Thank you, thank you. I just now read your letter - great advice. And Franc, whose age we really don't know (one year??) has only 2 issues (unless he's just saving some for our future enjoyment) - the crate and the inability to stop rough play - that would be using his teeth to nip at us. it's all in play and I'm working on it - ignoring and stopping all play and attention whenever he uses his teeth, etc. But thank you again for your advice and encouragement

btw - The shelter agrees that working with BRAT will be better for Franc than anything they can do. thanks so much for your support….

I have contacted the shelter.
"The idea was also to teach my son responsibility, not the primary idea at all

I just filled out BRAT's form…thanks for wishing us luck

I made the mistake of adopting a dog from a shelter less than 3 months ago: a male ,approx 1 yr old Tri-color Basenji they named Franc (which I pronounce "Frank") I always "owned" dogs and hadn't since my marriage broke up almost 5 years ago. At the suggestion of my 12 yr old son, we went to a shelter and found Franc. I knew nothing about the breed. He was NOT crate trained…and I have been unsuccessful doing so. He fights the crate. I have never kept a dog in a crate before but am very afraid of him biting electrical wires, etc and harming himself. The idea was also to teach my son responsibility. He has been coming over after school and sometimes again in the evening to take care of Franc. Today Franc bit him twice and his friend once - in fighting to stay out of the crate. I am not home much during the week and thought my son would give Franc enough attention. Franc is a pup - not sure of his age. neutered, ALL his shots, etc. He is super intelligent, affectionate, etc. But I need to find him a better home...especially for his sake. I signed an agreement with the shelter, never to give Franc to anyone but back to them...but I am not very happy with the thought of his unhappiness there for even a short time.
Thank you for reading
tony