@Lenora:
He sounds pretty typical basenji to me Cheryl. They want to be where you, and make themselves completely comfortable on you. Abbey used to be a terrible mouther when she was little (she's 3 now) and I taught her No Bite. Kiss. When she'd start to mouth at my hand or whatever, I'd say No Bite, Kiss, and she would give me a little lick instead.
I too use the No Bite, Kisses and he is getting there. If he gets too rough, I just pull away and ignore him, it doesn't take long before he will reach over and give a gentle kiss.
I am having so much fun with him. He is the most loving dog I have ever owned and we are learning lots from each other.
Yesterday he "saved" me from the UPS truck! He saw it pull up outside on the curb and he set off with a series of barks that hit a pitch that hurt! Of course once he saw the man get out, he was all wiggles and wanting to play with him.
🙂