@basenjicurious
Itās great that youāre doing your homework on the basenji. I think the reason you read all these āhorror storiesā is because they are not your typical dog. They are a beautiful and highly intelligent breed with a very strong prey drive. My Kembe is my first basenji but I was familiar with the breed because my brothers were basenji owners. I got her when she was 1years old - she was returned to the breeder by the previous owners. Kembe has never been destructive, she has free reign of our house, and I can leave her at home alone. Itās extremely important to exercise them regularly - especially exercise and stimulate their minds, and establish a routine (I can set my watch to my dog). They are definitely trainable - it scares me to see how smart she is and also well behaved. Basenjis are extremely lovable and hilariously funny. If I have a treat that my dog especially likes - she will do her whole ārepertoire of tricksā without me even asking her. She dances to let me know itās time to eat and will sit right next to me and hit me with her paw when she wants to go for her walk.
I think our basenji chose us - when we went to the breeders home to look at her - She jumped up next to my husband on the couch and curled up! I was sold on her! I really hope you find a basenji that right for you!
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What tricks your Basenji has taught you?
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My naughty Tri color male goes around the house looking for any tiny bits of celephane, foil wrapper, metal staple what ever he should not eat. He comes up saying "I'm going to eat it, I'm going to do it", swishing it around in his mouth with him popping the object out once in a while.
He has me trained to give him a treat in exchange for the tiny object.
If I try to get it from him he runs away, I can't catch him, if I ignore him he eats it.
He tried it with my wife, she totally ignored him, he just dropped it and walked away. I tried the same and he ate it!
Remember consistancy is key, they know this as well.
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Wow, our dogs love cellophane too. Especially the little windows from envelopes.
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Whenever Corky is in trouble for going in the garbage, grabbing something off the table or whatever, he instantly does his 'show me your belly' trick. He has us trained to stop lecturing him because he's so cute when he does that, we just can't help but rub his belly.