@basenjicurious
It’s great that you’re doing your homework on the basenji. I think the reason you read all these “horror stories” 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. It’s 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 “repertoire of tricks” without me even asking her. She dances to let me know it’s 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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My basenji bites
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Yesterday on another thread I read how someone takes a squirt bottle of water and does a quick spray when she bites and then says no. I tried that on noel and it worked perfect. I just have to grab that bottle and she goes and lays down. She hasn't bitten me once today. I know it will take more than one evening to train her not to bite but I will be patient.
The problem with this method is that Noel will not learn to soften her bite so if she ever does bite it will probably be with full force and result in serious injury. Though it takes longer to train, it is much better especially with young children in the house to use the method described in the link given in the other thread.