Skip to content

When should we get him fixed?

Basenji Talk
  • We don't plan on breeding our basenji dog and will get him fixed. He is almost 6months old now, but I have heard theat if you want your dog (especially boys) to grow to their full potential you should wait a full year so they have completely gone thru puberty? Anyone have any recommendations?

  • we waited the full year. We thought we might want to do agility and lure coursing, and had read that early neutering could lead to thinner bones. Thinner bones means more chance of injury, so we figured we'd wait.

    He seemed to sail right through the surgery, recovery wasn't too bad.

    I say, why not wait, if there is no intact female in your household, and the dog is properly contained.

Suggested Topics

  • Getting a new dog

    Basenji Talk
    9
    0 Votes
    9 Posts
    9k Views
    eeeefarmE
    Her face looks Basenji, maybe not the muzzle however. Are they destructive? Can be, don't have to be. I don't like to crate and I never have, beyond the initial puppy stage or with a rescue until I can get a handle on what to expect. I do restrict access to areas of the house that might be vulnerable until I am sure of the dog. Not all can be trusted to have free rein. Be consistent in what you expect or will tolerate, and be very watchful until you understand what behaviour is "normal" for your new dog. Are they really that active? I would say no. She is likely excited to be in a new place and curious about everything. She should settle down. Of course, with a rescue there may well be reasons someone gave up on her, and it's not always immediately apparent if a dog has problems. Hopefully she will fit in well with your family. Invisible fence......likely not a good choice for a Basenji, particularly if there are coyotes in your area. You need to protect her. Coyotes will go after a small dog, and sometimes even a not so small one. I know someone who lost a Jack Russell when he was lured by coyotes and then attacked once he was beyond his master's protection.....and Jack Russells are tough little dogs! However, invisible fence can be useful to back up a physical fence if your dog turns out to be an escape artist. Regarding landscaping.....there are some deer fences that blend well and become almost invisible. Perhaps combined with invisible fence that might be a good option. Otherwise, walks or biking your dog should help, and definitely challenge her mentally. Basenjis are clever and I believe they enjoy learning. I taught my boy to retrieve objects by name.....it was fun for both of us. Good luck with her.
  • Getting off the leash

    Basenji Talk
    9
    0 Votes
    9 Posts
    5k Views
    BorbasukB
    I know what you mean Patty; but I always made sure to do this and it didn't make any difference. It's not every dog I've had that could do this; most can't but once they figure it out the first time they always seem to do it again.
  • Look What Maya Is Getting!

    Basenji Talk
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    3k Views
    KipawaK
    Maya looks great in that picture, and I am sure she will look spectacular in purple.
  • Considering getting a Basenji

    Basenji Talk
    4
    0 Votes
    4 Posts
    2k Views
    lvossL
    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.
  • What did you get your B for Christmas?

    Basenji Talk
    22
    0 Votes
    22 Posts
    10k Views
    GoobyG
    I got goober a rediculously huge bone. it weighs like 10 pounds.
  • Thinking about getting a basenji…

    Basenji Talk
    32
    0 Votes
    32 Posts
    30k Views
    tanzaT
    @JazzysMom: Well, it's a good thing we went straight to a breeder! I'd considered BRAT, but decided to get a puppy instead. Good thing, because with six kids at home and lots of other kids in and out, we'd have never gotten a dog! Sad isn't it….