Best posts made by Pawla

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!

My apologies in advance for being so blunt. This is only my opinion which you are welcome to take or leave.

An elderly dog might do okay with being left alone for 8-9 hours/5 days a week, but it will be sheer torture for a young, active basenji to be left alone (whether he/she has separation anxiety or not). Drugging him is a sad choice.

If you really love him, find someone to keep him during the day, find a daycare where he fits in or rehome him.

Great pix! He's a cutie.

It takes time. Work with him. I take my rescue b to a dog park where we walk on trails. He was 3.5 yrs old when I adopted him and we worked on recall. After 3 years, we are at the point where he walks well on leash (even a flexi leash!) and off leash (but never in an unfenced area). He stays near me in the park off leash and comes when he is called even when other dogs are getting aggressive. It is such a joy to whistle for him when I can't see him, and he comes racing towards me at full speed! It's beautiful to see.

Zaki sounds smart and slents sounds like a wonderful b-slave already!

Trade is a great tool. Love it.

Here are some things my current b boy came "pre-loaded" with that I really appreciate - you might want to work with Zaki:
:
"Look at Me" - this is so helpful when you want to get your b to focus on you and not something distracting. When I feed him, he must first sit and then look at me after I put the bowl down. He has to look at me and wait until I tell him "okay". This can be helpful when you want his attention - like passing another dog on leash or while at the vet.

Not to bolt from an exterior door. I've never before had a b (after owning 3 and fostering 59) who didn't try to bolt (run/escape) thru an open door. Mojo is pretty good, but I will NEVER trust him completely.

Recall. From the beginning, I have made "come" a happy/good/rewarding behavior. We often visit an off leash dog park with winding trails. I keep treats in my hand and have a special whistle that makes him come flying back to me to get a treat. We started close in and then extended the distance. It is ever SO cool to see him racing back to me at full speed with a smile on his face. Again, I'd NEVER trust him off leash, but should an emergency happen, he's more likely to return when called. Sometimes, at the park, I hide from him and then call him. It's a fun game and way better than chasing a b!

Does anyone have other favorite things they've taught their basenji?

I adopted my current basenji at 3.5 yrs old. He slept in bed under the covers at my feet like an angel for the first 2 weeks. Suddenly, one night he was up at 2 am running from window to window, door to door. He wouldn't settle down. I let him in the back yard, but he didn't want out. Eventually, he settled down and we went back to bed. I worried this was a new undesirable behavior. The next morning at the local dog park, I found out there was a burglary less than 2 blocks away from my house the night before. He hasn't behaved like that since that night.

@SeattleBasenji
I had a basenji who had an extremely sensitive stomach. It took time for him to settle into a routine and then once the routine didn't change, he had far less tummy troubles. Be patient. Have you heard of the umbilical cord method? Keep him tied to you when you are home so you can get him outside or to a potty place as soon as you notice he's going to go. Don't worry about him being too bonded to you - it's not something you can control or want to discourage. If he was a stray, he's going to be needy/clingy if he bonds with you - get used to it and use it to your advantage! I'm glad you will get him tested for fanconi and that you will keep a schedule. Has he been tested for things that could cause gastric distress (worms, giardia, etc.)? You've got a rescue who had a rough start. If he already shows he loves you, you've won more than half the battle. Give him time. He's going to be great!

As previously stated, basenjis are not hypoallergenic. Not only are shedding and dander a concern, but also saliva. Some people have terrible reactions to being licked. Whether a basenji is a good "first" dog depends on many factors and is why a good breeder or rescue group is invaluable in the decision of who gets which pup. Shelters do not screen homes for compatibility or appropriateness.

It sounds like you are a minor, living in the home of your parents (or at least a mother). That means you have no control over whether or not you will be able to keep a dog if/when the head of the household decides he/she can no longer tolerate living with a dog. The decision will be out of your control. I would recommend you wait until you have complete control over your living arrangements and have the right circumstances (i.e., time, funds, etc.) to get a puppy or rescue a dog.

I'm sorry if that means you have to wait, but I hope you can be selfless enough not think of what YOU want, but what is best for the dog who will have no say in the matter.

What is your life situation? How large is your sense of humor? How tolerant would you be of a mischievous monkey? How much of the day would your basenji be alone? Do you have children or do you plan to have kids? Do you have a yard? Is it fenced? Do you expect a basenji to chill on its own. Do you live in a rural or residential area? Do you have things in your house that you value - would you be upset if a basenji destroyed things? Do you plan to walk your basenji every day twice a day? Have you ever owned a dog before? What breed was it? What did you like and dislike about that breed? Are you willing to make adjustments to suit the dog? (if it counter surfs, what will you do? If it attacks kleenex boxes and/or toilet paper, what will you do?) Can the dog sleep in bed with you? Do you have a friend or family member who can pet sit if you need to go out of town unexpectedly?

My basenji eats the crotches out of any underwear or pants left in his reach. Can you keep clothes and shoes picked up to keep your basenji safe?

There are SO many questions about you that need to be answered before the answer about whether or not a basenji is the right breed for you can be answered. The basenji has to fit into your home but you have to make concessions too.

I don't know that I would have picked my home for our first basenji - there were two boys under 8 yrs old - but we had a fenced yard and I was committed to walk her every day. My parents lived across the street and loved her to death. She spent time with them during the day. She was the best basenji ever.

I love this time of year. These puppies are all so incredibly cute!
May they all live long, healthy lives.
Please keep sharing the pix!

@aalas89
Congrats on your new basenji!
A vet that has basenji experience is not as important as a vet that you can communicate well with, is willing to work with you and learn about basenjis.
You can get specific basenji advice from the breeder.
Share photos!