Skip to content
Basenji Forums
  1. Home
  2. Basenji Talk
  3. Getting a basenji, but...

Getting a basenji, but...

Basenji Talk
  • A

    I’m planning on getting a basenji. I’ve done tons of research and I think I am prepared! I have discussed it with me whole family (mom, dad, and young brother of 10) about everything and we are all willing to pitch in and make sure that he gets his exercise. The only matter is that my mom does not want him inside ALL the time. During his first year, he will be living inside and we will take him outside for potty training every hour or so. Once he gets older, he CAN still be inside when we are home, but he will be outside when we have family over or when we are out and cannot bring him a long. He will sleep inside and outside, wherever he prefers. My dad is making him a house outside for him to chill in and it will have a fan/ac so that he does not over heat in the sun. What do you guys think? Is it ok for a basenji to be outside for about 6-7 hours a day?

    0
  • KembeK

    Basenjis want to be near “their people”. We become part of their pack. My basenji watches everything I do and wants to be “part of the family”. She knows EVERYTHING that goes on in this house. You might want to reconsider getting a basenji unless you are able to fully accommodate the dog. My basenji does have access to a doggie door - but I would NEVER leave her outside alone 6-7 hours even w/ the accommodations you mention. Having a basenji is like having a 3 year old CHILD - it’s a LIFETIME COMMITMENT! And it’s our responsibility to give the Basenji the BEST possible life it deserves. The basenjis will give back to you more than you’ll ever given them.

    A 1 Reply
    7
  • eeeefarmE

    As noted, Basenjis like to be with their people. Most I have known would not be happy to be stuck outside alone for hours at a time. What can work is to have two of them.....my girls would spend hours in the dog run, especially on sunny days, and wouldn't lobby to come in as long as the weather was good. But when I only had one, the dog run was never a solution and after the "necessary" was dealt with, the dog wanted back in the house with us. I don't think your plan is likely to work out unless the Basenji you get is unusually independent. A Basenji with access to a dog door might choose to be outside, but if the choice is taken away you have a whole new ballgame!

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

    3
  • A

    @kembe Thank you so much for the feedback. I think you are right, I might just wait until I have my own place and I am able to provide him the space and company he needs!!

    KembeK 1 Reply
    6
  • tanzaT

    As noted this will not work for a Basenji. They need to be with the family... and honestly from a responsible breeder they would not place a pup with you and as a breeder I would not either. Yes that is harsh... but it is a fact... and again honestly... not dog would be happy outside like that... and as eeeefarm said, a home with a doggy door that they can come and go works...

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

    6
  • A

    @tanza I agree! It is essential and I definitely look forward to installing one if I ever get a dog in the future! Thank you!

    0
  • KembeK

    @alicia-oro
    I commend you in asking the right questions and showing the responsibility to inquire about basenjis on this forum. It shows great maturity and responsibility. When the time is right - you will have a basenji and you will be a great basenji parent.Some things in life are all about timing. - you’ll know when the time is right. Best wishes in your future ownership of a basenji.🐾🐕❤️

    3
  • A

    @kembe Thank you! I believe that having a dog, more specifically a puppy, is a great responsibility and should not be some sort of impulse decision. Although I do hope that that day is not too far!😁

    2
  • ZandeZ

    @alicia-oro I panicked when I read your first post and was about the scream NO ! but I am behind (or in front of, whichever way you look at it) US time zones, and as I read further I see others have dissuaded you from having a Basenji and keeping him in the way your mother would have it.

    Wise and kind decision. That sort of life is not for one of this exciting and challenging breed and I am delighted you will wait till you can treat one as he/she deserves.

    May that time come soon - Good luck

    Sally Wallis

    Zande Basenjis

    www.zandebasenjis.com

    https://pedigrees.zandebasenjis.com

    SKYPE zandeuk

    4
  • M

    Basenjis are smart, just put in a doggy door and he can care for himself.

    1
  • M

    on the heat of the sun???? Basenji love the heat. If you had a fireplace, it will be within inches of the hot logs.

    1

Suggested Topics

  • S

    Any advice on getting another Basenji?

    Basenji Talk
    11
    0 Votes
    11 Posts
    5k Views
    M
    I got 2 females, looks like already they get well along, but sometimes not so well. Be safe and get the opposite..
  • MayaM

    Man Gets Basenji Tattoo

    Basenji Talk
    15
    0 Votes
    15 Posts
    5k Views
    thunderbird8588T
    Irena, your Dad's tattoo looks realy good. I'm not brave enough to have a tattoo
  • 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.
  • AlexA

    Poll: Where Did You Get Your Basenji?

    Basenji Talk
    19
    0 Votes
    19 Posts
    6k Views
    youngandtiredY
    Well, it started when I was out with my 22yr. old son at the mall. He said, "Hey, Mom lets look at the dogs in the petstore ", I replied, "I don't have time besides your Dad has too many ideas what a dog has to be like for us to get one", I'll never find a dog like he wants". That was 3 yrs. ago this Jan., and I had never heard of a Basenji. I called DH about 3 times the night I found Sahara to persuade him we needed this dog, but she was very expensive so it took some work talking him into me buying her. She is owned by my son, me and my husband, she lives with my husband and I. She is the best dog I have ever owned, and I have had many through my lifetime. I would never get another dog from a pet store (didn't know about puppy mills)but I would have not known of this breed if I hadn't stopped and looked that night. My husband loves this dog so very much, he buys her whatever she wants or needs. I love her also, she is my joy and I can't stand to be from her for very long, we just got back from a trip and it was so hard missing her. My son said that she didn't eat very good while we were gone and was very destructive in the house. Guess she missed us as well!
  • K

    Thinking about getting a basenji…

    Basenji Talk
    32
    0 Votes
    32 Posts
    26k Views
    tanzaT
    @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….