@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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We're Basenji-sitting!
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Hello! I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Ursula and I live in Tripoli, Libya (for work, originally I'm from the US and still call Houston, TX home). When we moved here 6 months ago, we brought all of our animals with us - 2 labrador retrievers, and three cats.
The reason I joined this board is that we're dog-sitting a friend/colleague's Basenji, Louie, for a bit over three weeks (while she's traveling for business and the vacation). I think Louie is about 3 years old, his owner has only had him for a couple of months, and adopted him as an adult. He's an "only child" and I know she "spoils" him and loves him very much.
He's painfully shy but seems very sweet. He's met our dogs and cats already and is fine with them - not playful, but all the body language is that he's very comfortable (ears up, head high, tail curled up on his back, bouncy trot). But his Mom warned us that he's very, very timid in new situations. His first night with us was last night, and he seemed fine. Better than we expected, actually.
I am not familiar with the breed at all, so I know I'll have questions. Any pointers or advice you can offer right off the bat?
Thanks in advance.
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Get ready for sneaky activities
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I suspect he should be feeling very comfortable in a few days and will start playing (if he's the playing type) with your other dogs. Unless he's not use to being around other dogs. I would just keep your eye on him to make sure he doesn't get into any trouble.
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But watch for the minute that he becomes "comfortable"ā¦ ggg... that is when they push the envelope.....