Lots and lots of exercise. Basenji are active dogs and need positive stimulation. Also, they are problem-solvers, much more so than most other breeds. Many can climb trees (a holdover from the African use of sending them after game birds) and chain-link fences are just another exercise toy. AJ can be up and over a 6-foot chain-link fence in a matter of seconds.
The intelligence level of Basenji has been rated as nearly that of a 10-year-old child, so mental stimulation is a great idea, too. Try one of those toys for toddlers that has stuff rolling around inside a clear shell. She'll spend some time trying to get to the stuff inside. I have noticed with AJ that he picks up on words my dad's golden retriever could never understand. (No offense to G-R owners, because they are very intelligent too, but in different ways.) AJ was trained by his previous owner to notify when he is feeling sick to his stomach. He still does this and I almost always have time to get him outside before the whoops happens. I don't know of any other breed that is able to do this. Also, he taught himself how to open a wing-window that was latched and let himself out of my old truck. I found him sitting on my friends' front porch patiently waiting for me to come out.
Since Basenji are pack dogs, they need socialization or they tend to become timid and snippy. Take your little girl to the fair, street markets, around children, other dogs, etc. If she is already a little timid, do it carefully and she will come out of her shell.
Leashes are kind of a joke to them. They know a cloth leash can be chewed within 30 seconds. My grandmother always used those light chain leashes for hers for this very reason. I have to watch AJ and verbally correct him when his mouth just starts for the leash. I couldn't find any chain leashes and can't run as fast as him anyway, so I bought a Flexi for a 110-lb dog. It gives him room to run, but is strong enough and thick enough to handle his energy. This works on a truck, but if you have a yard, set up a zip-line for her with a cable or light chain lead or, best case, your yard is fenced with wood. She will love to lie around in the sunlight "catchin' rays" whenever she's run out of other stuff to do.
Look at your home from a dog's-eye view and try to avoid setting her up to get in trouble. An example: If I have to put the truck in the shop or go into a truck wash or any other type of garage, I crate AJ. He goes nuts when the truck is inside a building and eats everything he can reach, like the microphone cord for the CB. I know this, so I avoid having to get him in trouble by crating him.
You have to set ground rules and enforce them consistently but not cruelly. Basenji will push the limits just to find out exactly what they can get away with. Regardless of what you will hear from some nay-sayers, they are a very trainable breed. When I'm backing the truck and trailer, AJ likes to come see what's going on and where we are. He gets right into the middle of the passenger-side mirror. I just hook my thumb over my shoulder and tell him "Get out of the mirror." and he jumps in the back without hesitation. It only took me two weeks to train him to do that.
You will have a dog who loves you because she wants to, not because she has to. Since she is a rescue dog, like mine, it will be all that much more rewarding for both of you. That is what will make all this worth it. Cheers.
She actually came with her crate and was good in it both times we had her in it (to run out to the store and for bedtime). Thank GOODNESS she isn't a screamer!
