I am new to Virginia, but not B's. My 11 yr old girl is the love of my life. In training I used lots of tools trying to out smart her. The funniest one was the singing bass. She would go potty in my all white dining room. No matter how I tried I couldn't stop her. I was a stay at home Mom too. I finally set up a singing bass on the floor. I set it on motion detection. When she would go there it would start singing a startle her….She could not figure it out. She quit doing it immediatly and also alerted me...I still laugh to this good day! I also put her leash on my belt for at least 30 minutes a day. She would go where I went. So now no matter where I go in the house, there she is. Each month I was fortunate to go to new Basenji puppy parties. There she could run with about 20+ B puppy's. Even a small dog park would have worked. I took her everywhere with me. I took food from her. So she would know I was the pack leader. I ate first. I would move her when sleeping and gently put her back. I just can't say enough about pack rules. I know other dog owners thought I was nuts. 11 years later I still am having to remind her daily who the real boss is. She is very well behaved and NEVER off her leash. I learned early on, no matter what. She will take off like a rocket if something gets her attention. One time it was a blowing leaf. That inclination will always be a part of the breed. I recommend crate training. I didn't let her sleep with me for quite some time. I learned that short consistant commands are clearer. A shaker can made of aluminum with pennies in it was better than my voice. They will use a short sided box with cedar shavings in it instead of the inside floor. when little. Mine loves raw veggies in the afternoon, Once older. I have used dry food for a long time. She rolls over, shakes, down stay, stand, off, in your chair (for car rides). All for the love of a treat. She enjoyed lure coursing. She enjoyed being shown. She loves my best friends yorkies but no other small dogs. You'll have so much fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What great companions they make......Yea! and Good Luck from one who is still trying to outsmart her!
Greetings from California
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Hello fellow basenji lovers!
My name is Lauren, and I must say that I am thrilled to have found this forum. This seems like such a wonderful community from what posts I have read.
I have been absolutely in love with these dogs for as long as I can remember.
Unfortunately, I?m sorry to say that I may be the only member that does not own (and has never owned) a basenji!
I am hoping to change that within a few years and adopt a dog(or dogs) of my own, but for now I will enjoy reading the stories and comments of others on the forum. -
Welcome and please join us and read all you want that away when your ready for your B you will really be ready. They are great dog's but I have to say they have there own way about them.
Rita Jean
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hi Lauren - big welcomes to you!
Good for you for wanting to do 'the work' (look for good breeders, read up on the breed) BEFORE you get a basenji. I was on this forum for a year reading posts and asking questions before we finally got Kipawa from a wonderful breeder.
I might also suggest that you attend some dog shows you can get to, to meet the breeders and see their basenjis. Remember, most basenjis also have one litter a year, with puppies most often ready to go to their new homes in the spring.
When the time comes for you to get your b, you might also want to consider BRAT - Basenji Rescue and Transport. Here is the link: http://www.basenjirescue.org/
Looking forward to your comments and questions.
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Glad you found us. There are a lot of us who are "related" by dogs here.
We look forward to helping with your search. -
Welcome to the forum Lauren. I fell in love with this breed, researched and waited a year before the arrival of my dearest Scarlett. I hope you learn alot on this forum and find the Basenji of your dreams…they make every day a joy!
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Welocme to the forum LAuren.. COngratualtions, you are very lucky because you get to learn a lot about basenjis, specially who to NOT get them from when you do decide to get one, and everything you need to look out for. It can mean the difference between a really great experience, and a bad one. Most of us, came in to the forum after we got our puppies, and learned a lot about how to better care for our beloved puppies but also lots of things we probably should have done different to begin with. So good for you. Here you will find the best advice on basenjis and great friends!
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Welcome Lauren! Whereabouts are you in California?
If you're anywhere near the Bay Area, there's a monthly basenji meetup I can point you towards.
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To Everyone: Thank you so much for the welcome!!!
@Rita:
Welcome and please join us and read all you want that away when your ready for your B you will really be ready. They are great dog's but I have to say they have there own way about them.
Rita Jean
Thanks, Rita! They certainly do have their own way, it?s part of their charm.
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Kipawa,Yes, I?ve always been adamant about doing the research before getting any pet. I volunteer at my local SPCA, where I have encountered too many cases of a mismatch between owner and pet. I think I?ve come to the right place, so I am very happy to be a part of this forum.
Visiting a dog show is definitely on my to-do list! I have been to a show once, but never saw a basenji.
BRAT is wonderful–it?s actually the first place I came to in my research. When the time comes, I would really love to adopt a rescue.
curlytails,
A monthly basenji meetup sounds great!
I currently live around Monterey(which we call the Bay Area), but if you meant the SF area, I may be transferring to a college there.~Lauren
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Yes, I do mean the SF Bay Area. Specifically the East Bay, for the meetups.
If you do find yourself in the area and would like a chance to meet a bunch of Basenjis to get a feel for their different ranges in personalities, there's a group that convenes at Pt. Isabel in Richmond about once a month.
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Welcome to the forum and I'm oreety sure you're not the only one without a Basenji yet. It's a very good idea to join the forum before getting your B - there is plebty of advice here.
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Welcome to the forum. It's great to browse around and you can pick up many helpful suggestions, and lots of advice - some of which you may or may not want to "hear." As a friend of mine has said, basenjis are beautiful, great dogs to have and love, but they are often off in a world of their own.:p
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Welcome to the forum! I hope you learn alot here! I know I sure did
I joined also with no B companion and a Basenji mix happened to come into my life recently. He isn't officially mine yet (we have some things to work out) and i'm still posting up signs for his owners who were unfortunate to loose him. But we'll see how it plays out. Never feel left out because you dont have a Basenji one will find you someway somehow Just act like a sponge for now and learn about the habits and health concerns. You can also read BRATs information its a great referance -
hey, you could get your feet wet by volunteering to foster or transport Basenjis! Go to BRAT web site and sign up. ALSO, go to dog shows and meet some basenjis. We have california breeders and owners here so you can get some hands on!
http://basenjirescue.org/volunteer.asp
