Best posts made by Patty

Yes, we are very privileged to have Basenjis in our lives. They have been in my heart since I first fell in love with the then Belgian Congo, many many years ago. I have lived with them on and off for over 70 years and associated with them more than that. There is no other breed for me although I have had some others over the years. Alas, I have my last one now as I couldn't possibly hope to give the care needed to another dog at my age. (I do have a part in others

You've obviously had a very difficult time these past years. He was obviously not socialised at all and obviously came from an irresponsible breeder. Adding to the fact that you didn't understand him at first probably made matters worse. This is a warning to others not to buy a Basenji 'off the cuff' but to contact a reputable breeder who will have reared her puppies correctly and socialised them well. It sounds as though his fear of outside stems from being confined since babyhood. No wonder the person who sold him to you disappeared!

In my opinion, it would be better to feed him a more balanced diet. It is never a good idea to encourage Basenjis to eat your food. Mine are fed on raw meat, including some organ meat, and a good organic mixer biscuit. Have you tried to feed him raw? Far better than "everything and anything". Some foods make dogs hyper.

Best wishes for the future with him. You obviously love him very much.

I agree that it's usually only necessary to reduce your Basenji's amount of food rather than a special diet when he/she is beginning to put on weight. That is if they are on an already balanced diet. During cold months I usually add a little, against during warm months. My vet used to ask "Show weight or normal weight?" !!. Noticing how slim some people keep their Basenjis and especially puppies, in the show ring I agree with him. I allow my old Basenis extra weight to help combat any wasting due to age. In my opinion, it's merely a matter of being aware that they are putting on unnecessary weight.

He looks a delightful chap and full of fun. His coat colour looks the same as Basenji red/white. You'll just have to patiently wait for the DNA results! Please do let us know your results. I'd be very interested to know.
MorseSA - Accidental matings do happen you know. Jaxyboy101 - In my opinion this post shouldn't have been directed at you. It's so good to know that there are people like you who adopt these dogs. Hugs to you.

I've got the same situation. Now my boy is left alone he no longer appears to be grieving but won't be left on his own now. We are currently only leaving him for 10 minutes or so as long as one of us can hear him and get back if need be. We'll increase the time until we're able to leave him for the necessary period. We intend to use the same routine as when his sister was alive.

i'D CONSIDER CHANGING MY VET. yOUR bASENJIS ARE WORRIED IF EVEN TEMPORARILY SO THE VET SHOULD BE TOO.

You did all the right things and with your patience, it obviously paid off. I love these rescue stories especially those like Boomers'. You are very good people and without people like you the world would be a poorer place. Thank you, Paul.

Personally, I don't believe that being alone is any more difficult than having another puppy. After all, there's always a chance that he doesn't get on with the new one (little or adult). I totally agree that he'll benefit from having more attention and bonding with you. There's plenty of time later to think about having more Basenji company.

I don't think she has Basenji in her make-up but she's lovely. I am more au fait with Basenjis than other dogs so couldn't really guess her make-up. Be warned though that as soon as a dog of unknown origins has a curly tail and facial wrinkles people assume Basenji. If you desperately need to know, a DNA test could be the answer but I'm sure you love her whatever (and no wonder!).

@katzmeow She looks lovely. I can't really see how big she is from the photos. But I wouldn't think she's part Basenji but then you can never really tell. She looks very loveable.

@debradownsouth

I totally agree with you regarding this breeder - something has gone badly wrong when a litter terrifies its sibling, The fact that it was small does not mean that the rest will gang up on it. In those circumstances I would not even have the pup leave home unless it was to a very experienced Basenji owner and I would have been in constant touch.

It is very hard to let this puppy go and I do sympathise with you, Takoda but I would never let it go back to its breeder, contract or no contract. I obviously have no experience with BRAT, but from what I have learnt from others, they would have been an excellent choice. A puppy should never be willingly passed from hand to hand like this. If this puppy were my own I couldn't be more worried than I am now.

You know that you've made a mistake in giving them treats at an early stage of their introduction so now you know to do this in a different way. Just be patient and go back one space! When they are separated (when she has her op) again be wary when they are reunited. From now on I would feed treats or their meals side by side but in separate crates so that there is no chance of fighting. I don't think the fact that your male got the worst of the fight will be taken as a lesson by him, so be continue to be vigilant. Have you asked the breeder's advice too? She/he will have experience of the bitches temperament.

He's a lovely puppy. I wish you every happiness with him.

@zande, I'm very pleased and relieved that you confirm that this pup is going to a good home. That puts my mind at rest as I've been worrying about the outcome. Thank you for letting us know.

To confirm what Tanza advises - please check that there are no health issues before deciding that it is just 'pickiness'. She might have digestive problems, in my opinion it's not usual for a pup to be so picky. All being physically well, why not try her with raw meat?

Pat and Debra, thank you. I will have to get them from my vet but as you say not difficult to give especially with the instructions in the link. She'll be far happier than leaving her with the vet. You folks are great. Excuse the bump please, Tayda- Lenny.

@mani13, each of the UK bred clubs have FB pages and through them you can gain more information. They are - Basenji Club of Great Britain, Basenji Owners and Breeders Association and Northern Basenji. You can also message each of the secretaries of these clubs and they may have information about available puppies although this is rather late in the year. You now have the opportunity to contact breeders for future planned litters and get much more information about our beautiful breed. There is plenty of time for that until the next litters are born either later in the year or occasionally in mid-year. Some may be able to invite you into their Basenji homes so that you can assess whether this is truly the breed for you (they are not to everybody's taste!). Incidentally, Basenjis aren't brown (or at least shouldn't be!). I wish you every good luck and in the meantime also peruse the Basenji Forums. Where are you based in the UK?

I'm afraid that neutering isn't the answer to aggression - I know some assert this but it rarely has the desired effect. Training is the answer and I would advise you to consult a behaviourist who is knowledgeable about Basenjis. I do hope you can find the solution. You don't mention Lincoln's age.

Have you considered feeding him raw food? If you decide to do so make the change gradually. A raw fed dog has much firmer stools and fewer of them.

@roojuice Garlic spray is a good and effective repellent. As to the bites, homeopathic Apis Mel 30c effectively stops the itching in a very short time. For stings (non-insect) Urtica Mons 30c potency. Both of these are available at ainsworths .com and I suggest in soft tablet form. Avoid actually touching them when you administer - I tip one on to a clean piece of paper and my dogs will take them from there. To get Flash to eat them throw a few around when he'll probably pick one up and then find he likes the taste. You can then give him his proper dose on the paper.