We've had several Basenji puppies over the years and I will say that having a two at a time has made all the difference. Dogs are pack animals and get mental stimulation, exercise, and companionship from a second dog. Even if the dog isn't a Basenji, your present dog will get much enjoyment from a companion and take less of its boredom and anxiety out on your belongings.
(We have 3 Bs at the moment: one 14 year old female and two 1 year old brothers.)
MY wife and I live in Owings Mills and have 2 Basenjis. When people see the two of them together, they realize that it must be a specific breed but 9 times out of 10, they've never heard of Basenjis. I have yet to see any other Bs in our trips around the Baltimore area. We certainly have one of the rarer breeds!
Brian
My wife and I lived in Las Vegas (and Henderson) for 10 years before moving back east. Our B absolutely loved living in NV. Little rain, lots of sunshine, and warm, warm ,warm. She moved there when she was just over 1 year old and is now 13 and 1/2 so she spent most of her life in NV. Good luck with your new baby Basenji. Like someone else said, be patient and you will end up with a terrific little friend. Puppies of other breeds can try your patience and Basenji puppies are like that on steroids. Once it gets past the puppy stage, you are in the clear (to a certain degree-Basenjis are different dog experience than you would get with a Lab, Shepard, retriever, etc.) Our girl matured into a wonderful companion. We also adopted a rescue Basenji from BRAT about a year and half ago and he is a terrific little guy.
Good luck and enjoy the dry heat (I miss that about NV)
Brian
My wife and adopted a 7 year old guy from BRAT this past December and he does the same thing. He's a retired puppy mill stud that never learned how to climb stairs until he was "freed." If he gets a running start, he can leap a step or two, but if he walks up to steps, he goes up backwards, just like in the video. He also has a phobia with certain door thresholds. But don't worry. He's a super fun little guy who just has a few little quirks. He can outrun his 12 year old B-sister in the yard, but she always beats him up the stairs.