Oddly, (after establishing that they don't go back in until they do their stuff) I never have a problem. On a sunny day it can be five minutes outside sniffing before anything happens. However in the rain, it's out do whatever quickly and then boom back in again.

@dres_actually I agree with the other posts, absolute max should be monthly baths, I bath mine twice a year on average...(excluding skunk problems!). There are also various skin conditioners you can purchase but I suspect they will not be as good as reducing the baths.

If you have allergy’s or some other reason for needing bathe the dog, try some of the conditioning wipes you can purchase.

Also, we run a humidifier in the winter, otherwise everyone dries out and starts to get electrocuted from the static. So might be worth a try.

You sound like you may be up to the job, he sounds fearful which may well be because of his prior experiences. A thunder shirt might help and is at least worth trying.

Exercise will help but obviously sounds like you will need to limit and be careful with it. A short leash and let him know that you lead and are in control.

“It breaks my heart to see him suddenly look so terrified”

Don’t let it, he will feed off your emotion. If you anticipate something it will likely happen and you will have a feedback loop. I know it’s very easy to say this and much harder to achieve it.

The treats will work but not when he is in a high state of anxiety or excitement. When they are like that the #1 thing that helps is distraction.

The longer you have him, the more he will look to you for leadership and trust you. It’s likely to take a while.

@i-babygirl-i Frankly, I have never met a Basenji I didn’t like and I have never seen a picture of a Basenji that I didn’t like lol. They all look so awesome that you just have to admire them. Many good years ahead so enjoy.

“Yes, we are very privileged to have Basenjis in our lives.” should read “Yes, we are very privileged to be Basenji servants” lol.

“especially as a first time dog owner - don't hurt me please” Wow, you really know how to jump in at the deep end lol.

Awesome looking guy, but you shouldn’t let him drive or he will be off over the fields chasing a squirrel lol.

@basenjicurious

Intelligence, if you like intelligence they will not disappoint you.

Loyalty and bonding, they bond very closely to their owners once they get to know and trust them. You have to earn their trust and loyalty, but when you do it is worth that much more because it didn’t come easily.

Humor, they make you laugh if you have the “right” sense of humor. Some might not find it funny but others find them hilarious.

Grace and speed, they are very regal dogs who love to be admired for their majesty. They are really beautiful looking dogs.

If you have a strong but slightly dry /quirky sense of humor, if you enjoy a challenge, if you are intelligent and enjoy puzzles, then you may love the breed.

Many who want a dog look for loyalty and obedience, so they are disappointed when they get a basenji. They are like an odd tasting food, some will love the taste and rave about it, others will say that’s the most disgusting thing they have ever tasted lol.

@johnnyr56 8 hours is a long time to leave a basenji. Although they are independent, they demand attention too. #1 thing for basenjis is to be with the family.

If you walk the dog for a couple of miles before the crate and a couple of miles when you get home, then maybe it might work.

Sounds like you would be far better off with a different dog though. If you give a basenji enough walks and mental stimulation, they are good. If not they can become one dog wrecking teams, including eating through walls, doors and even metal crates. They also tend to make a lot of noise in the crates.

My advice for your situation is go with a different dog, basenjis are challenging and would probably fit better with your lifestyle later in life.

@hazyj “ likes pets and cuddles but only on occasion, so somewhat independent”

Yes they are, but what they lose in “clingyness” They make up for with demanding and needing supervision. Plus they bond with their owners very tightly, they expect to be included in everything you do and plan...until they are sure it’s not something they need to be involved in. They are naturally inquisitive. Other dogs are less intensive.

“-can get along with family cat”

Most can if they are used to cats, they will still chase if the cat runs though in my experience.

“-tolerate of children Ages 6yrs +”

If the children are respectful and fairly well educated about dogs yes.

“-enjoys going places with family like trips to the beach (on leash), hikes (on leash), camping (on leash) haha”

They are very inquisitive and explore happily.

“-somewhat independent. Doesn’t mind being home alone 6ish hrs while at work“

Some are ok and others are not, if you get a pair they seem to do better in my experience. They can be highly destructive if left alone when younger, think walls and doors chewed through, my first even chewed out of his metal dog crate. They are highly determined and can be stubborn.

“-medium exercise need. Okay with walks daily. Somewhere between a greyhound (lazy coach dog) and boarder collie (crazy go go go). Doesn’t mind longer hikes on occasion but doesn’t NEED it every day.“

They need exercise, especially when young. If you live in a colder climate they can substitute walks for play, interactive activities etc for short periods. They are very demanding, especially for the first 7-10 years, after that they slow down.

Mine need 3-5 miles a day to keep them content and happy, usually over 3-5 walks. I rotate through a dozen or so parks so they get variation. Here in the U.S. many dogs are spoiled with food, treats and love yet neglected when it comes to walks. Both mentally and physically they need walks to fulfill them and keep them healthy and happy.

I find most problems like this are avoided if you tell visitors to ignore the dogs completely. I have had an assertive dog and a fearful aggressive dog. With both the answer was to ignore them and not try to pet them at all. Usually the dogs will become curious sooner or later and then they can pet them.

@petethepig95

Dog parks can be fun but also can be very bad places as you have found out.

Long walks, jogs or hikes (on a leash) are just as much fun but a lot safer. I have never taken any of my dogs (three basenjis over 20 years) to a dog park. They walk around 3-5 miles a day every day except when the weather doesn't permit and they have all been very happy.

One thing that might help is to buy / build ramps. My vet told me that going up and down stairs, along with jumping on and off furniture is not good for an older dog. So whatever you can do to minimize that should help.

I have seen this before with all my dogs, both puppy and adult. My current B will occasionally jump down off the chair and Yelp for no apparent reason. Maybe a muscle pain or something but it's never caused any problems.

Having said that, it doesn't happen that often and your pup is young so I would grab a vet check just in case.

Oddly, (after establishing that they don't go back in until they do their stuff) I never have a problem. On a sunny day it can be five minutes outside sniffing before anything happens. However in the rain, it's out do whatever quickly and then boom back in again.

@margiem

"In fact, she had gotten so close to the action that he has peed on her head."

Hmm...my girl also did this, several times....sounds like you may have her reincarnated lol.

I have had two males, both very easy to train, no problems. My female was difficult and even after being almost 100% trained she would still occasionally poop in the house. It was 18 months before she stopped and after that she was fine. Never had another problem, so be patient, consistent and I am sure you will be fine. Basenjis are notoriously clean by nature.

@roguecoyote I take mine (from about 8 months) on half hour walks 3-4 times a day in the summer. If it's hot I take bottled water and a bowl for a water break. By observing the dog you can get a good indication. They start by being super curious and energetic, while wanting to trot along fast. Then after a mile or two they will be much more laid back and walk more at my pace. A good tell is if they come back, sprawl out and take a nap.

Walking is so important to dogs, both physically and mentally.

@giira2121 Mine are muzzled at the vets, unless I am holding them and comfortable that I can control them. My two males have been fine with that. My female needed to be muzzled as she was fearful and hated the vets.

There are really two separate issues.

1. I don't look for a vet based on how the dog reacts, I choose one that is knowledgeable and competent. Vets simply don't have the time to put the dog at ease and all my Basenjis did not want to be poked by needles and examined.

2. It is safer for everyone if the dog is muzzled for the short period of time at the vets. It is the same as the crate argument, the crate is a safe environment for the dog. Any dog that shows any aggression should be muzzled at the vet, it protects the staff and also the other dogs.

@griffinsmom

The best advice I can give is based on this. "However, he’s still eating normally and seems content."
I have had two pass and when they are no longer eating and they are no longer content.

It's never easy, but you have to live with the decision and the hole they leave behind in your life.

@beth314 Two solved the separation problems with mine. Male and Female have worked well for me personally.

I always split ages to six or so years apart because the downside is the medical bills and care they need when they get older. One dog is hard, two would be double.