Joan, thank you. Maybe this is a bunch of "baloney" but my wellness plan through my veterinarian, included a complete DNA panel, where they checked for possible issues with anesthesia and medications, as well as breed analhysis and congenital issues that might need to be addressed. Pup was OK for the anesthesia they would be using for all surgeries and for the antibiotics and inoculations he would need. I know there is always a risk any time any animal or human is put under and I appreciate your concern. I will be sure to check with the vet about the anesthesia and share with him your experience and the issues with the breed. Hopefully, since he was a Basenji person, he will be more informed that the average vet.

DonC, I appreciate your input. I did a lot of online research looking at vets worldwide, and the concensus was to neuter at 5-7 months. They even mentioned a lot of breeders neuter before releasing puppies -- I had never heard of that before. I questioned the young age and muscular and bone development, and was told it was not a problem and I would not need supplements in pup's diet. My vet had a Basenji and that is one of the reasons why I chose him. I have heard of cases in our area where males and females have been associated with cancers because they were not neutered or neutered late in life.

Kafka45 I saw these inflatables and wondered how they really work. Thanks for your input.

Thanks, Pat. This sounds like a great idea. I am home, but he will be crated at night and when I do run errands during the day. Sounds almost like a "donut" style.

My pup will be neutered in June at 6 months per advice of my vet. I am in total agreement as I will not be breeding him. The vet has advised he will be putting Prince in a "collar" for post op healing. I know my pup and he will have my studio apt torn up and the collar trashed fighting with it. Any suggestions as an alternative to the plastic traditional collar that I may discuss with my vet?

There is no problem...I have just been really busy and got behind with my emails. I am still interested in the forum and in the what the members are sharing and what I am able to learn. Please be patient with me...I have not lost interest. Thank you for your message. I will re-read the Rules. I am totally new to the Forum process. This is my first Forum and it is taking me a while to get comfortable.

I have an almost 5 month old male basengi. There are some difficulties training him; this can be said of all dogs. However, I would like to address your "affectionate" issue. One of the reasons, I chose a Basengi is the affection and love they show for their "person". Prince chose me at the breeder--he made it clear he wanted me to take him home. He loves me to death -- lots of puppy kisses (lots of puppy nips,too). He loves to climb on my lap for naps and now has to settle for the sofa on a blanket next to me with his head or butt at the case may be on my lap for his lovies, cuddles, and strokes because his legs are too long to fit. He is very loving and so happy to give and receive it...this has increased with his age. I have no idea what the future will bring with him, but right now he is all that I asked for and more in the affection/love area.

I introduced Prince to you a few minutes ago. He will be 5 months old on 05/07/20. How do I enforce "NO" and "OFF" with real meaning...as far as he is concerned those words have as much value as "green" and "forest". I have tried lowering my voice, growling and he just looks at me and cocks his head and goes on. I shun him and he comes around to my front and keeps going in circles as I turn my back on him. He has now learned to shun me when he does not approve of my behavior. I want to keep him off certain areas of my space -- i.e.desk, bed (which are now fair game because of his long legs),and stop the actual biting of my hands and forearms. Now using bitter apple, which works, but would like like "no" and "stop" to work. I do not want aggression to rears its ugly head because he does not respond to behavior commands. I enter doorways before him and eat in his presence before the does o establish pack order. I welcome your suggestions and helps. Obedience training has been suspended after 2 lessons because of covid19.