@lvoss:
As for the dogs responding to the commands, it depends. Training a basenji requires a sense of humor.
That is SO true. I enrolled my dog in puppy playschool around 12wks, which helped lay the foundation for socializing. It was a bit rough to start, my guy needed to be pack leader of puppy playschool, but with continued exposure he simmered down. I then continued through OB 1, 2, 3, and he recently achieved his CGC. Tucker will respond to voice commands and hand signals, but it took ALOT of hard work and ALOT of humor to get to this point.
some nights I could of held an entire ham in front of Tucker and he'd STILL ignore me. other nights I barely had to ask, and he did everything perfectly. I found my guy learned quickly, but got bored even more quickly. I always had to "step it up" to keep Tucker challenged. all in all though, I really enjoyed training my dog, and still continue to practice daily.