Had dogs all my life, Rotties for 22 yrs, first basenji only 9 yrs ago so relative newbie to basenjis… not dogs.
Almost all dogs and babies is a question of training and the owner, not the dog. If you are going to wait for a child a few years til the basenji is an adult, then you should have the dog trained by then. Socialize the heck out of it with infants to children. Prepare.
Chewing... bwahahahaha. Okay, ahem. Someone on the aol rottie board said how much did one cost and the breeder said.. I don't know, how much is your home furnishings worth? Some never stop, some never stop but slow down to the absolute irresistible items, some stop. Plan on using a crate when not supervised for life. If you are lucky and a nondestroyer, great. But if the idea of using a crate forever isn't an option, either adopt an adult who doesn't need crating when unattended or consider another breed.
Socialize, socialize, socialize. Most basenji are not wild about new dogs. But some who are out from puppyhood meeting new dogs all the time can and do like it. But this takes work and commitment on your part. Since I don't believe in dog parks and dog play dates with strange dogs, I never bother. I teach mine to ignore other dogs and figure as long as they learn "leave it" life is good. Dogs really aren't children who need outsiders to be okay... their own pack including humans, a couple of playmates if you don't have another dog, and life is complete. So socialize with your dad's dogs early, don't force things, should be fine if THEY are good with the B.
Independent doesn't mean not bonded. That said, my 2nd B came with little socialization and she is well, let's be honest. She likes to be rubbed and fed. But it is a very distant relationship. Not feeding or petting? She has no need to be close. Yes, she wants me to go outside with her but I am at a loss to why since she doesn't come near once out there. But my first and 3rd are velcro. They want to be close, they cuddle, they LOVE and gaze with love. Since the 2nd is the double (half sibling breeding) niece of the first, it wasn't genetics that messed her up, it was a POS breeder who didn't bother to handle or care for her. Enough said. Both the others won't go to bed without me. Sayblee wouldn't even get under the covers. Cara gets under but sticks her head out to watch me. She curls with my child the second she gets on the bed, lays on her. Curls next to me all night, sits close, asks to be picked up and cuddled. I don't think you have to worry about a dog not bonding.
