Jason,
Welcome to Basenji Forums! I remember those sleepless nights too:rolleyes:
They can really take a toll on ya! I am glad to hear that Roo is finally starting to settle into his new home. We would love it if you would share some pictures of your new bundle of joy. We just loooovvvveee puppy pics!
With regards to food, I think everyone has a difference of opinion. I have come across people who swear by certain foods and when I tried them, my boy would not touch it. Basically…if it works than by all means....let em eat it. :o
When we had our first boy, he was thin too. He was quite a picky eater. I swear! I think we spent months trying to figure out why he did not want to eat his food. After months of trial and error, we figured out that he was allergic to what we were feeding him. :rolleyes: We went through a half dozen types of food before we finally found one that worked and of course...I will say that its "the best" but im sure someone will disagree :o
Again, welcome and were happy to have you! Can't wait too see pictures of Roo!!!!!
I started an Album on your forum. His first image should be up there. I have been shooting sports for many years for the local paper, as well as wildlife, models, and other areas of interest.
I will try to get some more images up as he grows. I shoot 8 frames per second outside, so hopefully I will get some pretty good shots.
Jason
Many ask about the sire and dam because we know of health issues that some might not have disclosed to you that could be important to the health and well being of your puppy. As well as to alert you to what testing you may want to consider.
Many ask about food because the food companies have found unique ways to disguise what is actually in their food - For example - one food changed chicken to chicken 'something' which then meant that the first ingredient was actually more water than chicken. These are things that we all watch and we offer these observations - and to new people - all at once which can be be difficult to process.
We have learned that getting information up front so decisions on what may need to be tested for can be made in a proactive manner is more useful than people contacting us to late for us to provide direction.
If we are guilty of anything here - it is that we care passionately about the breed, it's health, well being survival and each other.
I look forward to seeing picture - we all love pictures
He looks so cute in your avatar! I'm dying to see the little guy!
And yea I forgot to mention, I certainly remember the sleepless nights while crate training Dallas only 2ish months ago. They were very exhausting! Just a tip I got from here that helped: try warming up his blanket/bed that he sleeps with at night. It will help him fall asleep quicker 
Also, go out & buy a huge stuffed animal to stick in the crate with him to keep him company. I got Dallas a "crate buddy" upon suggestions from individuals on here & I swear it was the smartest thing I have ever done to improve my sleep! LOL. He's had his crate buddy now since his second week with us & sleeps on top of it every single night. Also, when I stick the crate buddy in there [we named him Ted] he knows that it's time for bed so he now goes in to his crate, lays down on Ted & sleeps soundly Hope that helps some!
NO, I was not saying that the pup was small because of feeding Euk.. I just made a comment that IMO, there were better foods…. but to each their own as many of us feed the raw diet, myself included... and on some days kibble cause it is easier to travel with. I was asking really how much the pup weighed at 8 wks (and I did make a commment that IMO, wks is a bit early to place a Basenji pup, note IMO) and why they thought he might be small.
In regards to the eye tests... the fact that "I" said "breeders" test... certainly was taken out of context... in the world of breeders (at least responsible ones) it is typically referred to as the breeders test, meaning the breeders "arrange" for the tests, like Eyes, Hips, Fanconi, Thyroid, etc... so if someone wants to try and push buttons, be my guest.. long and short, responsible breeders health test "before" breeding and "before" placing pups. And they discuss with potential owners all the testing done and what they might expect with their pup... and also why they might have bred X to Y even if one of the health tests were not the most perfect results, but that they made a decision that they (the breeder) could live with the results.. (Fanconi excluded)
Many people take exception to questions from some of us regarding health testing and the "lack" of it by BYB and pups coming from PM's. You know what... I don't care, if one person takes the fact that health testing is important "before" the litter is bred and gets a healthly, happy, well adjusted, good tempered puppy in the bargin, then it is worth it....
It is irresponsible for anyone to have bred a litter after July of 2007 without having done the Fanconi DNA test, period.. there is no excuses, no valid reasoning that would make it acceptable.
And yes, many of us have found common Basenjis in our kids pedigrees.. and not only is it fun to find them, but also that if there are any health concerns, we can share those also.
In the end, if pushing about health testing saves on person and/or one Basenji from the heartbreak of something like Fanconi or any other health problem.. then it is worth it....
Miranda and I certainly understand the importance of health testing, and we certainly do not dispute it. I think once you make your point, you have made it so its time to move on.
I assure you we certainly did not take anything out of context that you have typed. Maybe you typed your sentence incorrectly in regard to the eye tests performed, and who performed them. All I did was provide the proper information that I knew existed from my previous experience showing and raising a different breed. Its not about pushing anyones buttons, its about providing useful information properly as well as accurately.
I do not see any point in debating this issue any further.
Miranda and I are very fortunate because if needed, we are very close to the University of IL Vet School and Hospital. We know the Fanconi test will be sent off to Missouri. While I have not investigated yet, I will find out what tests can possibly be performed at the U of I.
Well, glad that you cleared up…. and glad to know that you are going to look into health testing, as it it just as important for a pet as it is for a breeder.
I have to tell you this little guy is wearing this old man out. When he is not sleeping, we are either playing, or walking. So both of us are getting plenty of exercise. I think Miranda is even running with him. He seems to have taken to a leash and collar very well so far. Whats interesting is my other Dog Bonzo wakes us up at night and in the morning the minute she hears him cry to go out.
Jason
LOL, welcome to life with a Basenji 
Prepare to be either sleeping, playing, walking, or running for the next 15 yrs or so. :p
He looks so cute in your avatar! I'm dying to see the little guy!
And yea I forgot to mention, I certainly remember the sleepless nights while crate training Dallas only 2ish months ago. They were very exhausting! Just a tip I got from here that helped: try warming up his blanket/bed that he sleeps with at night. It will help him fall asleep quicker
Hi Nina, We purchased Roo a crate buddy the night we picked him up. We put a towel in his crate and make sure we check it often. Actually Roo's crate buddy is an Ostrich with Rope legs and big eyes. Roo seems to like to pack with it quite well. I also purchased an extra crate toy that is a long grey Rabbit he seems to like as well. We did this just in case we need to wash his Ostrich. We had a rope toy he seems to like, and we bought one of the hard rubber chew toys to help him with his teeth and gums.
We have not named his crate buddies yet but it sounds like a very good idea. I went to pet smart and found a pad that is machine washable and seems to hold heat quite well. Since we are in the midwest, the temps just started warming up. It was in the 30's at night when we first got him so I purchased a small sweater to keep him warm. He seems to sleep in that just fine.
Miranda and I take him with us in the crate if both of us have to go anywhere. He has adapted quickly to riding in the car. I occasionally put Bonzo in the same room so she can play with the puppy and continue to teach it manners. Of course I have the pee problem during play time, but from what I am reading this will go away with age.
Jason
I started an Album on your forum. His first image should be up there. I have been shooting sports for many years for the local paper, as well as wildlife, models, and other areas of interest.
I will try to get some more images up as he grows. I shoot 8 frames per second outside, so hopefully I will get some pretty good shots.
Jason
I tried to go see your boy's photo in the member gallery, but all I got was an empty album – I looked in the member gallery under comicdon -- am I looking in the wrong place. {It's entirely possible that I am completely missing the obvious -- that's sort of a gift I have :rolleyes: }
I tried to go see your boy's photo in the member gallery, but all I got was an empty album – I looked in the member gallery under comicdon -- am I looking in the wrong place. {It's entirely possible that I am completely missing the obvious -- that's sort of a gift I have :rolleyes: }
Try this link, it was probably a my mistake when I originally set up the album.
http://www.basenjiforums.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2155
Yesterday I got one of the ramps out that I use to load my riding lawn mower in to my trailer when I need to take it for service. Roo adapted to it right away and now he likes to walk up and down and play on it.
I will build him a makeshift teter taughter next and see how that goes. After yesterday we can see that his name is appropriate. He jumps around like a baby kangaroo. Of course he is named after the baby Kangaroo in the Winnie the Pooh Series. We found a package of 5 superballs for a $1 yesterday, and he seems to love chasing those. Actually yesterday night, he slept for 6 hours for the first time since we had him.
When he work me up this morning, I opened his crate, and he shot right out. I put his food bowl down, and he ate more aggressively than I had seen him do since we brought him home. After he emptied the bowl, I took him out for a bit, and then back in and we played a little. Then I took him back out, and for a long walk up and down my street. When he came back in, it was the first time I ever saw him run into his Kennel while a person was in the room, and lay down and go to sleep. He is also learning to sit as I put on his leash, make him wait to come in the front door, and then take off his leash when we get to his kennel area. So far in my opinion, he is showing great intelligence, playfulness, and a willingness to please us.
Jason
Instead of a teeter or in addition to, you may want to build a wobble board. These are great for teaching pups to get used to surfaces that move and they can move in any direction and the board moves. I used this with my last litter and they loved it and my girl Sophie has been absolutely fearless about all the agility equipment.
Instead of a teeter or in addition to, you may want to build a wobble board. These are great for teaching pups to get used to surfaces that move and they can move in any direction and the board moves. I used this with my last litter and they loved it and my girl Sophie has been absolutely fearless about all the agility equipment.
Great suggestion and wonderful Idea. Its probably a better choice than I would have made for him. Also thanks for the link on how to build one.
Jason
