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Considering a Basenji.

Basenji Talk
  • D

    Hello, I am considering rescuing a Basenji. I am concerned about a few things, because I really like this breed, but I don't want a mismatch.

    I live alone in a medium sized apartment, which is very pet friendly, plenty of places to walk and explore for the dog, and walking and exercise is not a problem at all. What I am concerned about is leaving the dog at home while I am at work. I am sure I don't want a pup, which helps, but I know from researching that Basenjis need to be active. I plan on taking the dog out for long walks a few times a day (for my exercise too) and I think the dog will get plenty of time out and about when I am home. Other than work during the day I have plenty of time to be with my pet.

    I am a long time dog owner, and grew up taking on most of the dog training in my household. I have also helped rescue dogs before.

    Does the work day prove to be a certain mismatch with a Basenji?

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  • tanzaT

    @DennisH:

    Hello, I am considering rescuing a Basenji. I am concerned about a few things, because I really like this breed, but I don't want a mismatch.

    I live alone in a medium sized apartment, which is very pet friendly, plenty of places to walk and explore for the dog, and walking and exercise is not a problem at all. What I am concerned about is leaving the dog at home while I am at work. I am sure I don't want a pup, which helps, but I know from researching that Basenjis need to be active. I plan on taking the dog out for long walks a few times a day (for my exercise too) and I think the dog will get plenty of time out and about when I am home. Other than work during the day I have plenty of time to be with my pet.

    I am a long time dog owner, and grew up taking on most of the dog training in my household. I have also helped rescue dogs before.

    Does the work day prove to be a certain mismatch with a Basenji?

    I don't think it does… and I would bet that 90% of us on this list works.... And honestly, 99% of the time when you are at work, your dog/Basenji sleeps... So as long as you are planning exercise daily, you should do just fine... also there are a number of people on the list that live in apartments too... and do just fine with their B's

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

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  • etzbsederE

    I'm not working right now, but I go to school, live in a small apartment, and have trouble getting outside exercise in the winter, but my Basenji seems to love it here just fine. Luckily I will be moving to a larger house in a warmer climate with a yard in a few months.

    Being that you are experienced with rescues and training, you shouldn't really have any trouble at all with a rescue. There is probably a local basenji rescue, or club with rescue contacts, otherwise there is BRAT which is national. You should be able to find plenty of help, information, and advice through this forum.

    Michael Feldman
    Gilbert, AZ

    Chaverim Basenjis

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  • KanangaK

    I've got just under 1000sqft for my Basenji in my Condo. Granted the layout is far more open than most floor plans, he has plenty of room to run around. Like others have said, they usually sleep during the day while you are away, but every dog has a different personality. My B doesn't seem to have any severe separation anxiety and is not house destructive. Thus making the situation very easy.

    I find that my Basenji gets more exercise with my building layout because everytime he needs to go outside he gets a solid 5-10 minute walk. Most dog owners simply let their dog go in their yard and they come right back in. Something to keep in mind. There are a lot of dogs in my building (hi-rise) and they all seem to get a long very well. The social atmosphere is simply fantastic for these dogs. A lot more dog owners a close proximity than you'd get in a suburban neighborhood.

    My B has made a lot of friends just in the last couple months. I love seeing that smile on his face after he's had the chance to meet a new friend.

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  • S

    Rescue has some wonderful b to rehome, also, check with your local basenji breed club.
    They can share basenji info, share playdays and lurecouring they might be doing..

    Sharron Hurlbut

    BRAT, basenji rescue

    Evergreen basenji club

    Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue

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    Thank you all for your opinions/suggestions. I will consider what i want to do going forward. If i just accept the fact that i will be using walkers/doggy daycare on an everyday basis that does open up the available options of dog breeds to me as well. Traits like 'independent' might become less important relative to 'train ability' or 'people pleasing' since the issue of time by themselves would be largely negated I think? So perhaps i should go do some more research. If I were to get a puppy vs. an older dog I would obviously treat that situation drastically different. I have plenty of family/friends help I could get in the area along with professional services as needed and also have plenty of vacation time to burn. That, even if it lasts for a year, I still view as something temporary vs. a permanent lifestyle change.
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    Yes, early socialization and positive experiences is the best way to go. I think the most important thing about puppy kindergarten is that it is positive based and focuses on socialization with both people and dogs. Some basenji don't necessarily do well with the small dogs and other love them. Sophie was always the best with the new pups of any size in her puppy class, she just had phenomenal dog language and would make herself as small as possible and go at their speed. What you want to be careful about is people who have already formed a preconceived notion of basenji behavior. My mom's first puppy class instructor always expected her boy to be aggressive even though he never showed any aggression and was always very appropriate in his interactions. I crate puppies next to the bed while housebreaking and it works fine. I have always used a large stuffed toy in the crate and this year used SnugglePuppies, they were wonderful. The pup snuggled right up to warmth and fell asleep, provided we did a good job of tiring him out for the night. I got my first basenji while I was in Grad school and lived in an apartment. It is doable as long as you are willing to make sure they get enough exercise and mental stimulation.