Best posts made by CrazySenji

It finally happened! My boy got the last placement he needed to finish his grand championship last weekend in Tallmadge, OH. Sorry It's huge!

GCh. Meisterhaus Jadaka Don't Stop Me Now

Hey there! I think you may have messaged me on my Tumblr but I'll respond here too.

I own basenjis because they aren't your typical "dog". They are quirky cat-dog creatures that make my life whole. They are small, clean, quiet and hilarious. I am not a big fan of dog drool and TONS of hair all over my clothes and house. I like that I can pick them up when I need to, I like that they take me 10 minutes to groom, I like that they aren't expensive to feed (ie not a great dane amount a food), I like that they think for themselves, I like that they don't hide their "emotions", I like that they learn quickly (even if they prefer not to repeat it over and over), watching them run makes me cry (no joke, I cry at Fast CATs lol), I love how they like to snuggle under blankets, I love when I have all 3 on my lap just happy to be near me, HEAD TILTS and yes, I do love how they look. My dogs do not have separation anxiety, are only "aggressive" with some strange dogs, don't know the meaning of the word aloof and all 3 are trained better than most of the dogs I see at work (i'm a vet tech).

They do have energy but like a lot of sighthounds (and cheetahs!) they GO GO GO and done. Mine just did some laps in the yard and are crashed on the couch. My adult dogs are pretty easy to live with, puppies are BAD but that can be said for any breed lol. My youngster shred 3 dog beds when I fell asleep on the couch the other day. He was bored and found something to do! My dogs are in their kennels when I am not home or I do believe they would destroy my house. My poor blinds have suffered many "OMG OMG A SQUIRRL!!!!!!" attacks. They have high prey drive and don't always do well with cats or other small animals. Mine are fine with the cat they grew up with but all others are prey to be chased. They aren't always as forgiving of small human antics like a lab would be. Gotta train your kids too.

I think a lot of the negative things actually do come from a good place. People LOVE their breed and are afraid someone will get one based on a couple of traits and the dog will end up being rehomed for being a basenji. I think a lot of people get carried away with the "ugly" part of "The good, the bad, and the ugly" and forget that there was a time when they were new to the breed. There is a problem with BYB/Millers telling people they are silent and don't shed. Perfect dog right?? BUT WAIT, there's also prey drive, destructive behavior, stubbornness, etc. So I think that makes people hesitant of newbies and want to be sure they know there is more to them than being small, low shed no barkers. I think you need to meet some before you decided if they are for you! Where are you from? I know many breeders.

So, to sum up my incoherent wall of text: I love my breed and it's true they aren't the easiest breed to work with but I wouldn't have anything else (well maybe an Ibizan hound LOL). Like any animal, find a good breeder you trust!

Sure you can message me. You deserve to know if there is no puppy for you this year. Keeping you in limbo isn’t right. I’m hoping the breeder is still evaluating puppies and just hasn’t contacted everyone yet.

It does sound like displaced aggression. Can’t get to what she wants so she lashes out. One of my dogs got his foot stuck in a gate and paniced. While I was trying to help him he snapped at me. He wasn’t mad at me but scared/frustrated at the situation. I’m not new to basenjis either, it’s something I’ve had to work with him on. He’s 3 now and much better. How is she in the house? Is it just an issue with other dogs? If she were my dog I’d work on some foundation training and hold off on walks with the kids. It is my experience that many basenjis don’t really care to be friends with every dog they meet. She does need to learn to walk passed them with out reacting, but don’t expect her to like them and want to play.

Don’t be so hard on yourself. Your breeder was right to be apprehensive as basenjis are not an easy breed. They take an owner who will keep them in check and one that has a sense of humor. I do think the whole “not a first time dog” is stupid. How many labs must one own before they can have the breed they want??

I agree that you should work with a trainer, especially since you are new to dogs. Perhaps one that could come to your house and see her in her element. I also hope your breeder is helping you. It is their duty to help their puppy buyers though this.

Please don’t hesitate to keep posting here and asking for guidance!!

My boy Morgan had a great weekend at the Cleveland Crown Classic shows! He went BOB all 4 days and finally finished his championship. He is now Ch. Meisterhaus Jadaka Don't Stop Me Now! I can't wait to start working on his grand! (he already has a 5pt major!)

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SLOWLY!!! It's not always easy introducing two adult dogs and basenjis in particular can be a little rough. He has been your only do for 3 years and his "intruder alert" alarm is active. He wanted it and went for it. If she isn't in heat her being intact probably has little to do with the behavior but yes having her spayed is a good idea.

I would recommend feeding (including treats, especially REALLY good treats) be done separately. Do they have kennels? If not you can use baby gates or separate rooms. Feed them in their kennels, give them treats in their kennels, etc.

I have 3 boys and two are OK with each other going near food and respect the "GO AWAY" growl. My puppy is.. a puppy and ignores them and dives in. They don't appreciate it at all. Luckily no injuries have happened but puppy gets all food in his kennel. A quick "gone in a second" treat is fine but if it's a good chewy or something of "high value" there could be a battle.

Another thing they argue over are beds. Have many places for them to lay because right now they might not want to be snuggle buddies. That could never happen! They may learn to live in harmony but might not be best friends. We do our best but you can't fully change a dog's personality.

A lot of it is his age. At 1.5-2 he's starting to mature and sometimes they act like that. Neutering is not a magical fix to the issue either. Sadly, a lot of vets and even some trainers will tell you that your dogs problem is that he is intact. Neutering won't make him want to be BFFs with every dog he meets. All it will do is reduce his hormones and make him unable to reproduce. It may lessen some undesirable behaviorists like marking and roaming but.. I know plenty of castrated dogs who do both.
What Debra said is how I feel about my dogs "making friends". They aren't going to like every dog but I expect them to behave. I can walk them though a group of other dogs and they will ignore them for the most part. That takes time and training! They have their friends and do MUCH better off leash than on leash. It will be hard to distract him when he's "in the zone" with another dog so start small. Work on his interaction with your brother's dog in a controlled environment. Remove all "high value" toys and chew bones that he could be guarding. Dog parks are the worst place to take a dog in training. You can't control what the other dogs are doing. He could be justifiably telling them off for rude behavior. I would never ever take my dogs there.

Also, make sure to talk to your breeder and see if they have any tips for you :).

I’m a firm believer that there is no such thing as a “1st time dog breed “. I grew up with golden retrievers but I personally have only owned basenjis. There really is no other breed for me! I can’t tell you how many people tried to talk me out of it. Get the dog that you want that fits your lifestyle!

They aren’t all escape artists that need a bunch of exercise. If you found a good breeder they will work with you and will find you the right dog for you and your family. I have three boys and while one does everything he can to find a way out of the yard to go chase more squirrels, I have another that wants nothing more than to be in the house on my lap. My oldest and youngest love to run and do doggy sports and my middle boy likes to be a show dog and hang out with me. Sight hounds like to go fast and then nap hard!

Good luck with your future pup!

Hypo literally means “less” so yes basenjis can be less allergic for people with allergies.

Welcome to the wonderful word of basenjis

All of my dogs are Meisterhaus. Not in their lines, they ARE Meisterhaus ;).

Your girl has a very nice pedigree! Very pretty head.

@debradownsouth said in Basenji Personality:

@crazysenji said in Basenji Personality:

I’m a firm believer that there is no such thing as a “1st time dog breed “.

I wouldn't place a Rottweiler, Chow, Akita and a lot of dominant dog breeds with a first-time owner. There are breeds that generally do need a more experienced owner. I also believe there are people who don't need to own a dog because their life situation simply doesn't make room for care of a dog.

But I absolutely agree that you're better getting the breed you want instead of what other people say you should get! I would choose a puppy owner in love with a breed and willing to make adjustments so it works over someone picking a dog for convenience any day.

If they do their homework and know what they are getting into I think they should get the dog they want. If someone has always dreamed of an Akita how many labs must they own before they can have one? Level one lab, level 2 GSD, level 3 Akita? Nah. Sure there are people who are drawn to powerful breeds and have no business owning a dog at all let alone a more challenging breed. I know a lot of great dog people who’ve started out with them and do wonderful. Right person who gets the right dog from the right breeder.

Yes of course!
Laurie Owen - Spring Willow
Becky Blansett - Epic
Tim Huff - Victory
Sue kite - Klassic

My parents have a little girl from Laurie and I think she may have an “out of season” litter. She is on Facebook and very nice. Always welcomes people into her home to see her dogs. :). She’s on Facebook, send her a message!

I don’t know that the others have any pups left this year or plans to breed til fall but they all have nice dogs!

Two things work with my dogs. If my puppy is playing keep away I turn around and run the other way. He goes “hey where’d ya go!!” And starts chasing me instead. I get back what I want and he thinks it’s fun to come to me.

Another thing that works is trading. Get a fun toy or treat and offer it instead of the thing you don’t want her to have. He’s just tall enough to reach the garbage and likes to shred paper towels. So we trade for those a lot.

My adult boys just give it up to me when I ask. They were trained the same way and it’s not an issue with them.

Also, pretend you have a 2 year old child and pick up your stuff. My dogs are not allowed in my back rooms where my reptiles and important things are. Everything at their level is dog safe. Don’t set her up to fail!

Don’t chase her whatever you do. Unless she’s eating something toxic and you need it away from her NOW it’s best to use it as a training moment. Trust me, I know it’s frustrating. If your husband is so quick to get rid of her for it you may have to do most of the training. I can’t imagine being told I had to get rid of my dog just because they are you know, being a dog. Good luck to you and keep us updated!

Last time I spoke to Laurie Owen of Spring Willow basenjis (she is on Facebook) she had a girl left. This was several weeks ago though! She is in Ohio.

There are a lot of great breeders out there but this time of year most puppies are spoken for.

I’m sorry you are going though this. It’s so stressful waiting to know if there is a puppy for you.

A few things:
The breeder might just be busy with the puppies or their regular job\life. Puppies are a LOT of work! Not all breeders give constant updates either. Some post on Facebook a lot and some never do. Maybe look her up or her kennel on Facebook? also, if you are buying from a show breeder you need to understand that they have to wait until the puppies are old enough to evaluate before they pick home. They need to pick the best puppies to continue their program and might not be responding until they know for sure they have a puppy for you. I don’t know where you are on their waiting list but it could happen that they don’t have enough pups for the amount of people on their list.

I don’t know if I know the breeder but if she’s one who was recommended maybe try reaching out to the person who recommended them? They may know them personally and be able to contact them on your behalf.

Good luck ️. I’ve been in your daughters position. She will get her perfect puppy someday just like I did.

I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost a dog to osteosarcoma several years ago and it was horrible.
I am not a breeder so I don’t have a girl for you but there are a lot of excellent breeders near you. Even if they don’t have and adult for you right now they could at any moment. My advice is to fill out their applications, get on their waiting lists and if you have Facebook like their kennel pages. My breeder friends will post dogs they are placing on their pages from time to time.

When I was looking for my first basenji over 15 years ago I spent a lot of time on your website and really learned a lot from you even though we’ve never met! I’m in NE Ohio and am on my 4th basenji and I hear your name and see it on a dog here and there.

It’s a small world when you have a “rare breed” sometimes ️.

@otisandroar
Laurie is a friend of mine. My parents got their basenji girl from her .

If you aren’t set on a girl, I think Klassic Basenjis in Ohio has a couple boys left.

Welcome!
I'm sorry you are having trouble getting in contact with breeders. Some of them aren't great at communication but luckily most are! This isn't the best time of year to start looking as most puppies are spoken for. Most basenjis in the USA are born October-January so your best bet is to get on a waiting list. Are you willing to travel? I don't know any breeders in MA.. I live in the Midwest and know many breeders but that might be a bit far. My dogs are from KY and MO.

It's been a long time since I've done the breeder hunt (I'm happy with who I've used for the past 15 years!). I remember I emailed EVERYONE I could find until I got responses. I made sure the breeders health tested their dogs (we have far better tests now!), had titles on their dogs and seemed to be in good standing with the BCOA. Now a days Facebook seems to be a good route to contact people. Breeders are friends with other breeders and if someone you contact doesn't have a puppy for you they might know someone who does! This is actually how I got my first dog. I was referred by one breeder to another.

Never settle for less than the best! There are a lot of BYB out there who might have pups all the time but PLEASE make sure to check them out with OFA and see if they are a BCOA member.

@elbrant said in dreaming of a Basenji girl... (ILM):

@eaglzwngs That's so sweet of you! Thank you! I did find a dog, or should I say...
I reached an agreement with a breeder this past Tuesday. I thought that I should delay my announcement until the "pup" was officially in my home... and do a more formal introducation then (with pictures, name, etc., at the end of the month). Nonetheless, I am very excited! If anything should go 'kafluey", I will definately reach out about Sweet Sophie. Thank you again!

Congratulations!