Call your veterinarian and ask if it's okay if you go there once every other day or so, and just sit in the waiting room. Bring a treat you know he loves. Sit in the waiting room until he calms down and take the treat(s), then leave ONLY when he's calm and relaxed. Don't leave when he's anxious. If the veterinarian and the people who work there are okay with it, make them come and give him treats, praise, then leave. He should soon come to feel like this is a place where he gets treats and attention. At home, work with him on getting his teeth checked, his ears and the rest of his body. Once he's comfortable with this, put him on a table and continue the work there. The floor and a table can make all the difference in whether a dog is comfortable or not. Good luck!
Bringing a 2nd B into the family
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I know most of you have more then one basenji. While I've made the decision I do want to bring a sister into the family for Sonny. I had decided to try and find a young female (between 1-3). I want to think a little futher about this choice verses getting a puppy. In terms of bringing a 2nd basenji into the family I want to do what will be best for Sonny. Are the chances stronger that Sonny will be more excepting of a puppy rather than an older female b?
Any thoughts would be appreciated!
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I don't know, but I would like to know others' thoughts on the subject as well. I also plan to get another b in the near future. I'm torn between a puppy, a rescue, and a "golden opportunity" if there is one available in my (relative) area.
Good luck sonnyboy! -
I added an adult female to the family and Tillo responded very well to her. I think Tillo will have a harder time with a puppy, because he doesn't like the way puppies play (with puppy teeth :D). He also needed time to appreciate Lycia's company, but after letting her know that everything is his (;)) she was more then welcome
Now they are best buddies, like they have never been without eachother. -
Really, the dogs pick their companions. Please, don't fall in love with a girl, and then bring it home to your boy…Take the boy with you, and let them see if they like each other.
Nothing else matters, IMO. -
I think, first and foremost, it depends on what kind of time and energy you have to commit, and then second, what Sonny gets along with. If you find a good breeder or go with a good rescue (BRAT), they will also be able to spend time with you asking you about your lifestyle and Sonny's and help you make a more informed decision about what would work best.
When I started to THINK about adding a second dog to our household, I had a long list of requirements, the first being "No puppies" because I did not have the time and energy to devote to raising a puppy from scratch.
I made a list of requirements (partial list, not in any particular order: adult, but young adult with an energy level to match Lola's, crate trained, from a reputable breeder with health testing and socialization, great temperament, gets along with Lola, won't kill the cat, etc) and a list of preferences that weren't a deal breaker (again, partial, not in any order: show quality because I wanted to learn conformation, female, brindle, on the petite side of standard).
I have read and been told over and over that when getting two basenjis, it is often easiest to get a male/female pair or a male/male pair because bitches can be, well, bitches. When I realized there was a local breeder with two year old girls available from the previous year's litter, I called her up, asked to come meet her, and brought Lola with me. I wasn't kind of hoping, but not expecting, for her to get along with one of the female's
As it turned out, the girl I liked better also happened to be the girl Lola got along with better. Although I was not prepared or expecting to bring home another basenji that day, Callie had other plans. She "chose" me. So although I went into it with my own requirements and preferences, ultimately, I let Lola meet her and the two of them made the decision. Also, because Callie is from a reputable, responsible breeder, she came home with me with the understanding that it was a 'trial' period, and if she didn't work out she would go back to the breeder.
Of course, here we are a year later. I guess its worked. So make a list of what you require & want & then let Sonny and the new dog (whatever gender, color, age, size, etc it may be) decide. They make the decision a bit easier than you'd think. -
Thank you for your insight Carrie & Sharron. My most important requirement after health is that Sonny get along with her/him. I was thinking a female would be the easiest transition its not that I had my heart set on a female. If Sonny decided he rather have a brother I'd be thrilled! I guess I need to let him be the guide.
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If possible have Sonny meet the potential roommate on neutral ground, a walk together in a park or a small dog park. They may not be "love at first sight" but if they don't hate each other, and play a little, they will probably be OK. A pair of neutered boys can be best buddies, male/female pairs sometimes bond very closely and sometimes not so much, keep an open mind for a good personality match and you will love what you get, and so will Sonny! Good luck! Nothing like getting your dog a dog! Nicky is Topper's dog, and Eddie is hers.
