Something I learned very early in my basenji pack:
I must be considered ALPHA, as are all my family.
When they were little, they learned that I could touch them where ever, whenever. I did this by touching them, gently, while giving a treat now and then, while talking to them gently, soothingly. Doesn't matter what I said, the tone of voice is what mattered. I eventually touched their legs, back, lifting the 'lips'??? and touching each toenail. This all came in handy for various examinations, even at the vets. If I had my hand on them, they knew they were being taken care of.
When they were little, every 3 days or so, at eating time, I'd take one with me to another room, just us two. Then I would feed one kibble to the pup, me being in control of what they were getting, and when, until their bowl was almost empty - then they'd get to lick the sauce I usually put in.. All while talking soothingly, using a happy voice. Again, words didn't matter, just the tone of my voice.
When they got older, once a week, and then once a month, forever.
It must have worked, I had control of those dogs, with no harshness being used.

I was told using a treat with an older dog to get it to do something, means the owner failed. In basenjis, expect to use treats their whole life, it's not a failure. The last 10 years I used regular dry dog food, but one of those tasty, new brands.

But, when I needed to do something quickly, I got into my 'good dog treats' I kept in the freezer. All the others the dogs knew as 'treats' but the ones I kept in the freezer, usually some kind of meat, they knew as extra tasty because they were called 'biscuits.'

I always like to share the story of when someone, who shall remain nameless, opened the garage dog without checking the dogs in the backyard - because the second garage door, in the back of the garage was already opened. So Spicer led 3 or 4 of them on a walk down the sidewalk. I earned my 'Crazy Dog Lady' label because I walked toward them, yelling "Biscuit" They were about 6 houses down, Spicer heard me, turned around, they all followed him, and they all got a 'biscuit' and "Good" To be honest, it was the cutest thing - Spicer pranced down the sidewalk, each one followed him in single file, and when he turned around, that's how they came back, in single file. He had such a proud look about him, like he was the Boss!
And NO ONE got in trouble, well, none of the dogs. They came when called, that deserved a reward.

You have to teach them YOU are alpha, and good things come from you.

Any snarking, growling, snarling, was not tolerated. I think usually I just grabbed their neck, again, not roughly, but firm, with a stern louder NO, and they were removed from the situation.

Except - Captain growled to have his nails trimmed all the time. He didn't try to bite me, but the growls sounded bad. Ok, I'm going to tell the rest, be warned it's kind of, I don't even know what word to use. He was on the grooming table with the noose around his neck, so we figured it would be best if my husband held him too. Firmly. He figured out the best way was to, I can't believe I'm telling this, and these are the words he used he'd 'rub his bxxxs.' When Captain was neutered he still rubbed him. No growling after that. I guess sometimes you just have to think creatively.

This might be kind of long, but a lot comes to my head:

Rosa was my first show dog, a Diva, more than willing to snub a laughing judge, if she thought it was warranted! (I’ll always remember this, because that judge and her husband were killed a few years later in a car accident) Her head was not an ideal basenji head, but she had enough ‘other stuff’ that she got an award of merit at a Basenji National, I believe in St. Louis.

So we were at a National somewhere, and I introduced myself to Katie Campbell as the owner of a pet boy, sired by her Spencer. The very first thing she said “Is he smart?” OMG he was smart, that’s where he got it from!

So at an appropriate time, I bred my Rosa to Spencer. He passed on his intelligence, he was old (ended up living to 17), and healthy.

Rosa was shown the way to the Rainbow Bridge, at a time I just couldn’t fret about it. I think she knew, as she always seemed to not want to make a fuss – it was 3 weeks after I got home from the rehab place after my car accident.

In one of her litters, she had a little girl so much like her. Promise had the same ‘not correct’ head, but it housed that brain! One of my goals in breeding was to produce puppies that could be thrown out back, near a creek, and survive on their own. I can’t remember if it was Rosa or Promise, but one day I watched her – she had her head tilted down, listening to the moles in the ground. She was the only one I saw doing that. (My original pet boy, the Spencer son, climbed a spruce tree 15 ft, and ate the eggs from a robin’s nest – I saw him. I also saw the blue eggshells in his poop)

Why this story? Promise was like her Mom, she was let go to cross the rainbow bridge, about 5 weeks ago. At the time, I couldn’t think too much about it, we just let her go. She was 16 and 4 months. A few months earlier, we had to let Gretchen go. They were the best of friends. The picture I posted then showed Promise behind her, maybe saying, in their silent way, “You go, I’ll be there in a bit.”

Cinta has 2 dogs from me, I think Dempsey is Promise’s littermate, she might even have 2 from that litter – I can’t remember.

It’s hard to let them go when they’re pups, but knowing the years of love they have gotten, makes it bearable.

It’s really hard to see them go that one last time.
But bearable, when they’ve been here 16 years.

The day after I posted about Promise (a few weeks after she crossed the Rainbow Bridge), we took Captain (Rugosa Rose to the Occasion) in to be euthanized.

He was a Rosa son, from her litter of 1. I gave her spring second heat a try, figured the litter would be small, and he was born. Normally when she had a litter, she was in charge, the puppies did what she said! But not Captain. At 2 weeks he was bossing her around, and she was complying! That’s how he earned his name, Captain. He and my youngest son were close and if I had known Ben was going to join the Navy, I would have named him Chief (Navy equal to a Captain).

He had the nickname ‘Butt head.’ He had a wonderful temperament, respected all humans in his life, so when he didn’t want to do something, he just ignored us. For instance, when I wanted him to go outside, and he didn’t, I had to get his collar, and since our floors can be a little slippery, I just had to pull him all the way to the door, and lift him out. Every time. I could never figure any other way to do it, that’s why my right arm is a bit stronger than my left. He did things like this whenever he had to do something he didn’t want to.

The last time he did it, for the vet, was near the end, and he needed an ultrasound. The vet called me and asked if it was ok to sedate him, he was being a bit stubborn – Butthead!

He was an example of a male basenji, as opposed to a female. He was calm, didn’t seem to hold grudges, easy going, and not a game player. That’s why, when he was 7 or so, he had surgery( was told it ight be $4000+). He was in for a dental, and I always do the blood work for older dogs going under anesthetic. The vet called me after he got the results, something was off, indicating a gall bladder problem. He did an ultrasound and found a mucocele in his gall bladder
He did get his dental, some more bloodwork, and when I dropped him off for the gall bladder removal, they told me he would go home in 5-6 days. I got a call while he was in surgery, was told that the hormones could affect his recovery, so we neutered him(you know what, that probably was during the dental – can’t remember). The next morning after surgery they called and said he was ready to go. We didn’t really have to do much different diet wise either.
When he was originally diagnosed, he was having no symptoms that we could see. That was the reason I do the bloodwork before anesthetic, and why he did so well after the surgery. Also the surgery was almost $2000 a lot less than we were quoted, that’s another reason I do the bloodwork.

I was told the gals there fell in love with him, I guess he saved most of his Buttheadness for us here at home.
He was an absolute pleasure here, and lived to his 16th birthday. He was like my other 2 girls I put down this year, his body was just worn out to the point of causing him pain if we waited any longer. He just turned 16.

He loved to run with Promise and Gretchen, I like to think he still does.

Now, just Freida

Experience:
I had 2 female basenjis that had to be separated - ALWAYS.
One was easy, but in my mind I had to be fair and give each equal time not in the dog room (a sunroom on most house plans).
On nice days, the troublemaker could be left outside if we knew we'd be home in a few hours. In our case, the garage was not an option. it was dark, no windows in the area where we would have her, and it was just so not welcoming to any beast to be in. I would never put a toddler in there, so certainly not my basenji. She was meant to be with her people, or other dogs.
Our next idea was a pen we made in the dog room. It was 4' x 4', but before we left her in that, she showed us she could climb out of it! It was 4 ' high. So, we put a lid on it - 2 ex pens. The first night we let her scream. She went to each space on the side panels and bit them together - every one! Then, she did it so much, the next day I had to take her to the vet. She had worn down every tooth in her mouth, except 3, that he had to pull them out - all but 3! We couldn't leave her loose in the dog room because , unless she had access to her people, she was destructive.

To be honest, I can't remember exactly what we did. I think it was a bit more time with us than the other girl - who didn't seem to mind that much and was rather embarrassed for the breed because of the way the other acted.

The trouble maker was so much work, but I really cried when she was put down, at 17. I think she had a bit of OCD and other psychological problems - seriously, I do think that. I know no one would have given her the accommodating life we gave her.

lesson - be able to go to plan B, C, D ,E, because these beautiful creatures will test to see how creative you are!

I told people, when I placed a puppy with them, I don't place puppies with dumb people, you have to be able to admit that idea won't work, let's try plan B

(the trouble maker girl was crate trained until she was 2, and then NO WAY)

I wish you luck, and I suppose if it's only 2 times a week, it MIGHT be okay. You'll have to watch for any effect of not being able to see people at all for 8 hrs, will have.

The other comment I would like to add is that basenjis go through life thinking "What's in it for me?" THEIR WHOLE LIVES!!!!!!
The best thing for both the owner and the basenji is for the owner to realize they will constantly have to think of positive ways to convince the basenji that what the owner wants it to do, is what it wanted to do in the first place.
It will require some creativity on your part, ITS WHOLE LIFE!!!!

(When I placed puppies, I never placed them with dumb people)

My Ibis did that, so when she had 'episodes', we just took her and sat with her on the rocking chair. (Like we did when she was a puppy). She still loved attention, so when she was back to normal, we put her back down. Sometimes we did this 3-4 times a day.

I'm just hoping someone will do that for me when I act the same.

This could be 'my dog specific' but here's my experience:
I had a dog, Ibis, that was extremely food motivated. We have light gray floors, so anything dropped, like a piece of kibble, was immediately snatched. She learned if she didn't get it, someone else would. So, she associated a small dark spot on grey flooring, food. Not really a problem at home, but she was like your dog, including at shows I took her to.
This went on until she was about 2 when we got to a show early, like usual. The show flooring was concrete, there was a 'turd' and Ibis snatched it. She spit it out immediately and to be honest, though I continued to watch her as much as before, she never did that again, except at home.

She continued to be extremely food motivated, which is why I never lure coursed her, except ONCE. I took her to a trial in which my other dogs were entered. At the end, there would be a practice, so, I entered Ibis in that. She was a very observant dog, but I figured she liked to chase things, let's see. We were at the line, she wore her pretty color, and ran 10 feet when I released her. Then, she made a beeline to the LUNCH counter. It was at least 75 ft from where I released her, behind us.

One thing she continued to do, was chase any little critter that moved - just at home, the only place she had an opportunity. The other dogs knew not to pursue a skunk, but Ibis had to learn by doing (her usual way of learning things). Did you know skunks can climb 5 ft privacy fences? Ibis thought that would be the perfect time to grab the critter. What she didn't know was that was a prefect time for the skunk to spray her in her face! We were lucky it didn't affect her eyes. She never did that again.

I guess this story shows examples of understanding the dog's African history and showing that it's part of who they are. You have to be constantly aware of what's going on, and sometimes if you can't change the dog, you have to change their surroundings.

Ibis was the most work, but I sort of miss her the most, and really worked at filling my free time when she left!

@elbrant said in Meet Rogue:

@roguecoyote said in Meet Rogue:

any ideas of what else this promising puppy could achieve?

Perhaps Agility, or Lure Coursing?
She's gorgeous!!

You all are forgetting:
Pampered Princess!!!!!

My first girl, Rosa always had a spring heat, and I decided to breed her on one of them. It was her last litter, a litter of one (I had been told that spring heats often resulted in small litters.
All of her heats were normal.
Has nothing to do with the question-
This heat resulted in one male puppy. When he was 2 weeks old, I SAW him boss her around, not unusual, but what was unusual is that she LET him! From that point, she continued to let him boss her around!
I named him Captain, giving orders. If I'd known my son was going to join the Navy, I would have named him Chief (Navy equivalent)

The only thing I can add is that Leroy should NEVER be alone with your son. He is being a normal 3 yr old.
I have 3 children (adults now) and could never understand why people said 'the terrible twos.' To me, threes were the worst, and need constant supervision.

Your son is acting like a 3 year old should, Leroy is acting like a basenji will act, you just have to be there and supervise. Don't give Leroy even one chance to get rough with your son. he will never forget that it can get to that point.

Best of luck to you all (and have fun with your 3 yr old son!)

@elbrant The first time I took Ibis lure coursing: I let go, and she ran straight to the lunch stand! It was in the opposite direction of the field.
I don't think she could figure out why a dog would run after an empty bag, when everyone knows, they're much more interesting when heavy!

That's hilarious!
I've been in the basenji world since 1995 and this is probably the funniest photo I've seen

It was so rare that (X - sorry, can't remember which) was sleeping on the coveted heat vent, and had an audible fart. X immediately woke up, looked at the source of the noise with a "what the heck was that?' look!
(It was 3 feet away, and LOUD)

(Nothing like writing a 5th grade post)

Years ago I had a family come to 'meet basenjis.' They had a 5 yr old son, and one that was 3. The 5 yr old was fine with the whole experience. The 3 yr old ran around like 3 yr olds will. My poor Ibis - I was sitting on the couch and she was behind me, peeking around to see what that 'thing was.' It looked like a human, only small, but it acted like a puppy? !???!!!!
She did exactly what a dog with her temperament would do - observe from afar! I have no doubt that if I had let things get to that point, she would have nipped the boy - not a good experience for either!

These folks decided, with a bit of educatioin, that their home was not quite ready for a basenji

Many, many years ago, I sold puppies to families. I always met them ahead of time, before the pups were born were born, and had a little 'class' in which we went over the beginnings of what to do, and not do, with the puppy.`
I remember one family came again, after the pups were born, but not old enough to leave Mom. They had a little boy (just him, no siblings) who did not come the first time (it was for them to approve me, and me to approve them). He was about 6, very smart and well behaved, and went out to the dog room. That was the year I had some oops litters, all born within a week of each other, and he was so excited to just get buried with puppies! I think they were about 6 wks old. I took photos of the whole experience that day, and made a special PRIVATE page of "Ethan's day with the Puppies"
We went over my 'getting a basenji puppy' class and he was so attentive. I never got a call from them about any problems - I'm not surprised, he wanted that puppy so much.

I had a dog like her - IBIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When she was not quite a year old, we went to a dog show, outside with concrete floors in the show area.
She pounced for a dark circle on the floor (looked to her like a piece of kibble) and she immediately spit it out. It was a turd! Did that teach her - no, she never changed.

Throughout her life, she seemed to act fast, think later. All the other dogs knew you don't follow a skunk too close. One climbed our fence, and Ibis tried to get it as it climbed, getting its spray all in her face.

She was easy to train, being so food motivated. Everything about her was 10X.
When loving, she was very loving, when happy, she was very happy, when mad she was a VERY loud mad!

Have fun with your pup, you may never have a dull moment!

I fed all the dogs in their crates, so they didn't have access to the others. But you describing how you pup licks an empty food bowl, was Ibis!

When I types about Ibis, I use lots of !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have had 3 kids, now adults, and many basenjis have gone through this home, and I would not suggest a first basenji and a child under 6, in the same home.
A basenji will need consistent, firm, but gentle, corrections though it's puppyhood, and I don't think a child younger than 6 could be reliably consistent. My first son was born a little adult in many ways, and I would not have had a basenji before he was 6.

I think that sometimes they just have extra energy, and digging for nothing gets rid of some (just a little though)

I lost 2 earlier this year, 15 and 16,
Now we are dealing with a 15 yr old and every night we ask each other "Is he in pain?" No
"Does he enjoy part of his day" Yes.

The first girl, we waited a bit too long. I knew this, but forgot - the vet told us her brain was shutting down. She had seizures (for the last 8 mos) and was losing the ability to control her rear legs. He said if all else is healthy, they start at the rear of the body, and gradually lose control of the body, working up to the brain.

So, we are letting the boy enjoy what he can. He sleeps a lot, but he did always like his pillow. When I show him where his food is, he enjoys eating it. Today he was just circling in a small circle. He has a bit of 'dementia' so my husband just grabbed him to sit with him for a bit.

Like Zande said, dignity with no suffering. You just evaluate on a dog by dog basis. The second girl was 16 and the vet said "You just know."

Give yourself permission to decide, and know you've loved him all these years, You just know.
We let her cross the rainbow bridge.

When I bred and sold puppies, people contacted me up to a year before the pups were due.
For months we discussed what made a good basenji owner, and what made a good Rugosa basenji owner. If they got a spot on my 'waiting list' it was because I approved of them AND they approved of me.

What I'm trying to say is that you need to contact breeders expecting to have litter in the fall, and get on the waiting list.

(Getting on my waiting list usually involved paying a bit of the eventual cost to 'reserve' that spot. If someone later decided they did not want one of mine, the money was returned when that spot on the list was again filled by another - the money was always returned)