I applaud you for getting a rescue. There are tooooo many out there. For a first timer, an older one would be good, at least 18mos old or more where their personality is who they are at this age. Research all you can, and if you fill out an application and are denied, no not stop trying. I was denied by a Basenji rescue, and Uzie is my second where I found him right here 'free to good home' so we drove two days to pick him up and he is thriving without fenced in yards. (not for everyone as not everyone lives on 10 acres or more…I get this....!) but he has blossomed and doing well. So, don't give up!
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Just received my 4 Months old Basenji
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Hey everyone, just received a Female Basenji; Laika is 4 months old and she is very very shy and seems to be scared most of the time. Is this normal? How long will it take her to act like a "normal" dog?
Thank you in advance,
Sam -
What is her background? Has she been socialized or kept in a kennel? Makes a huge difference if she is used to being around people instead of just with other dogs or on her own. Give her some space, let her come to you, don't force things, and she should adjust.
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Thank you for your feedback! She came directly from a breeder so probably not very used to being around people
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@sammm Some have shy personalities, some are outgoing. They all have their own unique personalities, work on building her confidence. As she gets older and trusts your leadership, she should improve.
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@sammm - Breeders are responsible for socialization of pups....was she raised in a kennel situation or in the home?
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introductions are important to basenjis and I am not sure what you define as 'Normal dog'...but it's seldom a basenji...lol.
There are distinctions...there a breeders like many of us on this site and there are back yard breeders or commercials. which one you got her from can provide background on if they are lines we are familiar with. I would suggest a call to your breeder to ask the question might also be a good idea. -
Sammm, are you the first placement home for Laika? It would be good information to know whether her breeder attempted previous placements for her and what happened there. This group is great about helping find solutions. Hang in there with her!
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Are basenjis ever “normal” dogs? I find quickest way to win their approval is to give them an extra special treat by hand. A happy tummy gains a lot of trust
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Congratulation on your new pup Sam.
First of all, if someone grabbed you from your friends and family and stuck you in an unfamiliar place with completely foreign things and strangers you might be a little freaky too. Without being too critical, the point is that a new home is a HUGE change. Expecting a pup put through that experience to instantly be a "normal dog" may be unrealistic. Some might be fine. Others might be more unsettled.
The second thing to keep in mind is that puppies go through fear phases. It's natural. This might be one.
Agree with Tanza that it would be great if the breeder did a bang up job on the socialization front but that can take a lot of work and people don't want to pay for it. I'm not saying they didn't but socialization happens less often than we'd like. In this case there will be some extra work needed on your part.
In doing that, the treat suggestion is great. Once your pup has decided that you're OK, when people come over, or if you take her out, have strangers give her some treats. Works wonders. FYI treats don't have to be that special. Standard kibble usually works.
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@sammm said in Just received my 4 Months old Basenji:
How long will it take her to act like a "normal" dog?
She will never be or behave like a 'normal dog' - she is a Basenji !!!! She'll slowly gain confidence and realise she is the kingpin of your lives.
But PLEASE - let us know her registered name and parentage so she can be included in the on-line database of Basenji pedigrees ?
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@zande said in Just received my 4 Months old Basenji:
She will never be or behave like a 'normal dog' - she is a Basenji !!!!
Yes, there is that.
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@jot said in Just received my 4 Months old Basenji:
Sammm, are you the first placement home for Laika? It would be good information to know whether her breeder attempted previous placements for her and what happened there. This group is great about helping find solutions. Hang in there with her!""
DR JO! So happy to see you post!
@Sammm
I'm evidently more concerned than the rest. I don't consider "very very shy and seems to be scared most of the time" normal. You just got the puppy, it may settle. If not, you really need to work at building confidence, socialization, etc. For a few weeks just chill and take it easy. After that, post again and we'll help. PLEASE talk to the breeder about your concerns also. -
Thank you all for the time spent on answering my query - Laika is being more comfortable at home, and likes going out for a walk:)
She still needs to be more comfortable with the rest of the family (she feels safe only with me) but as you all said, we nee to give her more time.
@Zande Her registered name is Princess Laika from "Elevage De La Tribu Val'elsy" France
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@debradownsouth Laika is being more comfortable today, but needs to be at ease with the rest of the family (she only trusts me)
Don't forget that she had to travel from France to Lebanon, so i guess this had an impact on her too
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@tanza she was raised at home, with a huge garden. But i think traveling from France to Beirut had an impact on her. But now she is doing better - she needs to feel more comfortable with the rest of the family
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@sammm said in Just received my 4 Months old Basenji:
Her registered name is Princess Laika from "Elevage De La Tribu Val'elsy" France
MANY thanks - so she is one of the Princess litter , home reared, by Lord Invictus De La Tribu Val'elsy out of Alexis Amatory Bosom born 1st January this year ? So she is already in the database along with Princess Kenza, Princess Kiara, Princess Nubie, Princess Paillette and Princess Pippa.
She's had a flight to contend with which you recognise could well increase her timidity but I'm sure she will soon get over it and accept the entire family. Just go easy on her for a while.
And send photos (Mom and Papa too) for the database !
Good luck !
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@zande Hello! Princess Pipa is here too - a freind of mine is taking good care of her.
Just to inform you that Laika is doing super great today, she feels more comfortable at home, she plays, runs everywhere and loves going out for a walk.Thank you for your kind assistance,
Cheers,
Sam -
@sammm Thank you for that ! It is great to know where Basenjis move around the world !
Just because a Basenji is happily Lord or Lady of all he or she surveys in a loving home, far away from the show ring (mine have always been house pets too) shouldn't mean it is omitted from the database. I try to show the history of Basenjis around the world, not just the ones who achieve success in the show ring - so I do beg all of you to let me have their information - date of birth and Mom, with registered name is often enough for me to place them in the correct litter !
Photos complete the looks of their pedigrees - so I welcome them too !
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@zande 
