! 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!!!
@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.
@senjisilly
Thanks so much for the info (you can tell I don't do very much cooking. The microwave and frozen food are my friends) Will pop into my local grocery store and pick up some this weekend. Thanks again!!
@debradownsouth
LOL about the bra straps! I know what you mean though; Olly just neatly chewed through the front strap on her brand new raincoat..... it was the first day she wore it. Grrrrr! That leash fix is a great idea. Going to be dropping by my local home depot this afternoon!! Yay, you!
@elbrant
Can you get "pure pumpkin" at a pet store? I'm going to try this with my new girl. She is four but was bred several times by her breeder. Not sure if this has anything to do with it but her anal glands seem to fill up much more quickly than my last few pups. She still scoots periodically although she is on a 1/4 tsp of Metamucil as recommended by her vet. Love your idea of freezing "dollops" then thawing them out as needed. Thanks for the info!