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Thinking of getting a Basenji in NY

Basenji Talk
  • Im moving and getting a house with a big backyard and finally am able to get a dog. I'm trying to decide which to get i like the size and look of a Basenji but im also thinking of getting a American Pitbull Terrier or a Rat Terrier. ANy recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you :)

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  • should I get a basenji?

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    elbrantE
    @lovedogs @eeeefarm said in should I get a basenji?: wait until the time is right, even if you really, really want a dog now I agree... with everyone. Sometimes you just need to accept that (no matter how much you want a dog/car/kid/house) you aren't quite ready for it. I waited 5 years before I brought my Basenji home and it was probably the most adult thing I've ever done. I was still in recovery from a spinal injury and knew that I wouldn't be able to provide (her) the exercise she would want and require. Waiting made all the difference in the world. Whan I was finally ready, the most perfect little girl was ready for me. Don't fret about it. You can read, research, consider all of your options, and really prepare yourself. (Don't look at puppy pictures online! You'll fall in love without even meeting the pup(s) and it will pull at your heartstrings.) Remind yourself that "one day you will have a Basenji", just not today.
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    J
    Thanks everyone for your help!
  • I think I have a Basenji!

    Basenji Talk
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    J
    Thanks for all your help! As I mentioned previously, it was the trainer that said there may be some basenji in this dog. We had never heard of basenjis, so it's been interesting to learn more about them, whether or not she has any in her. Thanks again for your input!
  • Considering getting a Basenji

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    lvossL
    Yes, early socialization and positive experiences is the best way to go. I think the most important thing about puppy kindergarten is that it is positive based and focuses on socialization with both people and dogs. Some basenji don't necessarily do well with the small dogs and other love them. Sophie was always the best with the new pups of any size in her puppy class, she just had phenomenal dog language and would make herself as small as possible and go at their speed. What you want to be careful about is people who have already formed a preconceived notion of basenji behavior. My mom's first puppy class instructor always expected her boy to be aggressive even though he never showed any aggression and was always very appropriate in his interactions. I crate puppies next to the bed while housebreaking and it works fine. I have always used a large stuffed toy in the crate and this year used SnugglePuppies, they were wonderful. The pup snuggled right up to warmth and fell asleep, provided we did a good job of tiring him out for the night. I got my first basenji while I was in Grad school and lived in an apartment. It is doable as long as you are willing to make sure they get enough exercise and mental stimulation.
  • Thinking about a Basenji

    Basenji Talk
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    MacPackM
    Although my DH gets yearly "puppy lust", my personal rule is "I don't take any basenji under 2". By 2, their brains have developed and their attention span is longer than a nanaosecond (where you are concerned). They still have plenty of youthful energy but are not uncontrollable maniacs bent on destruction. That said, I confess I get puppy-lust myself, they are just so cute and funny and adorable. That is how they live to adulthood! Anne in Tampa
  • Poll: Where Did You Get Your Basenji?

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    youngandtiredY
    Well, it started when I was out with my 22yr. old son at the mall. He said, "Hey, Mom lets look at the dogs in the petstore ", I replied, "I don't have time besides your Dad has too many ideas what a dog has to be like for us to get one", I'll never find a dog like he wants". That was 3 yrs. ago this Jan., and I had never heard of a Basenji. I called DH about 3 times the night I found Sahara to persuade him we needed this dog, but she was very expensive so it took some work talking him into me buying her. She is owned by my son, me and my husband, she lives with my husband and I. She is the best dog I have ever owned, and I have had many through my lifetime. I would never get another dog from a pet store (didn't know about puppy mills)but I would have not known of this breed if I hadn't stopped and looked that night. My husband loves this dog so very much, he buys her whatever she wants or needs. I love her also, she is my joy and I can't stand to be from her for very long, we just got back from a trip and it was so hard missing her. My son said that she didn't eat very good while we were gone and was very destructive in the house. Guess she missed us as well!