New Basenji

[tanza]

@Kananga:

Thanks everyone.

Camera is a Canon A620.

Yes, he is my first B. I lived with two dogs for about 6-7 years previously. Border Collie and Springer Spaniel.

He's doing ok today. He slept throughout the entire night without making a single noise. He is adapting to his wire crate extremely well. I put a fleece blanket in there for him to sleep on that will keep him warm. I was told he did not develop any chewing/destructive habits and I haven't personally seen anything yet.

He's still being very cautious of everything. I brought him outside to go (which he has been successful with every time), but once I bring him back inside he just wants to hide in a corner. I left some food and water out while I got ready for the morning, which allowed him to be by himself for a good 15 mins. He didn't really even move from his spot. So he is not eating or drinking anything right now. I know it's best to keep them on a schedule. If he doesn't eat in the morning, his next chance will be later this evening.

Any tips on helping him get more comfortable? I know it takes time, but what worries me is that he has 0 interest in water or food. I am using the same food he was fed with the breeder to keep things simple (then moving him over to a food of my choice).

I think you are being very smart to start him on a schedule right away… and he will eat when he is hungry... water for mine is available all the time, but not food. Don't worry about the food.. again, he will not starve himself....

[Kananga]

@BasenjiDiva:

He is a very pretty boy. When we first brought Cory home, I was shocked by how little water she drank. Just about drove me nuts because I was used to a lab that consumed a bowl of water each day! Even now, Cory and Jayden don't seem to drink much more water beyond what I put in their food unless they are really running around.

Congratulations on your new family member,
Pat

Ah that is reassuring. I'm used to seeing the water bowl be emptied on a daily basis. Then again, those were bigger dogs and very active.

[snorky998]

If you're really worried about his fluid intake, buy a small can of low sodium beef broth, cut it 50/50 with water, and freeze. My dogs love this tasty, but slightly messy treat. I use it in hot weather when I'm worried about fluid intake.

[Kananga]

Little guy checked out well with the vet tonight. Came in @ 18.9lbs. So he has probably an extra pound or so. Not eating today doesn't seem like such a bad thing now.

He did drink some water tonight at least.

[lvoss]

How old is he? How tall is he? The pictures you posted aren't the best for looking at optimal weight but he didn't seem to be overweight in the pictures. What makes you think that he is overweight?

[tanza]

I agree with lvoss…. from the pictures.. I would never think that he was over weight.... average male weight is close to 25lbs

[lvoss]

My male, who is 17 inches tall is usually around 24-25 pounds. My mom's small boy Levi, about 16 1/2 maybe 16 3/4 on his tip toes, weighs in at 20 pounds and is probably a little underweight.

[Kananga]

I'm not sure on his height, but he's 18.9lbs and exactly 8 months old today. The vet said he wasn't overweight, but he had enough weight not to worry about him not eating. Meaning he had an extra pound of room. I wasn't implying he was overweight. I think he's at a good weight already.

[lvoss]

When a dog only weighs 19 pounds, 1 pound is over 5% of its body weight. If he is at good weight, he wouldn't have an extra pound. Just because a dog won't be harmed by missing some meals isn't the same as saying it has extra weight.

[Janneke]

Hello & welcome to the forum :)
What a beautiful boy you have!! And a compliment for the pictures! :)

I hope you enjoy this forum and your new pup! I think he will be fine in a couple of days.. he just has to get used to his new home and people.
Keep us informed!

[Kananga]

@lvoss:

When a dog only weighs 19 pounds, 1 pound is over 5% of its body weight. If he is at good weight, he wouldn't have an extra pound. Just because a dog won't be harmed by missing some meals isn't the same as saying it has extra weight.

Well… I wasn't exactly implying technicalities here, but I understand and agree with what you're saying. So fair enough I suppose.

[Kananga]

He seems to be doing much better today. He's playing games with me right now. I let him hang out on the couch and went somewhere else in the room. He keeps running over to me to see what i'm doing, when I turn my head he runs away, but then comes right back. So he's showing interest to see what i'm doing. He also seems much more relaxed today compared to previously. So far so good. :)

[agilebasenji]

Ah, he'll be into your trash and shredding toilet paper in no time. ;)

[basenji_fan]

Congrats on the new addition he sure is cute, can't wait for some more pics

[Kananga]

@basenji_fan:

Congrats on the new addition he sure is cute, can't wait for some more pics

Ask and you shall receive… he was tired after running around for a solid 30 mins. He was awfully playful this morning.

Proud of his new home…...

[Kananga]

Only place I can get a good picture of him is on the couch. Anywhere else and he's too busy exploring to stand still. I'm learning….

[Janneke]

He's very handsome!! Good to hear he is settling in :)

[tsjoe007]

As I already said : great feel for composition ! Excellent pictures.

Greetz from Belgium

[Kananga]

I had to get a few more photos after some more playtime. He had a nice nap this afternoon.

It's tough to not take more pictures. :)

[tsjoe007]

Please keep amazing me !!!!!;)