@ashleigh1994 I had the same issue with my male when I put him in the crate alone. I also have a female and I ended putting them in together.
I found that because they like to be in a “cave like” setting, I covered the crate with a blanket so it’s dark and put some inside that had my smell on it and he slept all night. When I tell them it’s “nite nite” they both go inside and know it’s bedtime.
I hope that helps! 
Cheers!
I would have to agree with some of the responses your getting. There are certainly breeds that are more tolerant than others. From my experience, my basenji was nippy and wary of my grandsons in the beginning. They are very loving but do need to have their space and respect their boundaries.
Mine warmed up after a while and also going for walks together with the baby does help. They do not like to be abruptly woken up, tugged or poked especially when little ones don’t know their strength or understand their dislikes at such a young age. It’s not their fault. Teaching the little ones when is a good time and when it’s time to let them be is what I did. Observe them and guide both of them to be gentle. Mine certainly did great that way and now they love to be around them and sleep with them but again even still if they are too rough or disturb them while the sleep they will get a little snarl or a warning boop. I had my grandson give her treats too and she loved that too. When she wanted space I would use a baby gate and let her sleep or eat in peace. It takes time and patience and paying attention to their body language.
Jealousy can also be a factor so also take time to give your basenji one on one walkies and reward them for good behavior. I am not an advocate for rehoming a pet, they are family but If you feel that you can’t invest the time, then rehoming to a good family is the best option.
I don’t believe in giving dogs drugs for something that can be corrected with time and effort. Kids will be kids and dogs will be dogs, you can’t fault them for that. We have to respect their way of existence but teach them to adapt and respect ours as their owners and pack leader. That applies to all animals.
There is hope. 
I hope this helps you!
Basenji’s are a great breed to own but not ideal in an apartment setting for their safety. They are known to escape, climb and jump. I got my first basenji when I owned a townhouse with a small yard and I soon realized that she needed space to run, socialized play and exploring. It was also hard because I worked full time. It was heartbreaking.
To make a long story short, I sold my townhouse, bought a house with a huge back yard, put a 6ft fence and got a second basenji to keep her company. On my days off they go to regular dog park play dates so that they can burn that energy they have out. It’s like another full time job but the best thing I did.
They are my babies and I did what I had to do to make them happy. They are totally worth it!
Wait, and plan for it, three weeks off is not enough when they are puppies.
Best wishes
I have two Basenji’s, and I have to agree with the fellow replies, they are meant to be in a close family environment. They are a very independent breed and can be stubborn if you don’t bond and make them feel like part of your family “or pack”. They are highly intelligent. Leaving them alone or unsupervised can result in escaping or mischievous behaviors because they are bored and lonely outside.
Although they love to bask in the sun and play outside, they love more than anything to cuddle and be close to their owners. They are a VERY loving breed and they thrive with socialization and structure.
Frequent dog park play dates are their favorite. They are more calm and relaxed after a good few hours of playtime. If you feel you can’t handle the dog, it is better to find a forever home so that they can be happy.
I hope this helps a bit.
They are SUPER smart. If you take them to the park or for regular walks, like clockwork be ready to comply. They are great with a routine and structure.
They will let you know if you are late or if you forget.
This is normal Basenji play. I have two, a male and female and they both do the same. In fact, when they engage in the play of chase they also go for the hind legs. This is not aggression but Basenji’s are known to play rough. They are smart enough to know when to be gentle with puppies from what I have experienced.
When I play with them they grab my arm with their mouths and hold it, but let go or gently hold my arm. As puppies it can be a lot more painful for the owners when they play because their teeth are like needles and may result in some scratches. Both my dogs do the same thing at the dog park not only to each other but to their fur buddies when they play.
It’s always good took keep an eye out for other breeds that may not understand the rough play or younger dogs that may get scared from the rough play. My dogs like to play with bigger dogs because they can handle it a lot better. I always communicate to other dogs owners coming in that my dogs play rough and let them make the choice as to what side to go in. Basenji’s will not back down in a fight, so make sure that they are socialized and familiar with the dogs the play with. Dogs are dogs and can have fights. But Basenji’s never forget.
I hope this helps.
Basenji’s personality may vary. My female is more reserved and my male is more social. She is very loving and affectionate and he is the same but not to the level she is. He is easygoing and laid back and she is cautiously playful.
Experience will vary, my girl played with a pit bull puppy for over 8 months and were the best of buddies but out of the blue the pit bull attacked her. It took an act of God to separate them because neither wanted to back down. Thankfully, they did not hurt each other badly, just some scratches and a few bite marks but nothing life threatening. It was crazy. Sadly she never forgot it and she does not play well with that breed anymore.
My theory is that is was a combination hormonal and adolescent behavior but nonetheless it was heartbreaking for both of us owners to witness.
I believe time heals all wounds but it’s on their time.
Cheers
@nicholas3327 I would not recommend it. That is a long time to leave any animal alone at any age. They are a very intelligent breed and very active. They get very attached to their human parent and being alone can potentially bring out bad behaviors cause by boredom , loneliness and they will get depressed. My dogs live in a big house, have a huge fenced back yard, and I still have to take them on walks and play dates. Sometimes my friends bring their dogs and they play for hours. They need space and constant socialization to thrive.
I agree with the my fellow basenji and animal lovers that it is not an ideal environment for any pet.
Have you considered a little fish tank?
Cheers!
Hi, I got my male basenji named "Simba" and he is beautiful! The breeders name is Leo. I post a lot of my basenji photos on my instagram @kittenshkat if you want to see. His names registered with the BCOA. Basenji Club of America and the [AKC Puppy Finders] website.(https://marketplace.akc.org/breeder/FrenchBulldogPuppiesFL/basenji/coming-soon )
Tampa, Florida
[removed personal information]
I think it’s safe to say, that the information out there about the breed is true but with plenty of attention and consistency they can be trained. My dogs can do tricks too but they have moments where I would toss a ball to play with them and I get a “ you go get it” look. They are defiant when they wan to be.
It’s amazing the things they can do. Standing on hind legs and jumping as high as they do. They are so agile. They have a great sense of humor too. I taught my female to high five alternating paws if I changed my hands.
Do you get the “I want attention” stares?
I would have to agree with some of the responses your getting. There are certainly breeds that are more tolerant than others. From my experience, my basenji was nippy and wary of my grandsons in the beginning. They are very loving but do need to have their space and respect their boundaries.
Mine warmed up after a while and also going for walks together with the baby does help. They do not like to be abruptly woken up, tugged or poked especially when little ones don’t know their strength or understand their dislikes at such a young age. It’s not their fault. Teaching the little ones when is a good time and when it’s time to let them be is what I did. Observe them and guide both of them to be gentle. Mine certainly did great that way and now they love to be around them and sleep with them but again even still if they are too rough or disturb them while the sleep they will get a little snarl or a warning boop. I had my grandson give her treats too and she loved that too. When she wanted space I would use a baby gate and let her sleep or eat in peace. It takes time and patience and paying attention to their body language.
Jealousy can also be a factor so also take time to give your basenji one on one walkies and reward them for good behavior. I am not an advocate for rehoming a pet, they are family but If you feel that you can’t invest the time, then rehoming to a good family is the best option.
I don’t believe in giving dogs drugs for something that can be corrected with time and effort. Kids will be kids and dogs will be dogs, you can’t fault them for that. We have to respect their way of existence but teach them to adapt and respect ours as their owners and pack leader. That applies to all animals.
There is hope.
I hope this helps you!
@ashleigh1994 I had the same issue with my male when I put him in the crate alone. I also have a female and I ended putting them in together.
I found that because they like to be in a “cave like” setting, I covered the crate with a blanket so it’s dark and put some inside that had my smell on it and he slept all night. When I tell them it’s “nite nite” they both go inside and know it’s bedtime.
I hope that helps!
Cheers!
@nicholas3327 I would not recommend it. That is a long time to leave any animal alone at any age. They are a very intelligent breed and very active. They get very attached to their human parent and being alone can potentially bring out bad behaviors cause by boredom , loneliness and they will get depressed. My dogs live in a big house, have a huge fenced back yard, and I still have to take them on walks and play dates. Sometimes my friends bring their dogs and they play for hours. They need space and constant socialization to thrive.
I agree with the my fellow basenji and animal lovers that it is not an ideal environment for any pet.
Have you considered a little fish tank?
Cheers!
I have been giving my dogs “Gentle Giants” for the last couple of years. They have never had any issues with digestion or diarrhea. I also give them some non flavored yogurt and will mix sweet potato into it and they love it.
It has gotten really good reviews.
I think it’s safe to say, that the information out there about the breed is true but with plenty of attention and consistency they can be trained. My dogs can do tricks too but they have moments where I would toss a ball to play with them and I get a “ you go get it” look. They are defiant when they wan to be.
It’s amazing the things they can do. Standing on hind legs and jumping as high as they do. They are so agile. They have a great sense of humor too. I taught my female to high five alternating paws if I changed my hands.
Do you get the “I want attention” stares?
Basenji’s personality may vary. My female is more reserved and my male is more social. She is very loving and affectionate and he is the same but not to the level she is. He is easygoing and laid back and she is cautiously playful.
Experience will vary, my girl played with a pit bull puppy for over 8 months and were the best of buddies but out of the blue the pit bull attacked her. It took an act of God to separate them because neither wanted to back down. Thankfully, they did not hurt each other badly, just some scratches and a few bite marks but nothing life threatening. It was crazy. Sadly she never forgot it and she does not play well with that breed anymore.
My theory is that is was a combination hormonal and adolescent behavior but nonetheless it was heartbreaking for both of us owners to witness.
I believe time heals all wounds but it’s on their time.
Cheers
@donc The Basenji is alert, energetic, curious and reserved with strangers. The Basenji tends to become emotionally attached to a single human. Basenjis may not get along with non-canine pets. Basenjis dislike wet weather, much like cats, and will often refuse to go outside in any sort of damp conditions. They like to climb, and can easily scale chain wire/link fences.
Basenjis often stand on their hind legs, somewhat like a meerkat, by themselves or leaning on something; this behavior is often observed when the dog is curious about something. Basenjis have a strong prey drive. According to the book The Intelligence of Dogs, they are the second least trainable dog, when required to do human commands (behind only the Afghan Hound). Their real intelligence manifests when they are required to actually "think".
Basenjis are highly prey driven and will go after cats and other small animals.
This is normal Basenji play. I have two, a male and female and they both do the same. In fact, when they engage in the play of chase they also go for the hind legs. This is not aggression but Basenji’s are known to play rough. They are smart enough to know when to be gentle with puppies from what I have experienced.
When I play with them they grab my arm with their mouths and hold it, but let go or gently hold my arm. As puppies it can be a lot more painful for the owners when they play because their teeth are like needles and may result in some scratches. Both my dogs do the same thing at the dog park not only to each other but to their fur buddies when they play.
It’s always good took keep an eye out for other breeds that may not understand the rough play or younger dogs that may get scared from the rough play. My dogs like to play with bigger dogs because they can handle it a lot better. I always communicate to other dogs owners coming in that my dogs play rough and let them make the choice as to what side to go in. Basenji’s will not back down in a fight, so make sure that they are socialized and familiar with the dogs the play with. Dogs are dogs and can have fights. But Basenji’s never forget.
I hope this helps.
They are SUPER smart. If you take them to the park or for regular walks, like clockwork be ready to comply. They are great with a routine and structure.
They will let you know if you are late or if you forget.
Basenji’s are a great breed to own but not ideal in an apartment setting for their safety. They are known to escape, climb and jump. I got my first basenji when I owned a townhouse with a small yard and I soon realized that she needed space to run, socialized play and exploring. It was also hard because I worked full time. It was heartbreaking.
To make a long story short, I sold my townhouse, bought a house with a huge back yard, put a 6ft fence and got a second basenji to keep her company. On my days off they go to regular dog park play dates so that they can burn that energy they have out. It’s like another full time job but the best thing I did.
They are my babies and I did what I had to do to make them happy. They are totally worth it!
Wait, and plan for it, three weeks off is not enough when they are puppies.
Best wishes