Update! Still cautious with keeping Max uncrated while home alone since he’s only 5 months. However, he’s been amazing and hasn’t done anything wrong. Wonder how long it’ll take me to trust him fully. Right now I’m checking the cameras pretty regularly. I also got a robot camera that can scoot around the apartment looking for him. It also tosses treats so Max approves.
Proud new Basenji owner! Max is 5 months old. He was born in Minnesota then raised for a few months in Southern Wisconsin.
I have to say the first week has been pretty great. I read a bunch of horror stories and had prepared myself for that but he’s already potty trained, only destroys toys, and knows what NO means (deciding to follow it is another story). He also accepts the crate with minimal whining. We are still perfecting walking on lead but a lot of the issue has to do with his age. He’s even made friends with the Roomba but was pretty irritated when it sucked up one of his treats.
Well I just left him home for 45 minutes without being confined to a crate. I watched most of the time through webcams. He just kept bouncing from sitting at the door I left from and all his favorite spots to lay down. Going to keep extending the time and see how that goes. Very good signs so far.
@tanza he was born in Minnesota at Sally Wuornos place then transferred to Laura Mae Hesse in Wisconsin where he was raised for a few months and observed for potential show. Unfortunately he’s got a slight underbite so his brother got that spot.
I know most B’s hate water and baths... Max clawed his way out of the tub several times. For the past few weeks I’ve been wiping him down with a very drenched rag that gets him as wet as a bath... and he is completely fine with it! No treats needed. Has anyone else had this experience? It makes going to muddy parks much easier.
@zande Wow ketchup actually worked. Max had some tar on his paws that I hadn’t been able to get off for a few days. Really don’t think that would work.
@eeeefarm said in Basenji Bathing Hack:
but apart from their baleful looks of resentment
This look is hilarious and sad at the same time. It looks like he’s going to hate me forever
I did switch to adult dog food about 3 weeks ago and the intensity definitely increased but now seems to have settled back down. My B loves carrots and pumpkin so he’s getting an increase in fiber. Hopefully this solves it (5 days no stains). I did check for wounds and nothing that I could find. I’m really glad it’s not wet farts!
I did end up getting a wet shampoo vacuum that makes cleanup easier.
Following up a bit. I did have the vet look at his anal glands and she said they were clear. I have increased his fiber and since then no stains. Unsure if the increase had anything to do with it but I’m happy that the stains are not showing up anymore.
I definitely don’t want to hijack a thread but I’m also wondering this. However, my B has cryptorchidism and will be having his done via laparoscopic surgery. Is there any difference in after-surgery care that I should prepare for?
Following up a bit. I did have the vet look at his anal glands and she said they were clear. I have increased his fiber and since then no stains. Unsure if the increase had anything to do with it but I’m happy that the stains are not showing up anymore.
I did switch to adult dog food about 3 weeks ago and the intensity definitely increased but now seems to have settled back down. My B loves carrots and pumpkin so he’s getting an increase in fiber. Hopefully this solves it (5 days no stains). I did check for wounds and nothing that I could find. I’m really glad it’s not wet farts!
I did end up getting a wet shampoo vacuum that makes cleanup easier.
I’m not sure how much more scrubbing my couch can handle! Randomly... maybe once or twice a week I find stains on my couch. I’m thinking it’s anal leakage 
but it doesn’t stink and he hasn’t been scooting or showing irritation. Any ideas?
My 7 month B is kinda the same way. Especially strong hunting instinct and bored easily. I’ve found a laser pointer does wonders for the hunting and boredom! Even the next morning he goes into his play room and spend several minutes trying to find the red dot.
I’ve also found his favorite toy is always ones other dogs/humans have so I lock his toys inside his crate with him out of it. Then I also play with them myself. Only after a few days does he get one of the toys. He then ends up hiding it so I can’t lock it up.
Just 6 months and it starts when he sees we’re getting into the car — before it’s even moving. It’s quite weird.
@zande Wow ketchup actually worked. Max had some tar on his paws that I hadn’t been able to get off for a few days. Really don’t think that would work.
I’m very confused. Whenever Max gets into my car he starts making a weird sound that I can only describe as lip smacking then comes a steady stream of drool. This happens for at least 10 minutes at the beginning of any ride and he doesn’t do this any other time. I doubled checked his car harness and everything. Nothing is too tight or seems to be bothering him.
Any ideas of what this is? I’m wondering how long I’m going to have to stock rolls of paper towels in my car 
@eeeefarm said in Basenji Bathing Hack:
but apart from their baleful looks of resentment
This look is hilarious and sad at the same time. It looks like he’s going to hate me forever