Skip to content

We're Basenji-sitting!

Basenji Talk
  • Hello! I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Ursula and I live in Tripoli, Libya (for work, originally I'm from the US and still call Houston, TX home). When we moved here 6 months ago, we brought all of our animals with us - 2 labrador retrievers, and three cats.

    The reason I joined this board is that we're dog-sitting a friend/colleague's Basenji, Louie, for a bit over three weeks (while she's traveling for business and the vacation). I think Louie is about 3 years old, his owner has only had him for a couple of months, and adopted him as an adult. He's an "only child" and I know she "spoils" him and loves him very much.

    He's painfully shy but seems very sweet. He's met our dogs and cats already and is fine with them - not playful, but all the body language is that he's very comfortable (ears up, head high, tail curled up on his back, bouncy trot). But his Mom warned us that he's very, very timid in new situations. His first night with us was last night, and he seemed fine. Better than we expected, actually.

    I am not familiar with the breed at all, so I know I'll have questions. Any pointers or advice you can offer right off the bat?

    Thanks in advance.

  • Get ready for sneaky activities :D

  • I suspect he should be feeling very comfortable in a few days and will start playing (if he's the playing type) with your other dogs. Unless he's not use to being around other dogs. I would just keep your eye on him to make sure he doesn't get into any trouble.

  • But watch for the minute that he becomes "comfortable"… ggg... that is when they push the envelope.....

Suggested Topics

  • Bikin' Basenji

    Basenji Talk
    6
    0 Votes
    6 Posts
    5k Views
    MDSPHOTOM
    Love it! I would not even dream of putting Dolce on the back of my bike. Firstly she hates when any wind blows in her face and freaks out when the windows are down in the car. Second, she is such a squirmer I fear she would wiggle herself right off the bike.
  • Multy Basenji's

    Basenji Talk
    10
    0 Votes
    10 Posts
    6k Views
    nomrbddgsN
    Totally agree with Pat. I have two intact female B's. They are NOT the best of friends and have to be watched constantly. They are never alone together. Yes, they've gotten into knock-down drag-out fights. I've been in the ring with slit throats, chewed up ears, scabs, etc. Not a good idea at all. I can control it simply because I watch them constantly and when they start to show signs of aggression, one goes into the crate. But it's not easy, it's stressful on everyone, and I really don't recommend it.
  • Maybe he's not a Basenji…!

    Basenji Talk
    8
    0 Votes
    8 Posts
    4k Views
    P
    My Basenjis catch and kill wasps and have never got stung in doing so - their snap and release is too quick for them to get stung. However one did get stung on his foot when he trod on a dying bee. Often Basenjis get frightened of a particular thing when they sense their owner's fear. Are you afraid of wasps, Shelley?
  • Basenji sitting on other dogs' heads

    Basenji Talk
    5
    0 Votes
    5 Posts
    3k Views
    thunderbird8588T
    :D:D:D Would love to see pics
  • Having the Flu with Basenji's

    Basenji Talk
    19
    0 Votes
    19 Posts
    7k Views
    ChaseandZahrasmomC
    I don't have the flu but I am home from work today because I am going to get a shot in my foot to kill a nerve. I am nervous beyond words and Chase and Zahra have been cuddled up with me all morning which really has helped to keep me calm. I wonder if the podiatrist would mind them coming into the office with me for the shot? :D
  • Basenji Traits Your Basenji Doesn't Have…

    Basenji Talk
    32
    0 Votes
    32 Posts
    30k Views
    M
    My Rue is pretty perfect. She is mixed with something (I don't know what) so she doesn't look like a real B… and she isn't interested in anything in our house (chewing wise), doesn't bolt out the door, and licks like CRAZY! She also doesn't really like to play with other dogs at the dog park, she just smells them, occasionally chases them, then comes back and lays down by me (EXERCISE DANG IT!). The only normal B behaviors that I see in her are the little noises that she makes (she makes a lot of them for different reasons) and her BAROOOOOOO (which is fitting because we named her Rue before we even knew she was a Basenji) and it seems like she is stubborn about sitting. It's like she is saying, "yeah I know you want me to sit, but first I'm gonna spin around in a circle. Then maybe I'll sit if I feel like it." Haha! She is a character!