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Questions from potential new owner

Basenji Talk
  • KanangaK

    I think it greatly depends on the dog. I've read many differences here of Basenjis. I expected my B to be destructive, noisy, not wanting to go outside while raining/snowing, etc. But I found the exact opposite.

    He only makes noises briefly at times. Usually when he wants attention or when he's nervous (in the car). It's a yawn with a quick howl/baroo at the end. Hard to explain but it's the cutest thing. Other than that he's 100% silent. Not all B's are alike from how i've gathered things. I found my B to have 0 destructive habits. The breeder actually gave me a heads up on this before I picked him up originally, and it was true. I can leave him at home while i'm gone during the day and he doesn't move a single thing. Of course we know not all B's are like that.

    Just do your research and understand that it all depends on the dog, but use the information about the breed as a base.

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  • snorky998S

    My 2 are polar opposites in the house. Ty is a laid back couch potato that lives to be petted. Katie is a gung-ho, pester you to the end of the earth, come play with me or I'll destroy something, kind of gal.

    They both shed. And by shed I mean as soon as the Vernal Equinox hits they blow coat. I vacuum up what seems to be the equivalent of a 5 dog household worth of hair on a daily basis (and yes, I do brush on a daily basis–that's just what's left on the floor and furniture in between brushings)

    Guard dogs? Not in the typical sense. I don't have the bark differentiation that you might get with other breeds; friendly bark for a welcomed guest, alert bark for a stranger, notifying bark for the postman, etc.. I get a "get off my front porch" scream with the back burred up, or the "back off my fence a$$'ole" snarl with teeth bared and back burred up, or perhaps the quiet grumbling tail wagging with the back burred up "welcome friend" signal followed by the big baroo!! (The "back up" on this breed (IMHO) signals to strangers as aggression. I found my 2 use it to signal excitement–they even burr up when chasing small critters in the back yard!!)

    From dog to dog, my 'sengis are VERY individual in personalities.

    The discussion between nature vs nurture should never be discussed when it comes to this breed. It would be a moot point. Even Darwin would be confused and probably throw his note books in the air in frustration and sail away to Key West to spend some 'normal' with Hemingway:D

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  • wizardW

    And don't be fooled when someone says "oh he's a little angel". EL D came to me with a reputation as being very destructive but never did any damage once I got him home and my current Luny had a reputation for being very nice in the house and turns out he has a severe anxiety problem and will destroy anything by the door if I leave with him loose.

    So be sure to watch the pup/dog for awhile to see how s/he acts on its own and with other dogs and also pay attention to how a dog reacts to you, a stranger.

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  • J

    New pup!

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    DebraDownSouthD
    @jalex said in New pup!: @senjisilly i read in quite a few different places that looking at their teeth is an issue. She wont let me do anything actually but she does let me hold her. Its been a rough week. As with any dog/breed you need to be sure theyre a fit for your family and so far if she is a B I'm struggling to believe itll work out but we're trying! I appreciate the input and guidance, thank you! She's a puppy. Her behaviors are puppy behavior... period. Puppies bite, they do what they can get away with. She is darling, she definitely looks very basenji. But if you really have doubts, contact basenji rescue and let them find her a home while she's still a puppy. Frankly, I suspect you are letting BASENJI close your vision. They have quirks, but overall no better or worse than most breeds. All dogs take patience and that you be at least as persistent as they are. At her age, she doesn't get the option of "won't allow me to do anything." Without yelling, hitting or rough behavior, you really can turn it all around. Right now is the time she must learn you can check her teeth, look between her toes, check her ears, etc. At some point in life, it may be critical, so training her NOW is important. But it can also be relationship building and fun. :) Mary has one of the easiest to follow sites. You just start working on training so that she comes to see you as the one to guide her. To entertain her by helping her use her brain. It will be okay. :) Training on left, issues on right: http://www.clickerlessons.com/index.htm You have a world of help here, you can do this. :)
  • C

    Advice for potential basenji owner

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    eeeefarmE
    @EMurata said in Advice for potential basenji owner: The "weather permitting" part of your statement wont work with a Basenji. My dog doesnt care if its 100 degrees out or 10, she needs constant exercise. If outside exercise isn't available for whatever reason, mental exercise is a good substitute. Basenjis are very clever and if you keep their minds busy it often serves to minimize or avoid destructive behaviour. You are not going to wear a fit Basenji out by walking him or her a couple of hours a day, but I have seen them perfectly content to kick back and relax after half an hour of demanding mental exercise! Clicker training can be useful here.....
  • dogeloverD

    Advice for potential first-time basenji owners

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    DebraDownSouthD
    @Cafu LOL on cutting leash.. I am certain they have retractable scissors in their gums. I have had mine cut leashes and cut straps to clothing that were so smooth, nothing else but scissors explains it (okay or razor blades). Which is why I put these on the collars... snap/ o ring, chain, o ring, leash [image: 1508253202524-leash.jpg]
  • MayaM

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    tanzaT
    @saralars: This is off the subject of crate escape… I was told growing up that turkey and chicken bones were very dangerous for dogs. Are Basenjis different in this way too? Or am I missing something... Raw, uncooked bones are fine for any dog, not just Basenjis… it is "cooked" bones that are the problems
  • Forever AmberF

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    G
    No I haven't and I need to… I have taken some great ones of her lounging in the sunshine. She loves taking in those rays....
  • tlbuddyT

    Questions?

    Basenji Talk
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    L
    On tv this morning they showed some dogs that were to be adopted at Petsmart from the Humane Society. One of them they said was a basenji/terrier mix. That dog was huge and he didn't look anything like a basenji to me. No batwing ears but the tail was curled.