Hello,
Thanks everyone for sharing some very helpful info. I've been trolling around fortips and tricks for a few months during the adoption process. I've been contemplating a basenji for about 5 years. Finally settled enough to make it fair to the pooch (I hope…)
I've been working with Peggy at Colorado Basenji Rescue (I think they're a BRAT affiliate...) to find Nigel. He is a pretty amazing guy. I'm adopting him on Monday after my home visit, two seperate visits to him, and another play date at my house. He's 5, red and white, and his tail curls over three times and looks like a cinnamon bun. No pics as of yet, but I do have a Flip video of the little devil. I live in Longmont, CO. It's in the front range between Boulder and Fort Collins. I'd love to meet other owners/owned in the area.
Take it easy,
Greg
Welcome Greg and Nigel! Sounds like you did your homework. There's plenty here as far as info to help. Post some pics when you get him. It's great you rescued him. Do you know if he was tested for Fanconi?
I probably did too much research, as I'm still a little scared to take on the responsibility! There is a lot of info out there on why not to get a basenji. The three that I have met over the years were enough to convince me otherwise.
I am 90% sure he got a dna test and that he is clear/negative, not sure on nomenclature here. I will certainly confirm on Monday. I'm gonna take some private training classes in about a week from a "localish" breeder type lady, just to get used to one another. He's neutered and microchipped. I got him some California Natural Lamb and Rice food to transition to. I guess he has a sensitive stomache. I'm not sure what kind of treats to get him. What do you use? I know he likes peanut butter.
I'm REALLY excited. He will be my first basenji/dog/animal that I have been responsible for. I've dog sat some shibas, and other rescue type dogs, but this is my first foray into "ownership." Can't wait.
Greg
Welcome Greg and Nigel, so good to have you here..can't wait to see pictures of your pretty boy..
@Nigel:
I probably did too much research, as I'm still a little scared to take on the responsibility! There is a lot of info out there on why not to get a basenji. The three that I have met over the years were enough to convince me otherwise.
I am 90% sure he got a dna test and that he is clear/negative, not sure on nomenclature here. I will certainly confirm on Monday. I'm gonna take some private training classes in about a week from a "localish" breeder type lady, just to get used to one another. He's neutered and microchipped. I got him some California Natural Lamb and Rice food to transition to. I guess he has a sensitive stomache. I'm not sure what kind of treats to get him. What do you use? I know he likes peanut butter.
I'm REALLY excited. He will be my first basenji/dog/animal that I have been responsible for. I've dog sat some shibas, and other rescue type dogs, but this is my first foray into "ownership." Can't wait.Greg
As far as treats I hand feed Buddy pieces of cooked chicken breast. Hand feeding is a great thing to do as he knows what comes from your hand is good and it's a good relationship builder. If you don't have a good relationship with a Basenji you'll have trouble. Also exercise Nigel a lot. Now he's 5 so he won't be as energetic as a youngster but getting him out for some good long walks so he can smell around and use up some energy will keep him calm and relaxed. Don't let him off the leash! Are you gone during the day? Is he crate trained? If you have a yard is it fenced and escape proof? Basenjis are good escape artists.
Well, if you're up for a bit of a drive, a bunch of basenji people will be at the Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo Colorado at 9 am Saturday (ring 9) and 8 am Sunday (ring 4). I'll be there with Zest. If you want to see a basenji doing agility, there will be another Zest show on T'day weekend east of Colorado Springs. Otherwise, join the Hi Country basenji club and you'll meet LOTS of basenji people. Oh, and lucky you (us), Greeley, Co will be hosting the BCOA specialty show in 2010.
And you can see a couple of Zest shows here:
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=agilebasenji&search_type=&aq=f
I work nights, so Nigel will be fending for himself (in his crate, at least until he gets acclimated…) from 11pm until 7am. I'm gonna run home on "lunch" at 3am to let him out to do his business.
I'm an avid mountain biker and hiker so exercise will not be in short supply. My tactic is definitly to tire the lil' devil out. Hopefully he can sleep throught the night that way. I hope to be able to give him at least partial roam of the house when I'm gone, but not not at first. I live in a 3br 2ba place by myself. There are rooms that are just tile or just hardwoods, so that ought be good for him.
My side yard is fenced, but he will never be out there off leash, it's only a 4 ft chainlink. I'm very wary of him running out doors and climbing/jumping over things. Like I said, I've been reading for that last five years in preparation for adopting either a basenji or a shiba inu.
I contemplated a raw diet. He's on that CA Natural right now so I figured I'd keep it up for a bit before I switch him. There's enough changes for the poor guy right now. He is very handsome.
Glad to here about the BCOA in Greeley. Nice that it's in the backyard. Saturday I have plans, but Sunday is a slight possiblility to make it to C Springs. I have to be back at work at 11pm, but that's plenty of time.
Happy to meet you all. Maybe I can post the video I have of Nigel. I'm not terribly computer/format savy.
Take care,
Greg
Welcome and congratulations on your new family member. If Nigel is already crate trained, you shouldn't have any trouble with him sleeping in it while you're gone. It's the safest thing to do for him and for your stuff. He's already 5, so while you're sleeping during the day, he will likely snuggle with you while you sleep.
Just be very aware (as I'm sure you already are if you've been hanging out here for long) Basenji are notorious escapists. If he finds a way out, plug it ASAP.
Your B-boy will love you for giving him a loving and fun home. Thank you for giving him a chance at love.
Sounds like you have done your homework and you have read all the stories. You should be on your toes at all times but dont forget to have fun. A sense of humor and patience are a must. Be prepared to laugh and to sigh and be prepared for everyone to stop and ask your about your pooch every time you are out hiking. Make sure your batteries are charged in your camera at all times. We need those pictures.
I've been trying to post a video I took of Nigel last Thursday. Having some trouble with that. Any recommendations? I got the mechanical inclination while my brother got the computer savy genes. My father, strangely has both and Mom does whatever she decides she wants to. It's a Flip video and I have no trouble emailing it. Just can't seem to figure out how to post here. Thanks a lot. I've never "wished away" a weekend before, but I'm terribly excited for Monday when Nigel gets dropped off!
Greg
Welcome Nigel and Greg, hope Monday comes round quick for you 
Welcome to our pack! In lieu/lue(sp?) of a video you could always post regular pictures (hint hint).
Sorry, no pics, just video. I'll take some of the little bugger when he gets here on Monday. Brace yourself until then. He's quite handsome if I do say so.
Welcome to the forum!
