2Bs vs 1B - How Much Different w/Multiples

[DuchesssMom]

About six months ago, I added the second basenji to our household. Like you, I got on this site and ask opinions of 1 vs 2. Our gal was about 1 1/2 when we got our male, who was six months old.
It really worked out great in our case. Duchess was demanding an enornmous amount of attention, and now she and Ramses really enjoy having each other. They eat together-no problem, play together and share a huge crate at night time. Occasionly they get into a short ruckus over sleeping space, but a quick reprimand usually ends that.
As for walking. I do use two leads at times, but usually use a split lead that works quite well. Ramses had never been on a lead, or even inside a house, so he adapted wonderfully. I expected lots of problems but had very few. So I am very glad I decided to add the second one. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[sharronhurlbut]

Sorry, I am behind on this list, someone asked if I crate my 2 b's together.
Nope, they are free to run the house and yard when I am gone.
We shut the bathroom doors and keep the floor clean except for bones and doggie items.
But they usually sleep, unless they are outside in the backyard, enjoying the deck.

[wizard]

I'm single also and was considering a second beastie - I've had El D (alpha male) for only a few months and he has the run of the house with no problems. Previously I had one (also male) for 6.5 years. Does it work better to have oppposite sex or can it work with 2 males?

[nomrbddgs]

Opposite is usually better-but it can work with 2 males.

[wizard]

I'm also single and have just 1 alpha male for only a few months (I previously had one male for 6 1/2 years) who has the run of the house while I'm at work with no problem. I'm considering getting a second one also. Is it more advisable to get a female or will 2 males work? Will the second learn pretty quickly from the first?

[wizard]

Sorry for the second post - for some reason my computer was doing funny things.

[sharronhurlbut]

I really think male/female is the best…but Arlene is right 2 boys can make a nice pack, if they get along temperment wise.
I do believe the first dog will teach the second dog the routine.
I have seen that in my house.
IMO, 2 b's are better than just having one.
They are company for each other.

[nomrbddgs]

There are a few considerations introducing any type of dog to a household with an established dog. Is this an older dog? Are they both neutered? Will you be introducing an older or younger dog?

[DuchesssMom]

This is my second time around with Basenji's. My first two were one female (spayed) and a male (Liter mates). My female lived 15 years and the male, 17 years. I got them at the same time, so don't have the expeirence of adding one that time. I was always convinced they lived long healthy lives because they had each other.

Ten years later, I acquired my female. When she was 1 1/2, we decided to add one more, and this time also a male. (Chosen for his domestic qualities and championship line. As I said before. Only a few minor problems adding the second one The female has always been just crazy about him, and they are ideal companions.

[sharronhurlbut]

Introducing the 2 dogs can be the key.
Where are you getting your second basenji from?

[navyman]

Add me to the chorus wherein 2 B's are actually an improvement over having only 1. When I see other people with only 1 dog, I feel sorry for the dog. They are naturally social pack-oriented animals. I also agree on the common advice of pairing opposite sexes, or if it works out, two males. 2 females rarely work out…I know, because I fostered a few females, and my resident female always made it clear that only one queen could rule the roost.

When we got Buddy, our first B, he was always chasing the resident cats and chewing on things. When we brought home Bella, his pesky behaviors immediately ceased and they bonded within a few weeks.

2 B's are easier than 1!

Also agree on the need to let the B's work disagreements out on their own. 95% of the time, it seems, major disagreements are triggered by human behaviors. Example: last week, my daughter scolded Buddy for reaching for something on an end table. That got him thinking "If I can't have it, then sure as heck, Tippy can't either, and I better make sure he understand that!!!" Then, Buddy went after Tippy in a "kick the dog" frustration reaction.

[wizard]

As much as I would love to have a second beastie right now and I fully understand the social part, there's a matter of what to do with two when I'm out of town and, of course, finances - two vet bills, two boarding charges. At present I'm trying to get EL D used to my brother's dogs so I can board with my brother - he has a backyard kennel but not a fenced yard. El D will +/- ignore the miniature schnauser but attacks the puppy black lab. And until he feels more comfortable with my brother's family (even without the other dogs) I wouldn't leave him. So one will have to do for now.

[raye_hicks]

Okay Kim, I lost my first Basenji last year after sisteen years so last November I purchased a new puppy female brindle. Four week later I purchased a male puppy from the same litter. I have now had them for a year just about. I have had very good luck with both and they do well together. The cost is double and the food is double everthing is double. The only problem I can say that I have had is that if one doesn't sleep well than you have two that are not sleeping well. I do walk them together on a double leash and they walk well together. If I go somewhere I take them both, a little more work and if I have to board them that cost more to. But if I had it to do again I would get two again but mine have been together from the begining. Good luck

[JazzysMom]

@wizard:

As much as I would love to have a second beastie right now and I fully understand the social part, there's a matter of what to do with two when I'm out of town and, of course, finances - two vet bills, two boarding charges. At present I'm trying to get EL D used to my brother's dogs so I can board with my brother - he has a backyard kennel but not a fenced yard. El D will +/- ignore the miniature schnauser but attacks the puppy black lab. And until he feels more comfortable with my brother's family (even without the other dogs) I wouldn't leave him. So one will have to do for now.

Certainly two + won't work for everyone for a variety of reasons–-lifestyle, finance, spousal tolerance, lease/rental agreements, etc.

But it IS nice when they have a buddy.

[sharronhurlbut]

Raye, where did you get your basenji puppies from?

[raye_hicks]

Sharron,

My basenjis came from a family in Owosso Michigan. She is not really a breeder this was her first litter (not sure if she will have anymore puppies she just had her male fixed. She had a litter of five I took two and my son took one so she felt very lucky because that only left two. Although she didn't have any problem getting homes for them Basenjis are hard to find in Michigan.