Skip to content
Basenji Forums
  1. Home
  2. Member Introductions
  3. New basenji owner!!

New basenji owner!!

Member Introductions

Suggested Topics

  • J

    Is a Basenji the right dog for me?

    Basenji Talk
    16
    0 Votes
    16 Posts
    21k Views
    R
    First, thank you for the honest evaluation of your situation. Basenjis are dogs that consider who they live wit, to be part of their pack - family. They only chew or destroy things when they are bored, or mad at you. (Yes, I know people will disagree, but I have had basenjis for 25 years and have witnessed this activity. This included one dog jumping on the table, with me sitting 3 feet away, and peeing in a circle, as if saying, "There, take that!”) A young basenji, under say, 8 years, will do this when left alone for so long. (Yes, I know people will disagree, but I have had basenjis for 25 years and have witnessed this activity. This included one dog jumping on the table, with me sitting 3 feet away, and peeing in a circle, as if saying, "There, take that!) You write that you live with 3 roommates. You do not mention if this will change, so I will assume it will not. Personally, I think it is very unkind (to them AND the dog) of you to bring a basenji into this living arrangement. Unless ALL the roommates understand, and agree, to sharing their lives with a dog that will require so much of their time. The tiniest thing left on the floor could be destroyed, and could even harm the dog. Bathroom doors left open? A basenji might not be able to find anything as much fun, grab the toilet paper, and run. Fun, fun, fun!!! For the dog. You are researching enough to show that you are checking really well to see if a basenji will fit into your life. In my opinion, not just yet. Maybe later when your life has settled a bit. Oh, just remembered you mentioning you studying, the dog doing its thing. It might happen, but if the dog thinks your attention should be on him/her, you may not like that something. Best of luck in your studies, and with where ever your life leads you!
  • M

    Raising a basenji with a full time job...

    Basenji Puppy Pen
    5
    1 Votes
    5 Posts
    17k Views
    DebraDownSouthD
    All excellent advice, not much I can add. I have a 9 week old Samoyed here and I'm pretty much kangaroo momming him. Right now he's even sleeping with me. Fortunately I have my daughter and her father helping out so I get some breaks, and my daughter does most of it when she's home 2 days a week. Samoyed are extremely people needy, but honestly I am the one who can't bear him being on his own too much this early. Even with doctor appointments, he has a crate in the living room so Larry can take him out to play/potty and snuggle (since I'm usually gone 5 to 6 hrs some days). Easy adjustment.. put in crate, happy voice "i'll be back" and leave. Go out the door and leave alone at least 15 mins. Keep extending it over several days until you are up to a couple of hours. By that point, they do get you will come back. Just no drama, no soothing poor baby stuff... nonchalant. Happy leaving, happy return. Make sure safe toys, chews in crate. If you can arrange it so her work and your's don't quite overlap so he's no alone more than 4 hrs, that would be idea. If not... swap out coming home for lunch break? Good luck.. and please post pictures :) Also, where did you get him? A lot of the basenjis here are related. (My basenji now is a rescue so not related.) It's nice to see the connections though!
  • M

    New member and Basenji owner

    Member Introductions
    3
    0 Votes
    3 Posts
    3k Views
    M
    HEres my new baby Mia: 3 month [image: IMG_3022.jpg] [image: IMG_3026.jpg] And here's Sookie my sweet little girl that i lost [image: P1040165.jpg] [image: IMG_2980.jpg]
  • AthenaA

    New basenji owner

    Member Introductions
    17
    0 Votes
    17 Posts
    8k Views
    wizardW
    Adorable face - probably a devil in hiding :p If the biting is clearly play biting a firm NO should work (and see previous comments). If more serious then try bitter apple spray. You definitely want to stop this type before it gets out of hand. Mine (3 yrs old) occasionally will bite (gently and really just a mouthing) when trying to get my attention to play. But you can tell from her expression that she knows she did something unacceptable. Consistent training is the most important thing you could do.
  • C

    New and future basenji owner

    Member Introductions
    25
    0 Votes
    25 Posts
    9k Views
    BittysDadB
    Sean, as a new member of the Forum but an old doggy daddy I have had a lot of experience with many breeds. Reading about your requirements for a dog I have to suggest that you consider getting a rescue greyhound, it will be a great companion for when you run and the rest of the time they are very laidback. Basenji's are very intelligent and require a good deal of intellectual stimulation, otherwise they get bored and a bored B is a mischievious B.
  • S

    New Basenji owner

    Member Introductions
    11
    0 Votes
    11 Posts
    5k Views
    dashD
    Welcome. What beatiful dogs!