Susan from Texas

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  • M

    Seeking a new family member from Texas

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    J
    @msjames, @tanza did you a solid favor outlining expectations. Networking really is key to finding a "reputable" breeder. Most show their dogs and are connected to other breeders through showing. They all seem to know who is planning a litter and who isn't. I completely agree with Pat that you should meet your breeder in person prior to the puppies even being born. You can learn a lot. Is a Basenji right for you? If you want a dog to hang with you in the driveway with the garage door open as you chat with neighbors, or stand calmly with the front door open as you receive a UPS package... ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! Basenjis will bolt. they'll be gone in a second. They see it. They chase it. And if you think you have them trained... no. They've trained you. When they see it they will chase it. Basenjis, in my experience, need exercise. Mine get two walks a day. When they don't, they can be destructive. They're not shy about expressing frustration or displeasure through chewing up your best stuff. A big secure yard can mitigate this, but that's not a guarantee. They love seeing outside, so keep your blinds and drapes open otherwise they may open them themselves even if that requires chewing through them. They will climb onto windowsills, tables and low counter tops. They are capable of scaling a six-foot fence. They are known to climb trees. These are extreme examples, but better to know now. They are super affectionate. They can be trained... to a point. They are clowns and provide endless entertainment. A Basenji baroo is the best sound ever! They love to snuggle and will sleep on your bed and under the spreads and sheets if you let them. They love to share body heat. Tail twitches when I return home are the best!
  • R

    A Texas hello

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    snorky998S
    Welcome to the forums. Sounds like the pecking order is being worked out. Sometimes those little snark fight sound MUCH worse than they actually are. Whoever can open their mouths widest, show the most teeth and vocalize the loudest with the most variety wins!! It's been quite a while since I had a major snark, but it certainly sounded like they were killing each other, but nary a mark or spot of blood on either one!!
  • S

    Hello from Texas!

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    BasenjiByTheBayB
    Awww, what a pretty girl. I just replied to your other post - good thing she's so darling, eh?:rolleyes:
  • S

    Puppyless in Texas

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    bellabasenjiB
    One good thing about BRAT is that these dogs are evaluated during their time with the foster parents. If you look on the website you will get a pretty good idea of each of the dog's personalities. They tell you if they are good with children, cats, other dogs. They tell you if they are hyper or laid-back and any special qualities or traits. They will even tell you what kind of home may be best suited to the dog. You are given as much history as is available about them, including any health conditions.
  • K

    Howdy from West Texas, USA

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    K
    So much going on, I've missed the forum. KD. and I have been taking classes together. Starting with puppy classes, KD has done well. Two weeks ago, we were walking home from class and suddenly confronted by a pitbull. I tried to pick up KD to protect her, but she wheeled around to face the charging dog and calmly sat down. I yelled "sit" at the pitbull, and "down" and every thing else I could think of, then I noticed KD's ears were trained backward. There were two pitbulls, one had circled through the field and was coming up behind us, while the first growled and barked at us to keep attention on him. Finally, as both dogs are circling us, the owner came out and yelled repeatedly to get them back in his pickup. He drove off immediately. These were 70 to 80 pound dogs to KD's 24 pounds. I called my trainer, Ed Nicks, a retired police K9 handler/trainer. He was amazed. KD and I both could have been shredded. The pitbulls were looking for a fight and KD simply sat down and ignored them. My older service dog, in spite of her training would have turned around ready to fight– and we both would have been mauled if not killed. I'm so thankful for KD's behavior, I don't know why she chose to sit quietly, but she stopped the attack. If the owner had not come out, I don't know what would have happened. The dogs might have attacked us anyway, but KD bought us critical time. Has anyone any ideas on how to deal with attacking dogs? Sarg. Nicks suggests a cattle prod/walking stick.
  • L

    Howdy from Texas

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    wizardW
    Welcome to the forum and looking forward to pictures when you get a chance. You'll find lots of fun items and great tips to help with coping with your beasties.