I don't crate mine when I leave. He's been trustworthy with free reign of the home since he was maybe 7 months or so. I'm careful to puppy-proof always, as in, I can't leave food out. No food on the counters, on desks, tables, etc. The trash is in a covered bin, and there's a tall baby gate blocking off a room with my cat's litter box. Oh and we have to lift all of the window blinds - he loves to destroy those. He doesn't have separation anxiety fortunately so no howling.

The worst things he's ever done when I've left before I wised up was get into the "cat candy" and leave a huge stinky mess, eat a bag of chips or something that he stole from my desk, or got into the trash and left a mess. I used the crate to potty train, and he was solid in about 6 months while I lived in an apartment. Now I just feed him in there. Since it's his space, when he goes in on his own no one can bother him.

Oh my goodness, those puppies are precious!

Ty guys! I've tried playing videos, he listens and tilts his head but he's a stubborn one.

@eeeefarm He also gets vocal when frustrated, especially when he's held back from greeting other dogs or the gate at the dog park. I prefer he doesn't rush up to get in the faces of other dogs trying to enter the park.

@Dee-Morris It's definitely an adventure! I'd love to see pics of Keegan!

Thanks everyone for the comments! This pup gets away with a lot, as they all do I'm sure!

@Dagodingo Yeahhhh, that's the truth haha. He only gets to drive parked cars. He honked the horn a few times, oops!

@2baroos I went so far to buy him (me) a recorder and that didn't do it but maybe I just don't know how to play it haha. I'll have to invest in a harmonica because it's worth hearing the basenji howl!

Shango is my first Basenji and he's a little over 2 years old now. He's amazing and funny and super cute! He's also intelligent and stubborn and willful too. I knew choosing a Basenji would be a challenge (especially as a first time dog owner - don't hurt me please) but I was up for it because I was sold on that wrinkly face at my first google search. I did my research about the breed and everything that's supposed to deter you just made me fall in love more. I love their little quirks! Shango doesn't yodel, sadly, I've tried to encourage him but alas... I guess I shouldn't complain though. I have to add that he's definitely an absolute demon-dog.