First off, you had a challenge placing a Basenji with other breeds, not a common choice among the educated Basenji enthusiast, but also not an impossible one. You must become part of a Basenji's pack in order to get his respect. This takes time. The training of a Basenji must be as strict a regimen as you can imagine. They will almost never be good off the leash and they will forever pay you back for crating them if the other dogs are not also crated….this means lots of walks, long ones, as exercise is a huge part of the bond you will ultimately form with a B. And it's more than worth the effort. Crating is dicey subject as many owners insist on it, I have never been able to crate either of my kids (Pipet - my first is 9, Diesel - my 2 year old Brindle was a rescue from this site now 15 months hence...and we are extremely happy) they are far too smart to not realize that you are doing it to them only (crating, that is) and they will retaliate with mischief after or during the incredible explosion of activity that comes from a release from said bondage.....very funny to watch. You've done well to not scold or slap him as a Basenji will make it abundantly clear that you scolding them with any malice in your voice, much less physical hitting of ANY kind, will be responded to with a growl, maybe a bite and certainly a warning letting you know they will never bow down.

I don't write with any particular advice as you are an experienced dog owner and it sounds like regardless of his behavior you are in it for the long haul. You won't regret it. I recommend that you watch Basenji videos on Youtube and converse with anyone who has had this experience - I'm stunned that you have had no replies! In any event, don't feel like you're stuck, you are blessed. If you, or one of you takes the time to be this dogs person (as we never own Basenjis, they own us) and so long as you utilize uniform commands and never stray from using them, within about two years you will have an amazing animal that seems to be linked to your inner most mind, soul and heart. They are loyal, they are great guards and they will stay in their yard once they are clear that it is theirs and that this new home and you, can be trusted. I'm curious how he gets along with the other animals, especially the cat...although I'm betting the three legs would make clear to a Basenji that they are dealing with a special needs creature and go easy on her.

My adopted Brindle is becoming a miracle of a dog after having three owners in his first year. These dogs bring out the uneducated "Oh honey....THAT'S the kind of dog we should get!" reaction. I spend more time explaining to people why they DON'T want a Basenji than anything else. I am immensely prideful of my dogs and I present them like royalty to all those with interest. But I make it clear that these dogs are a specialty item. An animal of intense genius and endless energy's. Amazing, tenacious hunters that use sight, hearing and smell all at once (only a few breeds do this) and possessed of astonishing night vision, high intensity hearing and an almost psychic connection to the humans they bond to tightest. You must love them intensely and be willing to get down on all fours to join their perspective on toys, mock murder (of toys) and generally behaving like a Basenji. You'd do well to read up on their roll in the tribes of the Congo dating back thousands of years. They bring all the experience of all the dogs that came before them as genetics play a huge part in who they are and how they relate to us.

Bottom line.....the fun is only just beginning. If you can muster the will to be Basenji person then you are basically showing the character it takes to be a great animal trainer and lover....like a guy who trains Siamese Cats to run 500mph figure eights around a poo.... The fun never ends! As I've said, I offer no particular tricks...if you wish to converse further I can be more specific about a lot of things....I am at your disposal as a lover of these dogs and a very successful trainer/pack mate.

I am curious, this being such an old thread, if anyone is still out there or knows anything else about what happened with the dogs from this enterprise that apparently went "out of business"? I ask as my girl Pipet, a five year old Red & White and great distinction, was a puppy from the sire Mar J's Blazing Glory and Dam Mar J's Eilte Lady. Pip was born on December 17th 2006 and I bought her at 14 weeks old from a very well known and respected dog store in the Detroit Metro area. The store had been there for a long time and all the folks I knew who had dogs from them raved about every aspect of the place, especially the dogs. My interest here is not only to know if Pipets parents are still alive, and maybe where they are….but also that I had, at great length, discussed in detail my need to be assured that the puppy's were not coming from any type of "mill" operation, especially those we here such horrific tales of.

Apparently, this place went out of business legitimately as opposed to be cited and shut down for some heinous activity against the dogs. From the info I gathered they had a good reputation for healthy strong dogs....and certainly Pipet is the picture of health and amazing Basenji qualities that we all love and value so highly in them. I was just stunned to find this when I discovered her lineage papers and ran a Google check on the breeder, that got me nowhere, but entering the Sire's name got me all sorts of info leading me to this story.

If anyone can tell me anything about the dispositions of this family, Pipets' family.....I would really value that. And for anyone who recognizes my name from earlier posts, Diesel, my adopted/saved Brindle one year old from Eau Claire Wisconsin, is just so great I cannot take the time to him justice herein....but rest assured, after almost 8 weeks, he is so happily settled in, loves the routine, is training brilliantly and is madly in love with his elder Auntie Pipet. The 3 AM round of "I.m Gonna Eat Your Head" has just gotten underway. Gotta love living the life of a Basenji!!

They have both been checked and all is well. Pip was cleared as a pup 5 year's ago and after a test strip on Diesel I went the extra step just so I could avoid doing the test, and yup, he's clear! We are in week 4 or 5, I honestly have lost track as once Diesel settled in we just got back into the rhythm of life in Basenji-Land. He got all his shots and will be fixed in a few day's as I postponed his surgery so he would be completely at ease in going to the vet after feeling well established at home….I did not want him to ever feel like he might be getting traded off again, so we waited.

The two of them are pretty much inseparable and he is learning as much from Pipet as he is from me. He is still a bit aloof about his name and any orders I give, but that's OK as I fully expected him to take up to 18 months to become fully responsive and at ease with our command structures. He is no longer tugging on the leash or dragging me like a bobsled on our evening walks and the two of them are absolutely majestic walking together. My neighborhood is loaded with rabbits so he is being tested constantly to try and stay calm and collected when he spots them and he spots them in the blackest of night streets from a block away, he could be a fighter pilot with those eyeballs!

When he came to us he was pretty lean in that his ribs were sticking out a bit more than normal, though he was certainly fed enough, he was not being fed the right stuff by and large so upon adding chicken and beef, pumpkin (for firming) and fruits, veggies, fresh fish and more...he is putting on a little weight and filling the rows between his ribs, he just looks amazing! So all in all things just could not be better!! The maniacs get in a good four hours of Big Time Basenji Wrestling in every day and into the wee hours depending on our schedule.....and Diesel makes it clearer with each passing day that he is that much more certain that he made the right choice and that his path was always meant to bring him here. Life is good!

If I could handle the drive physically I would go there and get him. I still haven't recovered from my drive to rescue my new brindle-boy Diesel who, is so happy with my 5 year old R&W Pipet that he just can't sit still (except for those long afternoon naps of course). Keep us posted, if anyone can get to me in the Detroit area I'll happily have three stooges!

Every Word is SOOO TRUE!! We are a very happy little family here in Michigan and Diesel is fantastic in every way, as is Pipet! Upon introducing them on neutral ground I approached from down the block with Pipet and at about 100 feet away Diesel saw me and saw that Pip was a Basenji (he had pulled on the leash and hackles were up for other dogs 5 minutes earlier), he got down flat in submission and waited till she was standing over him and she slightly gurgled/spoke and he stood, they smelled faces without a single hair standing up (amazing for Pipet and unseen until now with other animals). We walked them to the park where everyone went potty and just got along famously! It was 200% better than I ever dared to imagine for fear I would feel I let Pip or Diesel or myself down…..but it is as if they have been together all their lives! This is a link to my first Youtube posting of them as soon as we got home that evening (Wednesday). http://youtu.be/qZKxpcTv0xI

My deepest and most sincere thanks go to Moth, Dave, Nancy, my Cousin Karen, Cathy, Matthew and all the Basenji people who have played a positive part in this amazing and blessed event in our lives. The support and many insights given by those in this forum and on Facebooks forum have been so appreciated and valuable to us, we are off to a great start and with 2 day's under my belt I can happily report that gets better with every passing hour. ALL IS WELL IN THE DAVIS/BASENJI HOUSEHOLD! Diesel goes in for all his shots and spaying on Monday morning. Pip has received all her boosters for this period and both had Diastix urine tests today that are glucose free! Diesel will no venture forward with new flavors and experiences as he delves into the world we live in…...he is a very happy boy!

WOW! Really? If you could do Eau Claire to Madison and hand off to MOTH, that is half the trip and a HUGE help (all you guy's have to go on my Christmas Card List). Let me know if you can do this and what day's in the next 5 day's work best. Tag the note onto MOTH's last post and also to me at dedavis321@yahoo.com >CHEERS DAVID - From Pipet & Dave

@DaMac:

Well I can pick him up in Eau Claire, three hours each way and Madison is two hours South. I picked up my last half "B" over there in Jan. One of them retired guys so open most times.
Dave
davemcin@wi-net.com

I have a friend just outside of Chicago who is trying to get something going for that part of the trip and maybe all the way to me. I will speak with her later on today and as soon as I know more I will post it here for all to see and we will find out what is left to do then. (I'm off to spend half the day getting oral surgery, Oh Boy! Lucky me!) I will be in touch by this afternoon. THANKS WIZARD!

@wizard:

Dave,
I won't have a free day until after June 20 unfortunately and we still need someone to get him through Chicago.
Have you contacted BRAT or this transport option - http://operationroger.rescuegroups.org/
Would you consider sending him by air as a last resort?

Hi Wizard! I really appreciate your willingness to possibly assist in all this as it is truly the only way I can afford currently, to make it happen as I have some medical stuff of my own to tend to. As to the biting history, he has been said to be "nippy" and as that was what I used to speak about Pipet - my 5 year old (and incidentally - why is my profile picture not showing up on my posts…or is it?)....I do not worry that Diesel can and will learn through the same training method I employed for Pipet, to stop biting and I am certain loads of love and stability will benefit his personality and current underlying conflict/issues.

I guess we need to find the other person in Illinois or southern Wisconsin to assist us further. A very nice member has offered to throw in some gas money if we get this organized. I know the one week scenario is not a good one for any adoption, but I consider all the shifts Diesel has endured these past 2 weeks and my heart just aches to get him into a chair that is his, a couch that is half his and a yard he can chase Pipet around until he collapses unconscious in my loving arms!! PLEASE REACH OUT WITH ANY AND ALL IDEAS!!! Thank You Basenji People!!

@wizard:

I (living in Minnesota) might consider helping get the dog started on his way to Michigan if I knew for sure what the current situation was.
Is Dave taking this dog?
Does the dog have a bite history beyond the one person?
Will the dog go in a kennel?
If the answers are "yes, no, yes" is there someone in eastern Wisconsin or northern Illinois who could help with continuation of transport?

I've asked all the right questions and made all the pertinent requests. I have asked for a full reckoning of all known information, owners and any info relative to his birth, line and papers. Though earlier posts state that Tessa did not get papers from the previous owner, looking at recent photos of Diesel/Roscoe tell the tale of a dog about 1 year old, definitely still a pup, so how much could go wrong in one year? I don't honestly know, but I do know that he gets along very well with Tessa, she is giving him up because her fiance needs a dog he can be the boss of (for lack of a gentler description - I mean no offense at that as many dog owner's want the same thing). As to what I would do if there are no papers, I have asked for the number of the Vet he has seen while in their care, as a one year old he should have been seen at around 10 moths or so…..barring that info I would opt for having him get a full check up before I took ownership.....if he is healthy.. I am in, some adoptions cannot be perfect and as I am an imperfect man I can certainly accept a beautiful pup who needs love into my slightly unconventional lifestyle....because it works great for us (me and Pipet that is). I am not going to sweat these details if he is healthy is my bottom line.

@EskiLovr:

Dave, what will happen if you make all these arrangements and are ready to get him and there are no vet papers? Would you break your own heart and leave him? I don't think you would so it is important to think about these possibilities ahead of time. I want to see this dog get the very best care possible and I wish you no further heartbreak in this. I think that will be best achieved with eyes wide open. Is there a way for you to get copies of the papers ahead of time?

I've followed all these threads, but thanks just the same. I am not interested in his past as he is a baby, he needs a stable home and that is my issue He also has Vet papers regarding shots and whatnot that I will require for ownership to be transferred. We'll sort out what he wants to be called if he gets here.

He has not had it at all "bad" really, he is just seen a lot of moving in the last 10 day's. Before that he was with his 4 month owner which was his only home after birth and life with mom. Yes, he has been to 2 other homes in the last 8 day's…so this is by no means a troubled dog, he is a bit confused to be sure, but not wrecked by endless owners or anything. I am quite sure he will settle in very nicely with me and Pipet given love, patience and lots more love!

And sorry, the answers ARE Yes, No, Yes. I have a photo of him in his crate, though I think that not unlike my own girl Pipet, he is starting to see the crate as possible punishment rather than a home base, which we know also does not work out well in the long run…but then I do not use crates in my home......It is my understanding he is fine in the crate cages for the driving aspect. I will confirm this with Tessa right now.

I am taking Diesel as long as I can find a way to get him here. The biting incident is a non-issue for those writing about it….by NON I mean that it was a very minor occurrence provoked by trying to assert ones power over the puppy, which all of us have commented on as a Basenji trait that is well understood and worked with by every owner at some time or another, nipping goes away with maturity but is understood for now....bottom line is- He Does Not Bite! He is not a "Biter", he was just doing what they all do.

As for me, I have one week to get this done somehow. The situation has changed 4 times in 12 day's as they have attempted to place him close to them so Tessa could still have some contact with Diesel as she loves him.....we also understand this drive. But she has faced his reality and getting him to me is her desire, I am fully qualified as a Basenji owner of 5 great year's and many exotic pets previously....I am an animal person tried and true. So HELP is what we need, no more debate about biting or vets or law enforcement, the points are moot. We must get him to a stable home that will never change in his lifetime and that's what I plan to provide. THANKS TO ALL!

@wizard:

I (living in Minnesota) might consider helping get the dog started on his way to Michigan if I knew for sure what the current situation was.
Is Dave taking this dog?
Does the dog have a bite history beyond the one person?
Will the dog go in a kennel?
If the answers are "yes, no, yes" is there someone in eastern Wisconsin or northern Illinois who could help with continuation of transport?

I'll start by saying that at no time has ANYTHING other but the full truth EVER been typed up in this format, any other course or conjecture to some form of a lie is an insult to the current owner and me.

So, Yes, Diesel did bite the woman who was trying to get him to go into an unwanted crate. She is fine, unflustered and sadly, with small children around, she wishes to again put Diesel out to another owner, and that owner is again…ME! At this point all the cards are dealt and it is been stripped to the barest bones of the situation, Diesel needs a home within one week or he goes to the SHELTER. This would be a massive injustice to him as he is just a baby and only just learning....and that, at the hands of inexperienced Basenji owners who really have tried their best but cannot make it work.

My home is perfect and well appointed for Diesel and we can get by and take very good care of him. I believe my 5 year old Pipet, will do just fine with him given time and training and all the love to work them together and help them form a solid canine bond as only Basenji's know how. So, if ANYONE can assist me in getting Diesel across this portion of the Mid West it would be a blessing for him and a miracle for us all. He is in Eau Claire, WI and I am in Pontiac, Mi. I can get to just south of Chicago and back home in a day, this way I do not need to overnight anywhere, though I will be prepared to do so if need be. I will be the point person to get any interested party in touch with the owner Tessa, who is a very nice young woman and the person in Wisconsin who certainly cares the most about Diesel, we need to help soothe her aching heart and get Diesel home.

I THANK ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR GOOD WISHES AND ANY HELP YOU MAY OFFER.

@TwinDogsDifferentMothers:

We can easily understand why anyone would be confused by this situation. Maybe if the whole truth came out the situation would be better understood. Either way it certainly does not help the dog at this point.

This is a sad sad situation that probably goes on more than we know. Sometimes it is necessary to set ones pride aside in order to do what is best for the dog. So far that has not happened in this case.

To David,

If this dog has actually bitten someone and does not have its shots, its like playing Russian roulette with both the dog and person's life.

Diesel has now been taken from the owners brother to a friend that tried to force him into his crate and he apparently bit her and drew blood. The "friend" does not sound Basenji Savvy and I am - of course, worried about Diesel as the last note I got said that the bitten woman was threatening to take him to the Animal Shelter and just drop him off! I am devastated by this heinous idea!!

But I wanted to thank you for your kind offer. If I can get them to reply to me and tell me what is going on, we may be able to save this beautiful pup from those who don't understand him….the woman who owned him initially is a very nice young woman, she is clearly in love with Diesel but also her significant other who does not like the dog at all and has kicked it out for all intensive purposes instead of finding a secure, guaranteed home for Diesel like MINE! I just can't get the help I need moving him but will keep all posted should he yet again become available to me somehow.

@Moth:

Unfortunately I am pretty much at the opposite end of WI from Eau Claire. However if you like I can repost this on another couple of boards and on my FB for you as I have a lot of online dog friends all over :)

Another option would be to see if you can take up some donations to help you with the gasoline cost of the drive. I would certainly be willing to contribute if you decide to do something like this…

I'm not certain what others will tell you, but I had a similar experience and I was given the following advice from a Wisconsin Breeder who has stopped breeding (due to old age) but has 3 Basenji's ages 2 to 10 year's. The middle dog stopped eating, as did my girl at age 2 1/2, no explanation, just a steadfast rejection of all things kibble. I was told to offer her fresh raw chicken (boneless chicken breast is what I opted for despite the FACT that they can have small pliable bones (as they are in some very high end foods like MERRICK at $2.49 a can). After getting quite thin she immediately took to chicken, 1 cup diced with some chopped or grated fresh granny smith apples and or pears. She has not showed a moments finickiness since. She gets chicken and fruit M-W-F and canned food with a bit of kibble (that I soak in some water to soften) on Tues/Thus/Sat….Sunday we play by ear.[

She is the healthiest dog I know, and my vet concurs. No salt, no chemicals, no crap...just food (the chicken is Amish Organic, no steroids or chemicals). I actually spend less now than I did on the Merrick and other upscale chow. They do afterall hunt, kill and eat in the Veldt and deep forests when serving their tribal masters in Zaire and elsewhere) it stands to reason chicken would be so palatable.

As to the peeing, I would worry he has a bladder infection and that has killed his appetite, get him to the vet despite his lack of Basenji experience and check that one out....I am sure you considered this. Good Luck

and QUOTE=Basenji_noob;158735]My Basenji Buddy (original I know!!) is 1 1/2 years old and has been acting wierd lately. Yesterday, however, in the middle of the night, Buddy wet the bed while sleeping. After my Fiancee and I realized that it wasnt either of us(thank god), we could not understand why he did it? It was alot too!! This happened around 2am. We switched beds, went back to sleep after cleaning up and right after waking up around 6am Buddy made it down the stairs and pee'd LOTS again on the floor. Told him no but he couldnt stop(he looked embarassed). He usually can hold it during the night and during the day while we are both at work but the past couple of days have been different. He can't hold it anymore.

We also recently had to change his food cuz he will not eat his regular food.......I have tried almost every brand of dry dog food and he hates it. My trainers said that he will eat it eventually but that is incorrect......Buddy is stubborn(what Basenji isn't).....He would literally starve himself or eat a couple of mouthfuls and then vomit it up......he's quite skinny now and i'm getting worried......I figured maybe it's an allergy to chicken because when he was a pup he loved everything chicken but now being older it makes him vomit. I switched over to "Taste Of The Wild" Salmon flavour and he doesn't like the dry food but he loves the chunky wet version of it. The vomitting has stopped with the wet food....He wants more and he never wants more food which is a good thing right? His bed wetting/eliminating in the house problems started occuring a couple of days after we swtiched his foods. I hope it's not the food that's doing this because we've finally found something that he will eat and not vomit up within 30mins of eating.

My vet has no background on basenji's and looks to me like i should know. After explaining the eating issue to her she broke out this Giant symptom book and could not narrow it down the slightest......she did however give me a long pricey list of what she could do....guaranteeing nothing, more like an expensive process of elimination procedure.

Buddy has also been sleeping more than normal the past couple of days but his personality hasnt changed much....

I need help in narrowing this down......Does anyone know what this might be??

I should also inform everyone that we got our Buddy from "PAWS R US Kennels", which im pretty sure was the biggest bust of a backyard breeder in canadian history....over 500 dogs of various breeds.....I dont want to get into it cuz it just makes my blood boil about the treatment of their dogs but the problem might have come from the breeder......I'm throwing everything out there just in case...

I've got him booked into the vets later this week but I know she wont be able to help that much, prolly just another expensive quote.

PLEASE HELP!!!

Perhaps…thanks for that!

This IS what I have heard, seen and read. My girl played amazingly well with Great Danes and Pit Bull Makes who had no aggressive tendencies of any kind when playing and running, she was pretty much diggin' it….it's the idea of them fighting over the simple pleasures of home I worry about (a tiny bit) as I just love that Pip is so happy, I just want her to be happier and getting to run like a maniac was her best thing as a youngster, I hope that Diesel will impart more of that joy into our little world....Thanks for your comment!!

I am taking the big step of bringing a One Year Old Male Basenji into my 5 Year old Female Basenji's home with me. I am very excited and prepared for the most part, but as this is going to take a little while to do I have to time make myself crazy thinking about it! Will my girl be happy? Will they fight? Am I nuts to rock the boat of a very happy home, or does this usually work out OK? I've heard tell that it is best to bring in a younger Male so Pip does not feel threatened and may take on the role of Matriarch…...I have heard to bring in a female is to insight trouble eventually, so a boy it is! But this time element is going to have me thinking the worst and worrying about it, I need some feedback, perhaps an assurance of a similar situation working out splendidly!?

.....Oh PLEASE TELL ME YOUR STORY ABOUT HAPPY BASENJI"S!! (I can take the others too, I need to know what you think I may or may not be in for)

Hi Everyone! Pipet and I have been blessed with the acquisition of Diesel, the One Year old Brindle Puppy in Au Claire, Wisconsin (4 hours North of Milwaukee). Diesels' parents and I are hoping we might be able to enlist the aide of a few caring Basenji Owners who would be willing to assist in the transport of Diesel from Au Claire to Pontiac, Michigan (30 minutes North of Detroit).

If push comes to shove I can certainly make the drive and we have tentatively agreed we could meet in Chicago, but I won't lie, with the looming Vet Bills and adoption cost, along with gas and all - I would be greatly blessed by anyone who is reliable, safe and willing to perhaps take a 100 to 200 mile portion of the journey. We would ask that we be allowed to obtain your full Name, Address, Driver's License Number and Proof of Insurance, along with any cursory information regarding your responsibility and trustworthiness as I am certain you all understand the hesitation any of us might have when entrusting our Basenji Pups to other folks, strangers at that. The bottom line is that I am well set to care for Diesel and get him all his shots and have him fixed, but I do have a tight, retiree budget (early retirement due to an injury accident).

You can reach me here and also via e-mail at dedavis321@yahoo.com. Upon having more secure contact I will give out my phone number and we will discuss all this entails. I thank any and all who might be able to assist us in this righteous endeavor and do hope the transition can be simplified a bit for us all….we just want Diesel to be happy!