Hi Everyone,
My name is Tabatha and I live in Golden Valley, MN. I am a creative director for a special events company and I sing in a band. I am getting my first Basenji puppy Oct. 1 from Oklahoma. I have already named her Manah and she will be a celebration of me being cancer free for over a year. I have done tons of research about the breed since the spring, and a good friend of mine owns a 1 year-old Basenji - so I know what I'm in for! I would appreciate advice of any kind about raising my puppy right, so she can grow up to be a healthy dog.
Best wishes,
Tabatha
Welcome and hopefully your breeder has done DNA testing for Fanconi on the Sire and Dam… this is really important as we finally have a test for this horrible affliction in our breed... hopefully too all the other heath tests have been done, like Hips (OFA for dysplasia) eye exams by a board certified ophth, thyroid, etc... Please go to www.basenjihealth.org to learn about the new Fanconi DNA test…
Tabatha,
Welcome and CONGRATS on being Cancer free!!! Prayers and good wishes for continued health.
You've come to the right place for help with just about anything you need with your new puppy. There are YEARS of experience on this board; I have found it to be an invaluable resource, and not to mention just a great place to "hang out".
The first thing I'd do is buy a bunch of things for the puppy to chew on. Try a variety as they can be particular as to what they will chew.
Secondly, look about the rooms of your house, pick up EVERYTHING. Not just those things you think may tempt a puppy {shoes, ink pens, socks, books, electrical cords, papers, throw rugs, etc}, but even things you are sure a puppy won't chew – because the odds are good that your puppy will chew it. LOL
What an exciting time for you!
Thanks Jazzy's Mom!
I will for sure get some good chew toys; do you have any recommendations?
Welcome, I'm guessing th pic in your avatar is your little one, absolutley adroable. As for puppy chew toys, petsmart has a good selection, puppy sized kongs are good too.
Hi & Welcome 
Congrats on your new little ones Let us know if you need any help there's really good advice on these boards!
Thanks Jazzy's Mom!
I will for sure get some good chew toys; do you have any recommendations?
It's hard to say because each of my dogs had different preferences. Jazzy wouldn't touch the chew toys that hadn't come from a dead animal, LOL – no nylabones, etc. Whereas Keoki did/will chew on some of those. The bacon flavored things seem to interest him the most.
When he was teething, he liked those toys that had ridges on the edges.
Jazzy liked KONGs stuffed with peanut butter or cheese; Keoki could not have cared less for those. They both liked bones stuffed with cheese or a couple of soft treats.
My vet sells beef tendons, they are long, flat, and skinny {a little greasy feeling too} that all my dogs love. They are great because they take a long, long time to chew up. I haven't found them anywhere but the vets; I've looked at PetSmart, PetCo, Feed stores, etc.
And stuffed animals. LOTS of stuffed animals. They won't stay stuffed long, but they love re-killing the de-stuffed bodies too. LOL
Welcome and congratulations on being cancer free for 1 year. I have a dear friend who's first year will be up this Fall/Winter. A new basenji puppy is a GREAT way to celebrate too!
Welcome and congrats on both the pup and the good health! I too, am a survivor! Looking forward to lots of wonderful pictures and stories!!
Thank you everyone for your great support and advice! It's great to know there is a community of Basenji lovers out there, and really, it makes me feel better about humanity in general.
Best wishes to you all!
Welcome and congrats on both the pup and the good health! I too, am a survivor! Looking forward to lots of wonderful pictures and stories!!
Congrats to you too my friend!
Welcome and congratulations on being cancer free for 1 year. I have a dear friend who's first year will be up this Fall/Winter. A new basenji puppy is a GREAT way to celebrate too!
Thank you and congrats to your friend! I can't think of a better gift than a little independent Basenji pup. Her name does mean fate and destiny…
Really glad to hear you're healthy and welcome to the forum.. You have a sweet, adorable looking furry baby there.
