Hello Everyone~ Lost my 14 year old girl, Delle, last June. As you can imagine It was an emotional and financially exhausting time. Over the next year I found that not having a dog gave me time to enjoy my other pet, a horse and develop a social life again. But even with the enjoyable extra time (I spent a lot of time with Delle in her last months because she was fighting renal issues) I missed the close companionship of a dog. And once you are addicted to Basenji's there is really no other dog for you. So ..... two months (having eschewed the terrors of dealing with puppyhood) I drove to MA and met and fell in love with Olly (aka Heart Skips a Beat) from Eldorado Basenji's. In July I was back again to pick up the new girl in my life. Olly (who will probably be called Allie since few people get her name right) has had a couple of litters and in addition to be a silly Basenji is a kind and nurturing soul. Of course coming off the breeding and showing program, she is finding this new lifestyle very different ("what do you mean ''heel and sit"? " Get into the crate? Hey, that show stuff. I'm retired now. I don't do crates anymore") but she is already becoming a Diva and loves sleeping in "our" bed! Welcome home to NJ, Allie!!

@lovedogs
I'm not a breeder but I've had 5 Basenjis in my life over the past 40 years. I don't think this is the right time in your life to have a dog (let alone a Basenji) with your busy and hectic schedule. It's unreasonable to crate any dog for 9 hours a day. They will be bored and miserable and will quickly show you how fast they can destroy an apartment or house! Even with doggy day care, you just don't have enough time in your life right now for a dog. An older cat might work but you would have to check with cat lovers and find the right cat. If you are a true dog lover, perhaps you could volunteer at a local shelter or doggy day care to get your "fix" of doggy love. When your schedule loosens up, there will be time for a dog - but still maybe not a Basenji- in your life. Good luck and stay in touch with the wonderful people on this site as they have the dog's best interest in mind at all times.

@eeeefarm
Thanks for reminding us about the Basenji sneaky little trick of chewing the leash when you lest expect it!! I got a new little girl about 4 months ago and she walks beautifully on the least but I stopped to talk to our vet and before you could bat an eye, she'd chewed through the leash and set off on a tour of the hospital!! I've learned never take my eyes off my kid!!

So happy to hear that your girl is doing better. Sending her much love from 'Senji land!

Hi Janine - It's Deb who you've been corresponding to on Quora. I remembered my login so thought I'd check in during lunch break! The woman who I got my last 3 Senji's from in Susan Coe, a very well know American breeder, who now resides in Australia! She is the author of "The Basenji: Out of Africa to You". Fascinating book.
I think you will find enough information on this site and from your own keen observations to find out how to best bond with Molly (although I have to admit.... if she comes to you on recall.... I'd have to question her being a Basenji, lol!) I never ever let my Basenji's off leash unless they are in a fenced yard..... and I've been know to walk the fence line first even then.... I'm definitely a nervous Nellie Mom because I know when a hunting dog sets it's sight on prey and takes off they don't stop and don't notice the oncoming traffic. It took a bit to socialize the current pup to other dogs particularly the larger ones even though she was a successful show dog in her youth. I got her when she was 4. Actually, Susan Coe is a co-breeder of this dog also. Let's see what other forum members have to say about your girl. We will definitely chat again soon though.

I am so very sorry for your loss of Tikka. They are such fast little devils when they escape the leash and simply ignore your screams of ''stop, sit, down', whatever. Sending prayers and good thoughts to you and your family at this sad time.

@pawla she's adorable, whatever she is! You can do genetic testing for medical knowledge but love her because she is who she is and she loves you! Lucky pup,!

Thank you for posting this information which I'd not heard about. I don't use any of the products listed but will certainly pass it along to my barn buddies..... just in case!

@debradownsouth Thank you so much for the link to that wonderful article about the harnesses and safety tests! And you are quite right about the crate protecting a frightened dog who has been in a auto accident. Sometimes difficult to have room for some crates in the car so you have to do the best you can, drive carefully and pray.... a lot!
Going to pick up a new Basenji girl this weekend. Luckily, a good friend has volunteered both his time and and nice SUV to drive to MA with me for the pickup. I'm lucky in that many years ago a lovely PA breeder, Sue Coe, gifted me with an official airline hard shell crate. Fits beautifully in my friend's SUV. My girl is coming to her NJ home in safety and style, the lucky little duck!

@scraplover72
He is one handsome boy! Doesn't really matter who his parents are if you love them and they love you!. So glad you found each other. Enjoy the ride.

@jengosmonkey
Thanks so much for your thoughtful response. Regular vet checked her ears which looked pretty good although she gave me some additional ear medicine. She also thought it might be allergies (I know mine have been killing me this year). Since the regular vet is a bit of a trip (about 30 minutes), I am set up to have a new patient visit in early June with another well regarded multi vet practice about 10 minutes away. A perfect time to get another vet's opinion on the new behavior assuming that it still occurring. Olly has been boarded at her favorite kennel for a week because I was ill and afraid I might be hospitalized. I check on her via their webcam during the day and she seems perfectly content. I asked if they had seen any head shaking or flight during her but they said she seemed normal. I think her aim is to drive me nuts. She is succeeding!

Thanks again!

My 8 year old Olly is the most mellow laid back girl you could ask for. Perfect pup for an older single woman living alone and working from home. I've had her since she was 4 after she retired from the ring. My little paper chewing machine is always crated when she is alone at home and enjoys going to daycare periodically when she watches the other dogs, naps and spends more time hanging with the human counselors. She has always slept in the bed with me at night or during a daytime nap. In the last 8 weeks, she has been shaking her head, looking up as if she is being buzzed by a gnat (which I don't see) and taking off as if she is being chased by the hounds of hell. This can occur at at time of the day or night and from any location, her bed under the kitchen table where I work and surprisingly even in our bed at night. She was treated for an ear infection about 8 mos ago by her regular vet. When this episode started, I couldn't get to the regular vet so I took her to one close by who treated her a minor ear infection in two visits but the ear shaking and wild flights have commenced again. I have an appt with her regular vet this week. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this type of activity and what were the causes of it.
Thanks for any info and experiences you care to share.
NJBasenji

@scraplover72
He is one handsome boy! Doesn't really matter who his parents are if you love them and they love you!. So glad you found each other. Enjoy the ride.

Hi Janine - It's Deb who you've been corresponding to on Quora. I remembered my login so thought I'd check in during lunch break! The woman who I got my last 3 Senji's from in Susan Coe, a very well know American breeder, who now resides in Australia! She is the author of "The Basenji: Out of Africa to You". Fascinating book.
I think you will find enough information on this site and from your own keen observations to find out how to best bond with Molly (although I have to admit.... if she comes to you on recall.... I'd have to question her being a Basenji, lol!) I never ever let my Basenji's off leash unless they are in a fenced yard..... and I've been know to walk the fence line first even then.... I'm definitely a nervous Nellie Mom because I know when a hunting dog sets it's sight on prey and takes off they don't stop and don't notice the oncoming traffic. It took a bit to socialize the current pup to other dogs particularly the larger ones even though she was a successful show dog in her youth. I got her when she was 4. Actually, Susan Coe is a co-breeder of this dog also. Let's see what other forum members have to say about your girl. We will definitely chat again soon though.

@donc
Thanks for the reminder and the tip about the clicker (thought I had one but may have to repurchase). During the pandemic, I've been fortunate enough to work at home so the pup and I are never far apart and we've not been practicing our training. This could be problematical if we ever get a handle of the virus and move back to more normal things. This will provide some good lunch time practice sessions (with the change in time, it is midnight by the time I get off so we will practice on lunch break) Thanks again!

So happy to hear that your girl is doing better. Sending her much love from 'Senji land!

@kembe
My last Basenji suffered a vestibular syndrome episode at age 13 and it was scary. I definitely thought she had suffered a stroke but my vet diagnosed it on the phone. The circling lasted for about 2 days although the head tilt stayed a bit longer. She recovered within the week and went on normally for an old gal. About six mos before we had to put her down, she passed out from extreme HBP (who knew about that?) but the wonderful emergency hospital was able to bring her back and gave her several more great months with me. Not sure if the HBP was related to the vestibular but you might want to check that with your vet.

Hi Fellow 'Senji Lovers! I've had my little girl for 2 years (she's 6 now) and the sweetest thing you could ever meet! I've had 4 Senji's in my lifetime but Olly is the only one who seems to have an ongoing problem with anal glands. She routinely sees the vet at least 2x per year and her anal glands are checked and have to be cleaned each time. That is fine with me but a week or two after they are cleaned, Olly might have a "scooting" episode. And periodically she seems to have an anal leak because you get a whiff of that delightful anal gland odor (thank heaven for that Miracle stain and order remover !). I know that you can have anal glands removed surgically but I'm not a fan of surgery unless it is absolutely necessary. I've tried adding organic pumpkin to her diet. She basically gets a teaspoon mixed with her food daily. I could increase it but want to know if anyone has experienced this type of problem or has used pumpkin and what is the recommended amount. I'd also be happy to know if anyone has any other suggestions for this issue. Thanks for your help and comments.

! I'm not a breeder or show person but I have to say.....Basenji or not she is adorable!
I wouldn't worry that she doesn't play a lot with the humans yet. I got my almost all my Basenji's from reputable breeders so they were well socialized. It just takes them time to ascertain if you are worth playing with! Just love her and give her lots of attention and she'll come around in time. As with any of the high prey drive pups keep her securely in the house (take care with opening the door for any reason..... they can beat Houdini when it comes to getting out of a house or car) and never leave her in a fenced back yard without supervision. I have a solid 6 vinyl fence but when my pup is on the yard I'm at the patio door. I treat like I would a kid if I had a swimming pool..... it my eyes aren't on her when she's in the yard, she has to come in. No answering the door bell, no taking a minute just to grab the phone from the cradle. It only takes a second for them to squeeze through an opening and be gone and that high prey drive means they will dart into the street. Good luck with the little princess!!

I actually go my 4 yr old girl from Eldorado Basenjis in MA ( I live in NJ). I was referred to them by Sue Coe, now semi retired and living in Australia (I'd gotten my last 3 Basenji's from Sue when they retired from the show ring). As adorable as the puppies are, I don't have time and patience to help them through babyhood so I have always opted for a young adults and once again the formula has worked for me. My Olly is now 5 and is totally adorable. Just like her predecessors, she has me wrapped around her little paw. Having been in the show ring, she is pretty well socialized to people and travel (although she wasn't real thrilled the first time she met a horse - "Gosh, Mom...... that's a really big dog!"). She is so mellow and laid back that the landlord of my office building has declared the building pet friendly. He wants her to come to work as often as she likes.

Puppies are wonderful but don't discount the young, mature or even senior dogs that reputable breeders or BRAT may have available. Whatever and whenever you chose, welcome to Basenjiland and good luck!!!