Trainability

Being a very intelligent dog, the Basenji is also well known for their stubbornness when it comes to training. They are not an ‘eager to please breed’ and his ability to completely think for himself brings out much frustration when it comes to training. Even the most well-trained Basenji may just simply decide that they do not want to listen. However, this breed loves to play and run, so the trick with training is patience and enthusiasm. Like with all breeds, Basenji’s do not take well to harsh punishment methods of training, you need to teach your dog to work alongside you and speak the same language or they will become timid and stubborn. Do not let your precious pup become bored, or they will simply decide not to listen. Listen to your dog’s cues when they have had enough and get creative. Understanding the history of the breed and the inherit desires to give chase will help you determine the type of dog sports your pup will excel at. Dog sports are a great tool to keep up with your training in a fun and active way that will keep your dog interested. Think lures and agility. Early socialisation is important, consider as many sights, sounds and experiences as possible in puppyhood. Enrolling in a good quality puppy-preschool will also set your pup on the right track with training and socialisation with other pups.

Grooming

This breed is super easy to care for when it comes to grooming. Being known for their cat-like nature in terms of selfcare, they will keep their coats clean and in good health. The breed are slight shedders so a good rub over with a brush every few days will help keep the short hair from invading your clothing. Like with all dogs getting your puppy used to someone touching their paws, face, ears and mouth is a great way to desensitize your pup to vet visits. Nail trimming should also start in puppyhood. Have your local vet or vet nurse demonstrate how to safely nail clip your dog at your next visit.

Exercise Requirements

This breed is very energetic and needs a good on-leash brisk walk twice a day. Many Basenji owners do not allow their pups to run off-leash. Having a very strong prey instinct and an independent nature, once they catch sight or smell of something much more interesting you can be off like a flash of lightening. However, some owners do have success running their dogs off-leash in areas that are well contained or fenced. The breed also loves to play, so incorporating a good play session with your pup will also help create a strong bond and also assist with constant training. This breed also does well in dog sports.

Intelligence

The Basenji is a very smart, independent dog. If they are not exercised correctly and have an enriching environment to spend the day, they will become destructive. The breed does not bark but they do make very interesting noises and can almost sing the boring day away with a good array of yodelling. Keeping your pup correctly exercised and entertained will prevent boredom related destructive behaviour. Consider rotating home-alone toys and giving your pup a job to do before you leave for work each day. The breed is known for eating and chewing anything in sight. So, it’s important that your pup has a good selection of strong chew toys and keep them interested in these toys pick them up and remove them when you return home from work. Rotating their daily home-alone toys can not only extend the life of the toy, but also extend your dog’s interest in them.

Family Friendly

The Basenji makes a wonderful companion to a busy household. They love to play and will enjoy the energy and constant companionship of older children, if they have grown-up alongside them. Like with all dogs, it’s important to train your dog how to correctly interact with your children and teach your children how to correctly play with a dog. All interactions should be supervised. This breed is a sight hound so interactions with smaller pets should always be taken with care. Don’t be surprised if your pup chases the cat. They can learn to live in harmony with cats, if socialised correctly during puppyhood, however it is probably best not to risk it with other small mammals like rabbits, hamsters and mice.

Indoor/ Outdoor

This breed will require good solid fence that needs to be checked constantly. They are incredibly escape artists and climbers so care needs to be taken in regard to the confinement of your pup. These dogs will thrive only around their pack, so long endless hours trapped in a backyard will spell disaster for this breed. Ensure you provide ample shade in the hot summer months, alongside good weatherproof areas in the winter. The breed is also suited to apartment living, however the key to adaptability, with any breed, is ensuring the correct amount of exercise is implemented to keep your pup happy.

Breeding

It is very important to only source your new family member from a reputable breeding establishment, to ensure your puppy is healthy. Ask all the important questions about hereditary problems and ask to see mum and dad. Contact your local breed club and research your chosen breeder. Your breeder should have proof that they regularly test their dogs for genetic diseases and to ensure that the dogs they are breeding from have sound temperaments. It may take a little more time than a quick purchase, but it can save you and your family from unimaginable heartache and pain dealing with a sick puppy.