I think any dog can do it trained or untrained. This work is in their DNA. Where the drive comes in is how long will the dog work the track, through what obstacles, distractions, and other issues that could cause the dog to lose it or quit. What we look for is a dog that has so much hot, off the charts drive for work, that it's scent memory retention is high. We look for dogs that once they engage, they do not quit. This is what separates the professional dogs from the amateurs and one of the main traits we look for for dogs that we provide for police, military, or SAR. The trait is not so much basenji as it is "dog" for us. We provide GSD's, Malinois, Dutch Shepherds, bloodhounds, goldens, and labs for work and this trait is important in each breed. What I have found with the basenji, and what originally drew me into the breed, was the "natural" drive for certain things; OCD in a way but with uncanny intelligence behind the OCD. It was almost preternatural in form and quite useful. It may be what is missing in certain other over bred domestic breeds. The problem is that is not all that common in the basenji either just different.
1.5 yr old basenji potty issues
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Not sure if this is the right spot to write, but im new here, so here it goes (basically same issue im having with my basenji). We have not crated her as she came with anxietey issues (3 homes in 1.5 yrs). We leave her in a room for up to 8 hrs a day while we are at work. She wont leave a mess when we are gone. We walk her three times a day and she usually 2's twice and 1's whenever we let her out. But she 1's and 2's in her room while we are home. We have tried keeping a schedule and feeding at the same times of day but she is so unpredictable with her potty schedule. Can anyone lend a hand?
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Do you physically take her out to 1 and 2 when you get home? When you are home, maybe go back to taking her out after play times and nap times, like a puppy. Give her tons of praise and a special treat when she does well.
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Just go back to basics and be very patient with her. I do notice you say 'in her room' - is she not with you when you're home? Perhaps that is the problem that she's not able to let you know when she wants to go out. I assume you feed her in the evening so she is bound to need to go after that.
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Patty nailed it… when you have an issue, you have to go back as if a puppy and start anew, which means you leash her to you at all times, say NO if she starts to go, take her out, praise and treat. The good news is unlike a puppy, it will go faster. But making really sure the room has been cleaned of odors using some enzymatic sprays/cleaners is a must.
