I must agree that naive, first-time wanne-be owners need to do deep, extensive research. Basenjis are supremely unique and definitely not a good choice for a "beginner."
I adopted an 18-month old 3/4 Basenji (other 1/4 is Min Pin, yet another quirky little breed, with some "bad" similarities to B's). I was somewhat familiar with B's, but not even a little bit of "enough!!" Gosh, Izzy-Bella was a piperoo!! A little 18 pound bundle of energy, destruction, and escapism. BUT, I have always loved bad boys (9 years working in a high school), so a little bad girl was a sort of delight. But, again, it takes many years before these dogs mellow out and mature and maximize their amazing intelligence. Izzy is SO SO smart: her early unbridled destructiveness has pretty much ended, and now, at ten years old, she amazes us every day with her intelligence, innate understanding, observational skills, language acumen, and comedic skills. And at ten years old, she acts like a three year old! I hope this means she will live forever.
Once you have bonded with a Basenji, you are probably done and gone. But
first-timers REALLY need to do their research and homework.
Someone referred to entrusting their dog
to a family member. I would entrust my B to nobody except a bona fide Vet hospital/kennel, with big-time fences and enclosures, B's are exceptional diggers-under-fences and escape artists. And a Number One cause of
death for them is traffic. Their prey instinct sends them careening into
traffic. Dumber than deer.
But, bottom line: do your due diligence Basenji research, and understand early on that these dogs are singularly unique: indescribably destructive; escape artists; independent thinkers and behaviorists; smarter than you can even begin to imagine (I swear my Izzy understands everything I say and reads my mind!); and prepare to have lots of tissues on hand as auxiliary food, because apparently, Basenjis require wood pulp
projects to prosper!! I don't get it.
Are there any NJ basenji's out there?
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hey what part of south jersey do you live in? i'm from manahawkin/long beach island area!
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Hi. We have a 5 month old basenji mix and live in Mercer county, NJ. anyone live close that would like to meet up at the Mercer dog park?
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I live in Ocean County just about a half hour from Mercer County Park.
I can't run my B's at a dog park because they are all intact.Kathryn
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Why can't you run your B's at a dog park because they are intact? Does your state have rules against that? I do not understand why this would be an issue unless you had a female in heat.
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Here in NJ you must show proof of spay/neutering to run your dogs in a dog park.
It's a shame as I have a dog park just 10minutes from me and I can't go there.Kathryn
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So I am getting a Basenji puppy very soon, well… not soon enough at the beginning of March but when she is old enough I def want her to meet some of her B friends/relatives. When the time comes I will def post another thread but I just want to see if there is anyone in my area that would be interested to meet up in the future! I can't wait to get her! Too bad you guys live so far down south Jersey...
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There are many parks ere in Ocean County at you can just walk your dog. It's not an enclsed area like a dog park but
fun to walk there anyway.
If you ever in the area,would love to walk with you.
Who are you getting your pup from?Kathryn
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Man, my keyboard s really messed up.
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Pam and Sheilla from Eldorado Basenji's in Mass.
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….............
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Here in NJ you must show proof of spay/neutering to run your dogs in a dog park.
It's a shame as I have a dog park just 10minutes from me and I can't go there.This must be a town/county ordinance. When I licensed Q I asked about our town dog park and if his being intact was a problem. The clerk stated it was not. FYI, YMMV.
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What town are you located in mmitch777? Also my town doesn't have these rules either..
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I am in Turnersville, Washington Township (Southern one).
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I am pretty close to Turnersville, but I am in Philly, also drive to the shore in south jersey frequently. Would love to see my 10 month old running around with other basenjis. Let me know if you are ever interested in meeting up.
