How smart is a Basenji and how worried do I need to be?

[wizard]

Hide the power tools – LOL

I have used the caribiner on my kennels - they're quick to get off (by humans) in an emergency.
If the outside door is not securely shut, mine know how to paw open the door to get in the house (I had self-closing hinges installed so at least the door would close behind them and not let in bugs) and they can move the screen sideways on the patio door as well. AND they have learned how to operate the zipper on their soft kennels (used in class) from inside the kennel!

[wizard]

P.S. - yes be worried (but be proud too).

[Tp3]

It's much better to have a smart dog then one on the dumb side. I believe Basenjis do want to learn new things & they do picks things up fast, but the fact that they are smart means you must keep a mind of a Basenji stimulated.
Good luck

[Lysh]

Hope does the door knob thing. i would be in big trouble if i had levers in my house lol and if i ever got to build a house, as much as i love levers i wouldnt be getting them!

we recently moved into a new house that has sliding doors - well they worked that out too (screen and glass sliding door that is…. lol this is mainly Hopes specialty)... Ebony worked out how to open the sliding doors to the cupboard (big sigh, as we thought she wouldnt work that one out as it sits so flush) but nope, shes just too clever and realises theres OUR hidden stuff behind there - the mirror doesnt even distract her!

they are smart cookies. they even know where 'nan & pas' place is (2 doors down but the properties are spacious as we are on quarter acres etc) and they go flying over when we let them. They are smart and remember things. Teach them things all the time

[vickayx]

They are smart but there are moments that make me think…. what the heck! We play chase the stuffed bear and if I hide it under my shirt directly** in front of her, she will run around and continue to look for it as if she did not see where I hid it. Also she was running away from a dried leaf in the yard today, the wind was blowing it twords her and she was freakkkking out running away like it was going to kill her, made me chuckle though. Dolce can be very dramatic and prissy hahha but I love her so much for it because I didn't know dogs could be like that and its just so entertaining.

[Chealsie508]

I get what you mean, Oakley is the most ingenious dog I've ever met, he will watch me "once" works latches, door, locks and food container top that spins shut and can then mimic me…it's scary! My best friend thinks I'm exaggerating when I tell her I won't collapse his crate ( to wash it) with him in the room because I did it once before with his old crate and from then on he collapsed his crate while in it to get out when I was at work...but then we play fetch and if he doesn't see where I threw it he won't go investigate...he just stands there staring- I'm like really? ..you can get into the fridge but this stumps you?!?!!

[eeeefarm]

Depending on the day, they can be incredibly smart or surprisingly stupid about things. My guy amazes me both ways from time to time.

[sac]

I apologize in advance for how long this is, but it is a true story.

I had a a BRAT rescued boy who lied deliberately. He was a nervous, extremely picky eater and to get him to eat dinner (usually a high quality dry with half a can of moist mixed in) we would bribe him with ice cream.

Every day went like this: We'd put down his food, and he'd refuse it. We'd point at it and say 'Dinner!' and he'd shake his entire front half 'No!' - We'd say 'First dinner, Then TREAT' - you know how they understand phrases, this boy really got 'first X then Y' - so he'd reluctantly turn and enter the kitchen.

From the next room, we'd hear kibble moving around in the bowl and he'd come bouncing back in. We'd say 'Show me' and he'd turn around and run into the kitchen with us following him. The bowl would be mostly empty and we'd tell him how wonderful he was and reward him with a tablespoonful of vanilla ice cream.
You know how ritualistic basenjis are, this went on for a while. Then one day, when I was cleaning the kitchen floor, I moved the heavy wooden kitchen Island away from the bar it backed up to. Behind it were piles of rotting dog kibble.

I kid you not - Florian had scooped the detested dog food out of his bowl, and hid it. Then deliberately come get us to reward him. I have to admit, I was and still am really proud of him for out-smarting me.

[vickayx]

Wow that's amazing.. how do they think of things like that… just amazing hahah!

[Lysh]

J@sac:

and he'd come bouncing back in.

I think he was feeling rather pleased with himself for tricking you lol what a cheeky devil.