Basenjis love running so much they quickly learn how to deal with bikes. My Tosca started with a "side attachment" when she was 1 year old, and very quickly understood where to stand to have her harness put on her as fast as I could. Then it used to be up to 20 km trotting and running. She is now 12, "half retired" but still running free in the Breton forest… because one good thing about cycling with your dog is that it makes them more "obedient" (as a basenji can be !).

When my rescued basenji grew old, she seemed to think she had to protect me from anybody, which I never asked. Constantly telling her I didn't agree with this behaviour (talking to her deep voice but not shouting), she changed little by little, even if today she keeps an eye on me when somebody she doesn't know comes too close. I think basenjis are so sensitive they can decide there's a danger only from their past experience or their instinct, and the most different situations you will show them, the best they'll be in everyday life. But truly, I'm not sure it goes trough feeding, as far as they are very proud dogs, and they are not necessarily waiting for you to provide them what they need ! (my Tosca feeds herself in the wild with mice and birds and chestnuts and corn if she has decided we don't give her what she wants… and she's in perfect health, vet says).

Yes, she could be, but also X shiba or any primitive breed with a curly tail ! Anyway, she looks beautiful, and I hope you'll have as much fun with her that I do have with my basenji (12 years old, rescued when she was 4 months old). Enjoy that funny girl ! From France,, Tosca and Magali

I got Tosac my rescue basenji when she was 4 months , and since then trained her different ways, as far as she's easily bored if I insist doing one thing the same way ! She is now 12 years, very active and runing free in the forest every morning with my other dog, a doberman mix. Depending on her mood, I either have treats in my pocket, or on good days only say "tiens" wich is the french word I always used giving her something good ! I also trained her friend Buck to go and "catch the basenji" wich is bringing her back to me on bad days !!! Only once did I have real problems : when I adopted my second dog and spent time socialising him, Tosca was jealous and destroyed my coats and shoes. But the most interesting I know about a basenji experience is the fact that these dogs are so clever, that when you think you are the leader, in fact you are only following their evolution and finding new behaviours !