Totally OT: Anyone have/know a Basenji (dog breed)
- Thread starter Connie1
- Start date
Hi Connie:
I've heard great things about the Basenji breed. Great to train and good companionship. They don't really have a bark I've heard but just make little noises.
We got a Shetland Sheepdog (miniature Collie) about 4 years ago as a puppy and the first week we didn't know if we'd made a mistake or not. We don't plan on having any kids so she is like my child. Anyway, here are some tips that helped us:
Potty training (if you are getting a puppy) I strongly suggest crate training as a way of potty training. Dogs don't like to sleep in the same area that they potty so they won't go in their crate when they are in there. My dog never went in her crate. When they are out in the house you have to really keep an eye on them. When I would see Gracie start to squat to pee I'd yell "NO!" which would startle her and I'd take her outside - if she did go on the floor I'd put her in her crate for about an hour. I think in the month that it took her to learn to go to the door she only went on the floor 3 or 4 times.
Obedience training: Start early is all I can say. You might want to check around for local training classes. There is a TV show on Animal Planet on Saturday mornings (it might even be on Sundays too) called Good Dog U. They have great tips on training your dog.
Chewing: We didn't have much problem with Gracie chewing on things. We tried not to leave things laying around too much. Dogs usually chew on peoples shoes or clothing etc because they pick up our scent on the items and like it. We have always bought this chew thing called a Nylabone ring.
Also, for us the hardest thing to adjust to was not being able to just do whatever we want whenever. Both my husband and I work 40 hrs a week and I have to go directly home after work to let her out and let her run and feed her because she's been by herself out in the house for about 9 hours.
I hope I haven't discouraged you because I don't know what I'd do if we didn't have Gracie. She's my baby.
Sorry it was so long,
Kim
I've heard great things about the Basenji breed. Great to train and good companionship. They don't really have a bark I've heard but just make little noises.
We got a Shetland Sheepdog (miniature Collie) about 4 years ago as a puppy and the first week we didn't know if we'd made a mistake or not. We don't plan on having any kids so she is like my child. Anyway, here are some tips that helped us:
Potty training (if you are getting a puppy) I strongly suggest crate training as a way of potty training. Dogs don't like to sleep in the same area that they potty so they won't go in their crate when they are in there. My dog never went in her crate. When they are out in the house you have to really keep an eye on them. When I would see Gracie start to squat to pee I'd yell "NO!" which would startle her and I'd take her outside - if she did go on the floor I'd put her in her crate for about an hour. I think in the month that it took her to learn to go to the door she only went on the floor 3 or 4 times.
Obedience training: Start early is all I can say. You might want to check around for local training classes. There is a TV show on Animal Planet on Saturday mornings (it might even be on Sundays too) called Good Dog U. They have great tips on training your dog.
Chewing: We didn't have much problem with Gracie chewing on things. We tried not to leave things laying around too much. Dogs usually chew on peoples shoes or clothing etc because they pick up our scent on the items and like it. We have always bought this chew thing called a Nylabone ring.
Also, for us the hardest thing to adjust to was not being able to just do whatever we want whenever. Both my husband and I work 40 hrs a week and I have to go directly home after work to let her out and let her run and feed her because she's been by herself out in the house for about 9 hours.
I hope I haven't discouraged you because I don't know what I'd do if we didn't have Gracie. She's my baby.
Sorry it was so long,
Kim
candi
Cathlete
We adopted a dog that was approximately one year old. We both work also and not close enough to come home during the day and let out of the crate or take her for a walk. That is why we decided to get a dog who was a little older. Most of the puppy is out by that time. There are pros and cons to not getting a dog as a puppy, but it worked out real well for us.
We did the crate thing for a couple of months and then started weaning her. She was housebroken by the time we got her so that wasn't an issue either.
I know some people think adopting dogs is not a good idea but after looking at several websites and seeing how many homeless dogs are out there, I couldn't bear not to adopt.
My best friend took in a stray a few weeks ago, about a year old as well and is crate training her. The dog seems to have some separation anxiety issues but they are working around it. She found an animal behaviorist in our area who spent a few hours with her. Made a big difference. If you have a PetSmart or PETCO in your area, they give classes and usually have a resident animal behaviorist on their staff.
Yes, freedom does become an issue. We have two dogs. My older girl, Hillary, stays with my Mom when we go away. We bring Sophie to the Vet where they have run areas for them. And, of course I pay a little more for the extra play time option.
I love my girls. My husband and I love to watch them play. Sophie, is a crack up. We laugh at her all the time cause she's so silly. I wouldn't live without a dog anymore. The loyalty and love they give you will far outweigh the work you will have to do in the beginning.
We did the crate thing for a couple of months and then started weaning her. She was housebroken by the time we got her so that wasn't an issue either.
I know some people think adopting dogs is not a good idea but after looking at several websites and seeing how many homeless dogs are out there, I couldn't bear not to adopt.
My best friend took in a stray a few weeks ago, about a year old as well and is crate training her. The dog seems to have some separation anxiety issues but they are working around it. She found an animal behaviorist in our area who spent a few hours with her. Made a big difference. If you have a PetSmart or PETCO in your area, they give classes and usually have a resident animal behaviorist on their staff.
Yes, freedom does become an issue. We have two dogs. My older girl, Hillary, stays with my Mom when we go away. We bring Sophie to the Vet where they have run areas for them. And, of course I pay a little more for the extra play time option.
I love my girls. My husband and I love to watch them play. Sophie, is a crack up. We laugh at her all the time cause she's so silly. I wouldn't live without a dog anymore. The loyalty and love they give you will far outweigh the work you will have to do in the beginning.
The basenji is not a breed for everyone, especially the first time dog owner. Some breeds are easier to train than others-- please look at the reviews at this site from people who own or have owned the breed:
http://www.hoflin.com/BR/Basenjis
Or try this link for breed reviews in general:
http://www.hoflin.com/BR/BreedReviewsIndex
You may also want to talk to some breeders before making your decision on what breed is right for you-- there are also books available that will help you choose the dog that is right for your lifestyle. Many people make hasty decisions, but it is only right to do your due diligence and do the research so that you know what you will be getting, otherwise it could be a disaster. And most dogs live up to 10+ years, so its a wise investment. Sounds like you are already moving in the right direction by asking on this forum.
Best wishes!
http://www.hoflin.com/BR/Basenjis
Or try this link for breed reviews in general:
http://www.hoflin.com/BR/BreedReviewsIndex
You may also want to talk to some breeders before making your decision on what breed is right for you-- there are also books available that will help you choose the dog that is right for your lifestyle. Many people make hasty decisions, but it is only right to do your due diligence and do the research so that you know what you will be getting, otherwise it could be a disaster. And most dogs live up to 10+ years, so its a wise investment. Sounds like you are already moving in the right direction by asking on this forum.
Best wishes!
Just wanted to add my own (limited) experience. My brother-in-law adopted a basenji and I have to say it is the best natured dog I've ever met. (I am not normally a "dog" person, but have told him that if he ever needed a home for his dog, I would gladly take it!). I think a large part of the dog's good nature is that it is very well trained. But her disposition, especially around my 3 little kids is very sweet and gentle.
Good luck in your decision.
Tracy
Good luck in your decision.
Tracy
Connie,
I have 2 Rhodesian Ridgebacks, which are also sight hounds and I can attest that they're a training challenge. "Independent thinkers" is the breeders' term. Unlike a sporting dog or a herding dog which works closely with their human, hounds are supposed to work on their own tracking prey. A Basenji would be a true challenge for a first time dog owner.
The Basenji's are certainly low maintenance with their nice short coat. I've never seen a chubby one, so they must not have the same bottomless pit for a stomach that Ridgebacks have! Nice muscular physique too. Their yodel is cute. They're certainly not silent.
Debra
I have 2 Rhodesian Ridgebacks, which are also sight hounds and I can attest that they're a training challenge. "Independent thinkers" is the breeders' term. Unlike a sporting dog or a herding dog which works closely with their human, hounds are supposed to work on their own tracking prey. A Basenji would be a true challenge for a first time dog owner.
The Basenji's are certainly low maintenance with their nice short coat. I've never seen a chubby one, so they must not have the same bottomless pit for a stomach that Ridgebacks have! Nice muscular physique too. Their yodel is cute. They're certainly not silent.
Debra