Best posts made by Dagodingo

Oddly, (after establishing that they don't go back in until they do their stuff) I never have a problem. On a sunny day it can be five minutes outside sniffing before anything happens. However in the rain, it's out do whatever quickly and then boom back in again.

@dres_actually I agree with the other posts, absolute max should be monthly baths, I bath mine twice a year on average...(excluding skunk problems!). There are also various skin conditioners you can purchase but I suspect they will not be as good as reducing the baths.

If you have allergy’s or some other reason for needing bathe the dog, try some of the conditioning wipes you can purchase.

Also, we run a humidifier in the winter, otherwise everyone dries out and starts to get electrocuted from the static. So might be worth a try.

You sound like you may be up to the job, he sounds fearful which may well be because of his prior experiences. A thunder shirt might help and is at least worth trying.

Exercise will help but obviously sounds like you will need to limit and be careful with it. A short leash and let him know that you lead and are in control.

“It breaks my heart to see him suddenly look so terrified”

Don’t let it, he will feed off your emotion. If you anticipate something it will likely happen and you will have a feedback loop. I know it’s very easy to say this and much harder to achieve it.

The treats will work but not when he is in a high state of anxiety or excitement. When they are like that the #1 thing that helps is distraction.

The longer you have him, the more he will look to you for leadership and trust you. It’s likely to take a while.

@i-babygirl-i Frankly, I have never met a Basenji I didn’t like and I have never seen a picture of a Basenji that I didn’t like lol. They all look so awesome that you just have to admire them. Many good years ahead so enjoy.

“Yes, we are very privileged to have Basenjis in our lives.” should read “Yes, we are very privileged to be Basenji servants” lol.

“especially as a first time dog owner - don't hurt me please” Wow, you really know how to jump in at the deep end lol.

Awesome looking guy, but you shouldn’t let him drive or he will be off over the fields chasing a squirrel lol.

@basenjicurious

Intelligence, if you like intelligence they will not disappoint you.

Loyalty and bonding, they bond very closely to their owners once they get to know and trust them. You have to earn their trust and loyalty, but when you do it is worth that much more because it didn’t come easily.

Humor, they make you laugh if you have the “right” sense of humor. Some might not find it funny but others find them hilarious.

Grace and speed, they are very regal dogs who love to be admired for their majesty. They are really beautiful looking dogs.

If you have a strong but slightly dry /quirky sense of humor, if you enjoy a challenge, if you are intelligent and enjoy puzzles, then you may love the breed.

Many who want a dog look for loyalty and obedience, so they are disappointed when they get a basenji. They are like an odd tasting food, some will love the taste and rave about it, others will say that’s the most disgusting thing they have ever tasted lol.

@johnnyr56 8 hours is a long time to leave a basenji. Although they are independent, they demand attention too. #1 thing for basenjis is to be with the family.

If you walk the dog for a couple of miles before the crate and a couple of miles when you get home, then maybe it might work.

Sounds like you would be far better off with a different dog though. If you give a basenji enough walks and mental stimulation, they are good. If not they can become one dog wrecking teams, including eating through walls, doors and even metal crates. They also tend to make a lot of noise in the crates.

My advice for your situation is go with a different dog, basenjis are challenging and would probably fit better with your lifestyle later in life.

@hazyj “ likes pets and cuddles but only on occasion, so somewhat independent”

Yes they are, but what they lose in “clingyness” They make up for with demanding and needing supervision. Plus they bond with their owners very tightly, they expect to be included in everything you do and plan...until they are sure it’s not something they need to be involved in. They are naturally inquisitive. Other dogs are less intensive.

“-can get along with family cat”

Most can if they are used to cats, they will still chase if the cat runs though in my experience.

“-tolerate of children Ages 6yrs +”

If the children are respectful and fairly well educated about dogs yes.

“-enjoys going places with family like trips to the beach (on leash), hikes (on leash), camping (on leash) haha”

They are very inquisitive and explore happily.

“-somewhat independent. Doesn’t mind being home alone 6ish hrs while at work“

Some are ok and others are not, if you get a pair they seem to do better in my experience. They can be highly destructive if left alone when younger, think walls and doors chewed through, my first even chewed out of his metal dog crate. They are highly determined and can be stubborn.

“-medium exercise need. Okay with walks daily. Somewhere between a greyhound (lazy coach dog) and boarder collie (crazy go go go). Doesn’t mind longer hikes on occasion but doesn’t NEED it every day.“

They need exercise, especially when young. If you live in a colder climate they can substitute walks for play, interactive activities etc for short periods. They are very demanding, especially for the first 7-10 years, after that they slow down.

Mine need 3-5 miles a day to keep them content and happy, usually over 3-5 walks. I rotate through a dozen or so parks so they get variation. Here in the U.S. many dogs are spoiled with food, treats and love yet neglected when it comes to walks. Both mentally and physically they need walks to fulfill them and keep them healthy and happy.

I find most problems like this are avoided if you tell visitors to ignore the dogs completely. I have had an assertive dog and a fearful aggressive dog. With both the answer was to ignore them and not try to pet them at all. Usually the dogs will become curious sooner or later and then they can pet them.

@debradownsouth It doesn’t affect my dogs as we use none of those products, but thank you for posting as I did not hear about this.

@donc lol, now there is an easy one to answer. NO!

@lovedogs No, I agree with the other posts, ten hours a day is way too long to crate a Basenji. They need companionship, mental stimulation and excercise. You would likely end up with a very frustrated dog that would develope behaviour problems.

So sorry for your loss and I know it is a deep one, I feel your pain. We lost our basenji Suzy of nearly 12 years last Wednesday. Our other Basenji is missing her but adjusting better than we are. I lost my original Basenji in 2013 and it took a long time before anything felt normal again. People tell me I did a wonderful job of giving her a great life and I believe it. Yet somehow, no matter what you do for these furry little friends, it is never enough to repay the love and bond they give you.

@ashley33 You’re doing really well! My first boy got diabetes at 6, then passed at 11 from cancer. My second girl had liver enzyme problems from 5 yrs old and passed at 12 from complications of that. I gather I have been somewhat unlucky as there are many that live to 18/19/20+ years. My current boy will be 7 this year, just had his check up and full bloodwork. He is very healthy, so I am hopeful he will live a long life.

I think it really depends on genetics, good food, good care and some luck. Sounds like you are doing everything right!

@branch Yes, they were the first to recall, they also did so as a precaution. Even then, it was only if you fed the wet food affected exclusively. It is the only recall they have ever had.

They have a good history and are still family owned, so I trust them more. A lot of new places spring up but you just don’t know and I prefer to stay away from the large companies / corporations.

I also feed mine meat and chicken etc as a supplement.

The alpha dog does not squeal when nipped. You should be the alpha dog, not a litter mate. Making a noise like that shows excitement, which to an already unstable minded dog, only compounds the problem.

Being the alpha is a mindset. If you watch an alpha dog, they get what they want by intimidation 99% of the time. There is very little aggression but a lot of persuasion. This is why you don’t take things off a dog, you persuade them to drop whatever it is, then remove it.

Being the alpha is very much about mindset, posture, willpower, stubbornness, eye contact and voice tone.

When the dog nips, straighten up and assume a commanding posture / mindset. I usually say calmly but firmly “hey” in a particular tone. They know immediately that what they just did is not acceptable and that I am serious. I also hold my hand out (not closely too them) with the palm towards them. Also, never underestimate eye contact, the alpha uses it’s eyes a lot. Notice most dogs when you stare at them will stare back and then look away.

Always stay calm, never angry and always be fair.

@basenji_life hips and eyes should have records too. Other breeders on here will let you know the sites. I think it’s OFA? Orthopedic Animal foundation or something. You want a well tested and healthy dog from a good breeder, not all are of the same standards. I found that out with my first basenji, he was from a pet store and was not very healthy throughout his life. I learned you do a little more research, find a good breeder and pay a little more at the start. Or you will likely pay much more when they are older and have health problems. At that stage, when you are attached to the dog, if you are like me...then you will pay and do whatever is necessary. In my case it ran over $10,000 so it makes the start look cheap and very wise.

@2baroos “Know it alls like you have ruined these forums.
Your opinion is not the only one.
I for one am done with people like you who think you are the expert on everything.
Those poles must be uncomfortable”

Absolutely correct. She thinks it is “her” forum. It is not.