Skip to content

Looking for Speaker on Basenji behavior as well as caring for older basenjis

Behavioral Issues
  • Hello- I am a volunteer with a Basenji Rescue group. As part of our yearly conference and meeting, we have speakers and informational sessions. We are holding this year's convention in Syracuse, NY in mid June. We would like to have a speaker address geriatric issues. There have also been many requests for a behaviorist.

    I am hoping someone here will know of someone who would be qualified and interested in speaking to a group of Basenji owners (and basenjis) about either of these topics.

    Thanks in advance!

Suggested Topics

  • Basenji and new people - not handling move well

    Behavioral Issues
    1
    0 Votes
    1 Posts
    1k Views
    No one has replied
  • Basenji behaviors common ??

    Behavioral Issues
    10
    0 Votes
    10 Posts
    9k Views
    KipawaK
    I can only comment on my experiences with Kipawa, my first basenji, who is just shy of 2 years old. @viv58: 1. OBS #1: they were only affectionate on their terms and didnt like to be petted or picked up.Is this more common than not. They wanted to be by you, but hands off for the most part. 2. OBS#2: Off the leash - they are unpredictable and may not come when called. Had some wild roaming experiences at the off-leash beach. Always kept treats -and 95% of the timeit worked.Can you train them to counter this? or is this a stretch ? 3. OBS#3: Not snuggly 4. OBS#4: Only looked me in the eye when I had food- everything was a distraction. 1. Kipawa is just an extremely affectionate dog. His affection for me is special, but he recognizes all family members and care aides who come into the house and enjoys their attention and gives it back. He loves being petted and adores being massaged, but has a preference for it being from someone in his 'pack' (family members and care aides). He will tolerate being picked up by anyone, but prefers it when I do it. He is a little uncomfortable when turned on his back, however, we practice this quite a bit and he's getting better at it, especially if tummy rubs are included. 2. The only areas Kipawa is off leash is in our backyard or dog parks that are fully fenced. For these places, he is predictable, because he is very used to them. He usually comes when called, but if it doesn't work, I carry the squeaker part of a squeaker toy with me, and that most always brings him back. If he needs to come to me based on an emergency situation (say he got onto a street by accident), I have a word/sound that I only use in emergency situations. He is excellent at responding to that. All this said, if he spotted a bunny in the dog park, I don't think the emergency recall would work. Based on his breeders seeing him this summer, they have indicated he has a very high prey drive. 3. Kipawa is super snuggly all the time and is also a 'velcro dog'. We are tightly bonded. He is on my lap when I watch TV, or at least laying against me. He sleeps under the blankets on my side of the bed. 4. He easily looks me in the eye. If I am talking to him, we have full eye contact. He enjoys when we give each other 'soft eyes' - the slow blinking a person/dog might do when fully relaxed or before settling down for a nap. If he is distracted (only happens outside) I use the command 'watch me' to get eye contact. Usually 95% success rate, but that would go down to zero should he see a bunny. I can't answer your other questions. Kipawa will be a solo dog in our home. As for the breeders, his breeders were Therese and Kevin Leimback (FoPaws Basenjis) from Washington state. We researched for a year before selecting them. Their breeding program concentrates a great deal on temperament. Hope this helps.
  • 0 Votes
    10 Posts
    6k Views
    P
    Congratulations on the future new addition. Boy/girl is a good combination. As others have advised let them meet on neutral ground and take them for a long walk together. For every good interaction praise both inordinately. As Curlytails says don't rush it. Keep us posted, please and best wishes to you all.
  • Looking for Basenji owners in Tampa, FL

    Behavioral Issues
    3
    0 Votes
    3 Posts
    2k Views
    tanzaT
    @MikeP: Hello all….My beloved pooch passed away six months ago and I am starting my journey to find a new best friend. After much research, I have decided a Basenji is the dog for me. That said, I am trying to locate Basenji owners in Tampa. Before taking the plunge, I would like to talk with local owners and meet their dogs. They are certainly not a common pet and I would like to meet one(or more) to see just how they are in person. Are there any Basenji owners out there in Tampa? I would be great to hear from you. That is great…. we always suggest meeting with Basenjis and Basenji Owners before deciding this is the right breed of dog for your new forever companion!!! Good luck in your search.
  • Older Basenji aggressive towards 1.5 yo

    Behavioral Issues
    11
    0 Votes
    11 Posts
    4k Views
    DebraDownSouthD
    LOL have your mom listen to Arwen on youtube. The noises, thank goodness, do not match the actions.
  • My Basenji training

    Behavioral Issues
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    3k Views
    jys1011J
    WOW!!!..Words to live by!! I commend you for all the effort it sounds like you've put into your dogs. I wish people were more like you…and your mantra should be placed on every B owner's refrigerator door :D :D It's all about knowing your dog & KNOWING their limitations. Respect is key and so is a no tolerance policy. At least that's how it is at our house! :) BTW-I went to a Basenji Fun Match...and A LOT of B's are bitchy snarky little fur balls. Rest assured yours are not the exception. Mine are exactly the same way but we work with them every day on this!