Skip to content
Basenji Forums
  1. Home
  2. Basenji Talk
  3. Things I have learned from/since getting my Basenji…

Things I have learned from/since getting my Basenji…

Basenji Talk
  • MothM

    1. Everyday is an occasion for a ticker tape parade, even if you have to use paper towels and tissues to make your confetti.

    2. Basenjis are not very good at helping you make the bed. They are however, great at unmaking it.

    3. Cuddling should happen at any time even when you are busy with something else…just stop and cuddle!

    4. Running is not about a hurry to get somewhere... It's about joy!

    5. If you are adorable enough, you can get away with almost anything! :D

    Visit the Curly Tailed Brigade

    http://curly-tailed.blogspot.com/

    0
  • S

    Yea, your hooked…glad you joined this basenji lovin' cult!

    Sharron Hurlbut

    BRAT, basenji rescue

    Evergreen basenji club

    Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue

    0
  • KipawaK

    Splendid thoughts about our basenjis! You have definitely been hit by basenji disease! :)

    Fran Harder, BAB

    With Barney in my heart

    0
  • bewlerB

    Wow. I can't agree more. It frightens me to say so. But honestly, they wiggle their way in your heart and what others find horrifying, I just find amusing and cute! Am I now officially hooked on Basenjis?

    0
  • tanzaT

    @bewler:

    Wow. I can't agree more. It frightens me to say so. But honestly, they wiggle their way in your heart and what others find horrifying, I just find amusing and cute! Am I now officially hooked on Basenjis?

    You are!!!

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

    0
  • P

    You've joined the rest of us suspended from those hooks!!

    0
  • jonny b.J

    Yep. that about covers it… oh and:
    6. Its "mine".

    jonny b. and HAnsel, he's so hot right now

    0
  • KanangaK

    7. Sunlight is always more important.

    :)

    0
  • krunzerK

    8. That food MUST be for me!!

    Owned by Becca and Tucker![](images/smilies/biggrin.png "Big Grin")

    BRAT rescue

    0
  • RivermoonR

    Yep, you're hooked!
    I don't even get upset at chewed furniture anymore… I figure it will always be there to remind me of them!

    Lynn, Apache, Cheyenne, Zuni & Marlowe![](images/smilies/biggrin.png "Big Grin")

    0
  • eeeefarmE

    Basenji Wish List

    Sunshine, full belly,
    toys, treats, races with my friends
    warm bed at night, bliss

    "In order to get along with a Basenji, you have to be at least half as smart as the dog!"

    0
  • agilebasenjiA

    oooooh, that's lovely eee!

    0
  • T

    @eeeefarm:

    Basenji Wish List

    Sunshine, full belly,
    toys, treats, races with my friends
    warm bed at night, bliss

    a haiku! yay!

    0
  • KitKatK

    9- There unconditional love. :)

    0
  • 2baroos2

    Anything that falls on the floor is mine!
    If I can take it from you-it's mine!

    0
  • DebraDownSouthD

    12- Things on counter tops are there to help me keep mentally and physically fit by figuring out how to get up there and doing it.

    Debra

    0
  • DebraDownSouthD

    LOL, btw– We have not one but 2 people wanting this dog (she opens jars of stewed tomatoes, no breaking of the jar or lid) and eats them. She came out of puppymill-- bless her heart she is making up for lost time! Opens cabinets... LOL, yes we learn a lot about the world, and how insane we must appear to others to enjoy it!

    Her foster Mom says she’s breaking records for jumping up and on things such as the kitchen table and counter, without really pushing herself too hard. She’s learning not to counter surf and hop up on tables. Apparently, she has an aversion to hydrangeas–she's twice taken hydrangeas out of a vase (without upsetting the vase) while leaving other flowers alone, even if the other flowers are right next to the hydrangeas. She's responsive to training when she is caught in the act. She’s moving along with house breaking. The new forever family will have to continue to work with her on this.

    Her behavior is mostly good when someone is home, but all bets are off when no humans are around. She's a Houdini, escaping from two different crates. She can open cabinets, jars, just about anything. Tansy is a very smart girl and needs a home that is basenji experienced and will stay one step ahead of her or at least try!!! She’s doing best in her foster home by confining her and the resident basenjis to only a couple of rooms, using two stacked baby gates across the door. This is less than ideal as there are still many things for them to get into, which they completely have done.

    Debra

    0
  • MothM

    @DebraDownSouth:

    LOL, btw– We have not one but 2 people wanting this dog (she opens jars of stewed tomatoes, no breaking of the jar or lid) and eats them. She came out of puppymill-- bless her heart she is making up for lost time! Opens cabinets... LOL, yes we learn a lot about the world, and how insane we must appear to others to enjoy it!

    She sounds like little genius dog…I love dogs with smarts and opinions :D

    Visit the Curly Tailed Brigade

    http://curly-tailed.blogspot.com/

    0
  • P

    Debra - she sounds like a sister or soul mate of my Bungwa - at 7 he is still the same!

    0
  • krunzerK

    I thought hydraneas were poisonous to dogs?

    Owned by Becca and Tucker![](images/smilies/biggrin.png "Big Grin")

    BRAT rescue

    0

Suggested Topics

  • J

    Where can I get the "How To Be A Basenji" manual written in Basenji?

    Basenji Talk
    29
    4 Votes
    29 Posts
    3k Views
    RugosaR
    My Rosa wrote the "How To Be a Basenji DIVA" manuscript - as many rules there were, it was so worthy of a 'script' at the end! She, and all her offspring, had spring and fall heats, but I only bred her once in the spring. That produced one puppy, my Captain. She always ruled over her pups, except when Captain came along - she did what HE said when he was about 2 weeks old!
  • J

    Where/How To Get a Basenji Hunting Bell?

    Basenji Talk
    26
    0 Votes
    26 Posts
    5k Views
    J
    So I've not given up on this. I went back to rainshinefoundation.org.au and researched it a bit. It looks legitimate to me, and I'm really skeptical. This isn't an endorsement. They claim they are funneling the majority of donations back to the people they are providing assistance to. I could get behind this. Is a Basenji Hunting Bell worth $300 USD? In my best Texas accent, "Hell Yeah!" If they really are sinking the percentage of money they receive back into direct support as they claim on their website... it's hard NOT to get behind that. I'm still trying to verify that. Feel free to chime in. Coconut is too big. Western Buckeye is too thin. If the above is legit... I don't want to compete. I don't want to make something that mimics those from Africa. If it's legit... I'd rather support the cause and spend the $300 USD. So mine have to look different. They have to resonate sound. Which wood? CNC engraving? Laser engraving? Slots? Collar? Clasp? How do I support Basenjis? Tooling is going to cost a bit. I think I have have the bell figured out. I may also have the clappers figured out too, but I need to test all of this. The part that concerns me is the collar. Weaving, macramé, braiding, sewing... Anyway... these are thoughts in motion...
  • L

    should I get a basenji?

    Basenji Talk
    21
    0 Votes
    21 Posts
    8k Views
    elbrantE
    @lovedogs @eeeefarm said in should I get a basenji?: wait until the time is right, even if you really, really want a dog now I agree... with everyone. Sometimes you just need to accept that (no matter how much you want a dog/car/kid/house) you aren't quite ready for it. I waited 5 years before I brought my Basenji home and it was probably the most adult thing I've ever done. I was still in recovery from a spinal injury and knew that I wouldn't be able to provide (her) the exercise she would want and require. Waiting made all the difference in the world. Whan I was finally ready, the most perfect little girl was ready for me. Don't fret about it. You can read, research, consider all of your options, and really prepare yourself. (Don't look at puppy pictures online! You'll fall in love without even meeting the pup(s) and it will pull at your heartstrings.) Remind yourself that "one day you will have a Basenji", just not today.
  • L

    Questions before I get my Basenji pup!

    Basenji Talk
    80
    0 Votes
    80 Posts
    40k Views
    L
    That sounds exactly like benji…his ears stay folded back for awhile when we get home he's so excited. And he is the smartest dog I've ever been around also. He knows what alot of different words mean just by picking up on our conversations and he does quite a few tricks when he wants to as well. And he has to be with us constantly too. The breeder had named him Wyatt so you might remember his pics and I posted some also.
  • R

    Mistake getting a Basenji?

    Basenji Talk
    35
    0 Votes
    35 Posts
    13k Views
    PearlsMomP
    Hello! I wish to comment on my dog Pearl. She is Very quiet, hardly a sound. I try to encourage her to speak. She does a lot of nonverbal communication. About the child issue. Pearl came to us as a puppy. My kids (12 & 13 at the time) spent time with her, the neighbor kids played with her, and she loves kids. No problems socializing with young people. I guess the point is, your pup will love anyone who treats it well and cares for it. At 5 , I'm sure your child understands the importance of being gentle with dogs. Pearl has done her fair share of chewing. Interesting what she likes. She will be 2 in October, and is better, but she has lots of bones! I love Pearl, however, I am easy going, and enjoy taking her on walks, playing with her, and having her as a family member. Its up to you what you want from a dog. Pearl is pretty free, and thats what I like!
  • eoyE

    Considering getting a Basenji

    Basenji Talk
    4
    0 Votes
    4 Posts
    1k Views
    lvossL
    Yes, early socialization and positive experiences is the best way to go. I think the most important thing about puppy kindergarten is that it is positive based and focuses on socialization with both people and dogs. Some basenji don't necessarily do well with the small dogs and other love them. Sophie was always the best with the new pups of any size in her puppy class, she just had phenomenal dog language and would make herself as small as possible and go at their speed. What you want to be careful about is people who have already formed a preconceived notion of basenji behavior. My mom's first puppy class instructor always expected her boy to be aggressive even though he never showed any aggression and was always very appropriate in his interactions. I crate puppies next to the bed while housebreaking and it works fine. I have always used a large stuffed toy in the crate and this year used SnugglePuppies, they were wonderful. The pup snuggled right up to warmth and fell asleep, provided we did a good job of tiring him out for the night. I got my first basenji while I was in Grad school and lived in an apartment. It is doable as long as you are willing to make sure they get enough exercise and mental stimulation.