also did I remember correctly that you said in an earlier message that you already have another dog? Who takes care of that one?
my family has 2 other dogs, a lab, named buddy, which my dad takes care of, but i play with him when i come home from school. and we also have a dachshund, snickerz, who my dad also takes care of with the help of my brother.
snickerz doesnt really like me because my dachshund, dopey jo, died a couple summers ago while my family was on vacation, and when we came back into town and my mom found out, she imediately went out and bought another dahshund(snickerz). it felt like a replacement and i had no time to really be upset about dopey jo dying because there was another dachshund in his place.
so i am trying to warm up to snickerz, but its kind of hard.
i got dopey jo when i was in the sixth grade, and i took care of him with my dads help. i fed dopey jo and i took him out to go, and we did an obiedience course at PetSmart. but my dad helped me if i was off at dance late or something like that. but dopey jo was mine.
so i think now that i am older i can handle another dog again, but theres still alot of questions i do need to figure out before. and im gonna take my time and make sure i am ready.
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I'm a fully grown adult and even I frequently need help taking care of Senji. Basenjis definitely take up a LOT of time. My parents take care of him when I'm at work. I don't know what I'd do if they weren't there. Probably have to hire a dog walker. He wouldn't do well with doggy day care. I can leave him alone for 4-6 hours if I have to, and he's not destructive. On my days off, he thinks I'm at his beck and call and wants walked every 2-3 hours. I refer to Senji as my "personal trainer." LOL!
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college has also been a concern for my family. but my dad has told me that we will cross that bridge when we get there, and if i need to get an apartment while im in college, i can be prepared.
This should be one of your main concerns. I have always wanted a basenji, and I would have gotten one if my parents would have let me. But they wanted me to wait and get one when I was settled somewhat. When I graduated HS, I could not have predicted the future, and in college I still couldnt predict the next semester let alone the next weekend. What I'm trying to say is that I am glad i waited. I would not have been able to take him to school, I got my own apartment and I still would not have been able to honestly give him the attention he deserves.
I graduated college, bought my home and set up a visit with a BRAT coordinator before I even had my house remodle finished. I moved in and Squiggy came the 2nd day I was in my home.
I also made sure before I adopted him that I had a job close enough that I could come home for luch and play with him and let him out, and that I am able to be home right after work.
To be honest, it is much harder than I imagined. I know that if I want to go out to dinner or work out after work, I have to go home to let him out and then I feel guilty if I stay out too late. I cant leave for the weekend unless I have somone watch him, or the less obvious of I cant crash anywhere if I stay out too late on the weekend.
He came 2 years ago and I love him to death, I am so glad I aited and thought about, but it is still so much more responsibility than I imagined.If you want a B to be "your dog" wait, it will be worth it.
