It is possible that your basenji is just not dog park material. It is not a reflection on you or your basenji. Some dogs are very reactive and should not go to a dog park. Since this is your first dog, it is also possible that you are not "reading" your dog and other dogs' warning signs well. It doesn't mean that you can never go to a dog park, but maybe you need to do more obedience training, more walks on leash around other dogs and let your basenji mature. Find ways to set your basenji up for positive experiences around other dogs. The fight and resulting injuries must have been very disturbing. He might be more ready to rumble after that experience and you need to reframe his mind that not all dogs want to fight. Resource guarding is not acceptable at a dog park - be it the water bowl or toys or treats. People shouldn't bring those things, but they do, so you have to deal with it. If you can't, then don't go to the dog park - end of story. We can't control other people and other dogs, but if we can't control our own basenji, then we shouldn't be there. Just my opinion.

I could be wrong, but it is my opinion that what you feed your basenji will determine the coat. I noticed a significantly softer coat once I started a Fish Oil supplement after adopting my adult b even though he was already being fed quality food.

I adopted an adult basenji with some separation anxiety. At first I only left him for very short periods of time, but each time, I would prepare a special "treat" for him. I tried to mix it up - sometimes a paper towel tube filled with yummy treats, sometimes a sterilized bone packed with cream cheeze or peanut butter (or a combo). I save any small boxes to fill and tape back together. As the basenji watched me assemble the special treat, he associated my leaving with a good thing that would follow. Now, he nearly pushes me out the door so he can have his treat - the anxiety is for me to leave quicker! Sometimes I would prepare the special package ahead of time and then not leave for awhile. This made his anticipation for me to leave even stronger. The one drawback is if you use a cardboard box, then any cardboard box becomes fair game for dismantlement/destruction, even if it is not meant for that purpose (yet).

The only other solution I can think of is to get a second basenji to keep the first one company!

My brother in law gave me a plaque that says:

"It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them, and every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are."

I am sorry for your loss.

@lokishadjie
Although basenjis are thought of as "barkless" they are definitely not silent. Your guy found his "voice" and had every right to defend himself - the thing is, you don't want him to feel like he has to defend himself. It could turn into a problem that you don't want.
I detest "box" dog parks where the area is fenced, but there's nothing else to do but stand around and watch your dog sniff other dogs and hope fights don't break out. I'd rather go on a nice long leashed hike than be in a "box" dog park. If I have no other option, I'll walk the perimeter of the box park to keep my dog(s) moving and therefore less likely to get into a snarkfest. It's also a great time to practice recall and walking off leash. Leave immediately if another dog is playing too rough or stop going if you keep having a bad experience - it's not worth your dog learning to be dog aggressive/defensive.

@Daureen
This is a whole different conversation. I agree with @tanza that this is resource guarding and needs to be handled carefully not to escalate or encourage the wrong behavior. The first thing that popped into my head is the word "respect." You (and definitely the 12 yr old grandchild) should approach your basenji with respect AND you should require respect from your basenji. The b should not get his way if he snarks, but you need to do your best not to set him up. Any training should definitely include everyone who has been snarked at so you all learn the same thing the same way. You definitely don't want your basenji to find out he can control you with his teeth.

I love the snow pix. Beautiful B's!!!!
Here in Florida, we have no snow (but we're really enjoying the cooler temperatures finally!)
Here's Mojo laughing at the thought of snow. (I caught him mid-yawn and it looks pretty scary.)

@tanza: you said it all in your first sentence "I have a different set up". Your situation is FAR from what yaleezaforeva described.

No 18 mo old basenji (with or without separation anxiety) should be left alone for 8 to 9 hours alone for 5 days a week. Period. It is cruel and unusual punishment.

The owner should find a way for Benjie not to be alone so many hours or rehome him and get a stuffed animal.

I truly don't mean to offend anyone, but I care about the basenji. I promise not to say another word on this discussion.

Most people have no idea of what a reputable breeder is. Anyone inquiring about a puppy should be advised to purchase only from a breeder who requires a signed contract that the pup be returned to the breeder for any reason at any age (and who does the necessary health tests - fanconi, etc.).

I would love to see elementary schools provide a class on animal husbandry to impress on kids what happens to that adorable puppy once it grows up and isn't wanted anymore... why having a litter of puppies or kitties is a HUGE responsibility... why animals need daily attention and should not be tied out or left out in a yard... etc.

Sorry for the lecture. As you can tell, I'm a little passionate on this subject - and I deleted 1/2 of what I wrote!

@hilario23

Oh My... A sweet, calm 18 mo. old basenji might be great for your family, but the chances of finding such a unicorn is highly unlikely. It is very important for you to know: (1) Young basenjis are juvenile delinquents. (2) Basenjis are NOT hypoallergenic. I've heard of MANY basenjis being given up (even by extremely determined loving owners) because a spouse could not tolerate the allergy. Finally, (3) Basenjis are usually NOT great to jog with (again, you might find one, but it is highly unlikely). They can be very stubborn and the love to smell all the smells along the way - their hunting instincts are pretty extreme as they one of the only breeds that are both sight and scent hounds.

If you can, your family should go spend a day in the home of a young basenji OR have one visit your home for a week... There are tons of basenjis in the Midwest - see if you can find a meet-up group and connect with someone that way.

Basenji mixes are wonderful, extrordinary, beautiful dogs. Please love them too!

I reduced the size and posted one in a later posting. Thanks!

Please be sure to share with us the results of your research.

 

These files might be too big. Let me know if they don't work.

@luresearcher said in Basenji pictures needed for Research Project!:

Hello Basenji Community,

my name is Simon and I am a Master Student from Leiden University, The Netherlands. I am currently working on a research project in which we are comparing ancient and modern dog breeds on differences in a few facial features. For this, we are creating a online study for which we need head-shots (face pictures) of various dog breeds, one of them being Basenjis. Because we have a few criteria on how these pictures must be shot (due to standardisation requirements), most pictures we found online are not ideal.

The criteria:

1. The whole face is clearly visible
2. Details in the eyes (iris and pupil) are clearly visible (light reflection is okay, as long as it is not too strong)
3. The dog is purebred
4. The picture is not taken at an extreme angle (dog's eye level is ideal)
5. No accessories and collars
6. The dog's mouth is closed, with a neutral look (not strictly necessary)

That is why I would like to ask whether anyone here has pictures following these criteria or would be able to make some pictures according to the criteria. My research partner and I would be very thankful for any help that we can get from the community!

Thank you in advance for your time.

(Sorry about the leash clip showing - maybe you can edit it out.)

@jdambro said in Communicate to come inside:

Bells work great only my B has discovered I will get up and go over to the door at which point he trots off to the snack cupboard and waits for a snack. Threatens to cut me if I don't give him one.

That is EXACTLY what my basenji does! I don't have any bells - I have a broom hanging on a hook next to the door and he swipes at the broom which makes a noise that gets my attention.

I hope Julie4444 has a fenced yard and does not leave her pup outside unattended for any length of time. That's just asking for trouble and is dangerous for her pup.

17 years! You must have been a good basenji slave. They were a great looking pair. I'm sure you miss them like crazy. They're waiting for you at the bridge.

I've encountered a few people (with their dogs on leash) who, upon first approach, reach down and swing their dog's butt toward my dog so he can smell. Then, I do the same for their dog. After that, the dogs are fine - it's quite nice to encounter dog savvy people!

It is possible that your basenji is just not dog park material. It is not a reflection on you or your basenji. Some dogs are very reactive and should not go to a dog park. Since this is your first dog, it is also possible that you are not "reading" your dog and other dogs' warning signs well. It doesn't mean that you can never go to a dog park, but maybe you need to do more obedience training, more walks on leash around other dogs and let your basenji mature. Find ways to set your basenji up for positive experiences around other dogs. The fight and resulting injuries must have been very disturbing. He might be more ready to rumble after that experience and you need to reframe his mind that not all dogs want to fight. Resource guarding is not acceptable at a dog park - be it the water bowl or toys or treats. People shouldn't bring those things, but they do, so you have to deal with it. If you can't, then don't go to the dog park - end of story. We can't control other people and other dogs, but if we can't control our own basenji, then we shouldn't be there. Just my opinion.

Nice eyeliner.

She's lovely.

@ashmoore92

Let me first confess that I am not a cat person and then let me apologize for the long history. My son adopted a juvenile cat with a lot of confidence. I had an adult basenji (8 yrs old). We did not live together, but I would bring my basenji for brief visits over the course of a couple of years, so the cat and dog knew each other. Fast forward several years. My son joined the Navy and nobody else in the family would keep the cat, so cat came to live with us. The basenji I had was quite elderly by that time. Dog and the cat got along just fine - not cuddly, but no blood shed. The basenji passed away just before his 15th birthday. The cat and I lived alone together for several years until I retired. I adopted a 3.5 yr old basenji who wanted to chase and bite the cat. It took me over 8 months, but I succeeded in getting them to coexist (and could even trust them alone together). The absolute key is TIME.

First, I kept the cat (with litter box and cat tree, etc.) in the guest bedroom with the door closed AND a walk thru gate about 3 feet away from the guest bedroom door. The purpose was to get both critters accustomed to the smell and sounds of each other.

Once the basenji finally stopped trying to find a way to get thru the gate to the door, I propped the door to the guest room open a few inches so the cat and dog smells and sounds were stronger.

After the basenji ignored the gate/propped door, I opened the guest room door enough so the cat could get into the hallway. Cat would come to the gate and the basenji would go crazy, but eventually, he figured out he wasn't going to be able to get to the cat, so he got used to seeing and smelling the cat up close.

After a couple of months, the cat would venture out (thru the built in cat door that I modified so only the cat could fit thru and run to safety, but keep the basenji out). This resulted in many wild chases thru the house (some items got broken) but the cat would either jump up high or get back behind the gate where he was safe.

In addition to all the steps above, every day, two or three times a day, I would put the basenji on a chain leash, attached to something very heavy or to a door, and bring the cat to the couch and I would give them both treats and praised the basenji when he behaved calmly and unaggressively towards the cat. The basenji would get a reprimand or strong "no" when he tried to lunge at the cat.

The cat would venture out to the living room in the evening while the basenji and I were on the couch. I held the basenji's collar and made him stay with me while the cat roamed or joined us on the couch.

Finally, the cat could walk across the room without being attacked, but if the cat ever ran - the chase was on! The cat would stop, hiss, puff up and swipe at the basenji, but that never phased the dog once he was in "hunt mode".

I kept kitty litter box and cat food in the guest room where the basenji had no access.

Your situation is complicated by multiple cats, however, it might be easier for you because your basenji is younger. Regardless, you can expect it to take up to a year (and maybe never) depending on the prey drive of your pup.

A friend of mine had a dalmation that she kept chained to a piano for years (of course there was time out for walks and play time) because her dog wanted to eat the cat.

P.S. After about 3 years, the cat escaped thru the front door and we never saw him again. My guess (and hope) is that he found himself a home without a dog.