How To Care for a Basenji

Before making the decision to purchase a Basenji, or any animal for that matter, it is best to educate yourself about the animal's temperament, their likes and dislikes, overall health and tips to train them.   Basenjis are well known as a dog that never barks. They are also very friendly, lovable dogs who get along well with people and children.  Even though Basenjis get along well with children, you should always purchase the dog at a young age so you can teach them proper behavior in the home and around small children.

Basenjis are known for their highly energetic behavior.  This is due to the fact that the original purpose of the dog was bred for pack hunting.  The fact that they are so used to running in a pack makes them very social dogs and therefore, they require a lot of attention.  It is never a good idea to leave your Basenji at home alone.  The fact that they are a social and energetic dog means that you will find your home chewed to bits upon returning.  Basenjis suffer separation anxiety and will relieve their stress by chewing on anything they can get a hold of.

It is fairly easy to train a Basenji since they are such a smart dog.  It is best to use crate training methods for the dog, especially if you know you often run errands that take a few short hours and your dog must remain behind.  Upon purchase of a crate, make sure you put comfortable bedding in the bottom so that it is more like a bed than a cage.  Coax your Basenji into the crate without force and once the dog is inside, leave the front of the crate open.  Upon crate training your Basenji, you want them to feel like the crate is somewhere they want to be, a place of comfort and security.

Basenjis were raised to live in dens so a crate often feels like a den to a Basenji.  If you crate train your dog just right, you will find that they will actually want to step inside the crate for you, thus making it easier for you to run you errands without worrying about your home being destroyed.  A dog being comfortable in a crate is just as important for the dog as well as the home. Training of the Basenji must be handled properly and with a firm hand. The dog is well known for their persistence and ability to assume the role as pack leader and therefore, owners must remain firm in their position when making decisions.