Skip to content

Thinking about getting a basenji…

Basenji Talk
  • @Quercus:

    Sometimes a mom with a lot of kids runs a much more structured home, and has more time for and is more prepared for a puppy than a single person, or childless couple. So I think you have to look at each situation individually.

    I completely agree with Andrea on this one. I have placed two girls (first one at 5 months old and the other 2 years later, at 10 weeks old) with a family that had 11 children. They now have 12 children and I have NEVER seen a more structured household… She has leash-trained these girls better than the majority of puppy owners I've had or seen in the past.

    I certainly would NOT discourage someone with children getting a basenji. That is absolutely hogwash. My three brothers and I were raised with Basenjis... many of them. The basenji temperament is also MUCH better today than it was in the 70s and earlier.

  • I've had mothers with 4 little children (ages 3 to 7 or so) tell me that >>they're looking for a family dog and I've pretty much discouraged them as >>to not getting a basenji. I don't know how a mom of 4 small kids could >>possibly give a basenji (or any dog) the attention they need.

    Wow. That statement blows me away. And is bordering on being offensive.

    My house has been full of kids and dogs for 20 years and it works out beautifully. The kids get all the attention they could possibly want; the dogs get the attention and training they want and need.

    I've brought dogs into our home when we've had just one baby {adult Doberman}, two kids under the age of three corgi mix puppy}, three kids under the age of four {adult corgi mix} and four kids {ages 1, 3,5, and 7} - that's our Gypsy. And let me tell you, bringing HER into the home and making her into a family pet/house dog was WAY more challenging than bringing a Basenji in! Good Lord, she was big, wild and completely untrained.
    Jazzy came to live here when we had all six kids at home, but they were older {ages 6,8,12,14,15,17}, Keoki moved in this year when we had five kids at home {8,10,14,16,17}. And life for kids and dogs is pretty darned good.

    Granted, my kids are older now than the example in the quote above, but I can tell you without a doubt or a moment's hesitation, bringing a Basenji into the home at any stage of child-rearing would not have been a problem.

    I would hope that no breeder would refuse or even discourage a potential owner simply on the basis that they have young children at home.

  • I know that there are breeders that create lists of "I will never adopt to …" or lists of "I will only adopt to ..." and often times these breeders will turn away good homes because they do not fit the list. I try to look at each home on a case by case basis. I have placed dogs into homes that fit on many of the "I will never adopt to..." lists that I have seen. These are all great homes but had young children active in extracurricular activities, wanted a second male basenji, owner is in college, first time owner and lives in the city, and no yard. One thing doesn't really describe a household. It really takes good screening to get the whole picture. The family with children has a great schedule because they have had to in order to keep up with their children's activities, the puppy fit right into their schedule and gets lots of attention and even has her own activity schedule.

  • Exactly Lisa, each person/home should be evaluted on their own merits, not just "lumped" into a big pot….. screening is the key

  • <_>

    Some do…and some BRAT screeners also do. At least, from what I have been told..._

  • @Quercus:

    <_>

    Some do…and some BRAT screeners also do. At least, from what I have been told..._

    _
    I know that for pretty much a fact from some BRAT screeners_

  • @Quercus:

    <_>

    Some do…and some BRAT screeners also do. At least, from what I have been told..._

    _
    With BRAT it is not just discourage but flat out refuse on the basis of things like young children, no fenced yard, etc. They have very little flexibility when it comes to their criteria._

  • I have to agree. We have contacted BRAT for fostering and after a month of waiting I haven't gotten so much as a response. I have noticed to that on the website they say that if the dog has not been exposed to children they won't even be considered. I think that is crazy. It is discouraging for people looking.

  • Well, it's a good thing we went straight to a breeder! I'd considered BRAT, but decided to get a puppy instead. Good thing, because with six kids at home and lots of other kids in and out, we'd have never gotten a dog!

  • @JazzysMom:

    Well, it's a good thing we went straight to a breeder! I'd considered BRAT, but decided to get a puppy instead. Good thing, because with six kids at home and lots of other kids in and out, we'd have never gotten a dog!

    Sad isn't it….

Suggested Topics

  • 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.
  • 0 Votes
    7 Posts
    4k Views
    J
    Thanks everyone for your help!
  • How do I get my basenji to talk???

    Basenji Talk
    24
    0 Votes
    24 Posts
    15k Views
    E
    My boy yodels when I say "I loooooovveee yooooooouuuuuuu" :D
  • I think I have a Basenji!

    Basenji Talk
    27
    0 Votes
    27 Posts
    10k Views
    J
    Thanks for all your help! As I mentioned previously, it was the trainer that said there may be some basenji in this dog. We had never heard of basenjis, so it's been interesting to learn more about them, whether or not she has any in her. Thanks again for your input!
  • 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!
  • 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.