First thing you need to do is gather your cats together, sit them down and tell them that their life is about to change drastically and will never be the same. Second, while they are still sitting and listening to you, get down on your knees and confess that this was your idea and beg for their forgiveness (they won't because they already know the "it is easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission" move...but it is worth a try). Third, ask your Basenji to be nice to your cats, then laugh and laugh and laugh because you know that will never happen. Sorry I can't really help.....have fun!

There is nothing about a Basenji that you will "figure out". A Basenji just happens....

I just have to mention this.....These are Basenjis we are talking about. They should come with a warning label on them and a very detailed one at that. A good breeder will make sure first time owners fully understand what that are getting into. These are not "normal" dogs, probably the best you will ever own (and the worst also) but they are not normal. They are so different from a normal dog that first time owners are taken aback to being downright shocked by their behavior. Some of these behaviors will not be trained out of them and trying to do so can makes things worse. You have to adapt to some of them and change those you can but realize they will NEVER be a normal dog. Just think, they were plucked out of the Congo in Africa and brought over.....if that means anything. My point and concern is that many new owners are not fully informed before allowing them to take these wonderful dogs home. It is so sad to hear one is given up by an ill informed owner after the dog has become attached to his family. So please let's educate those who are considering taking home a Basenji, so they will be prepared or choose another breed that is more suitable for their home.

A beautiful "Basenji Stare"........that stare can melt your heart or make you sit up at attention and ask, "What do you need?" When Sarge gives me "the stare" I run through a list of questions, (do you need to go outside, are you hungry, do you want to go for a walk, etc.) when I ask the right question he trots off in the direction of whatever he's asking for....so much fun!!!

Sarge uses his cell phone and calls me.....seriously, it depends on the door. One he can open himself by pulling down the handle the others he just scratches.

So cute.....reminds me of the day I brought my Sarge home.....he's 3 years old now.....seems like yesterday. Enjoy the ride!!

He just hasn't heard that he is not suppose to like water, don't get him around other B's they'll spoil it and tell him!! Mine hates water with a passion with a capital "P".

May not work for everyone but the best thing I did was to throw that crate out the door. Afterwards Sarge seemed to be more relaxed and adjusted. Now 5 years later and no crate in sight things are great. Just give him a spot on the back of the sofa to look the window and he's happy.

If that is not a Basenji stare with those eyes, I don't know what is....not to mention those long slim legs. A pretty girl!

Would someone get the last word and stop this back and forth....I'm tired of getting emails that lead me to this off topic conversation....

Sarge uses his cell phone and calls me.....seriously, it depends on the door. One he can open himself by pulling down the handle the others he just scratches.

First thing you need to do is gather your cats together, sit them down and tell them that their life is about to change drastically and will never be the same. Second, while they are still sitting and listening to you, get down on your knees and confess that this was your idea and beg for their forgiveness (they won't because they already know the "it is easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission" move...but it is worth a try). Third, ask your Basenji to be nice to your cats, then laugh and laugh and laugh because you know that will never happen. Sorry I can't really help.....have fun!

A beautiful "Basenji Stare"........that stare can melt your heart or make you sit up at attention and ask, "What do you need?" When Sarge gives me "the stare" I run through a list of questions, (do you need to go outside, are you hungry, do you want to go for a walk, etc.) when I ask the right question he trots off in the direction of whatever he's asking for....so much fun!!!

There is nothing about a Basenji that you will "figure out". A Basenji just happens....

Sarge sheds twice a year...in between those times it is great, but during the shedding a lot of brushing and vacuuming is going on. My daughter can't come around then it bothers her....she is allergic to dander.

May not work for everyone but the best thing I did was to throw that crate out the door. Afterwards Sarge seemed to be more relaxed and adjusted. Now 5 years later and no crate in sight things are great. Just give him a spot on the back of the sofa to look the window and he's happy.

My Sarge has a no-fly zone around him when he's asleep....common to Basenjis.

Same breeder where we got our Sarge. You have a beautiful little girl, enjoy!

Sounds just like my Sarge. He is super sweet, lovable but he has his wild animal side. We know when he switches into this mode and we are on guard....it is just his play time. He will grab our hands and arms with his mouth but never bite with a hard force. It is like he knows a play bite and a real one. The older "Taz" gets the better he will be with it. Just reinforce with a "NO" when he bites to hard, he will learn. One thing that is true about Basenjis, they all have different personalities...so what works with one may not work with another so you have to modify and experiment until you find what works with your Taz.

@eeeefarm
Thank you for those pictures....they made my day. It is good to see people that have and are still enjoying such a wonderful dog.