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Adopted Basenjis are a special challenge. Typically, they have not had enough time, enough attention, enough love, and sometimes not enough food and physical care. They almost always have not had enough training. You are inheriting someone else's problem, and you need to be a special person who has heart, patience and commitment to work with these very needy, but highly rewarding dogs. These dogs have lost their owners and their homes and don't know who will take care of them or who to trust (or sometimes even whether to trust). You may have to do a lot of predictable things on a regular schedule. You will need to give them a lot of love and attention, be firm and consistent, but gentle and very positive with them. With an abused dog, you might have to just sit with the dog for a number of days, simply talking quietly and making no move toward him. He needs to spend time with you to learn to trust that you won't hurt him. You probably will need to log in at least a month of time with any adopted dog before he shows real signs of beginning to trust you and to open up to you. He may never feel comfortable with major changes in routine. One wonderful way to bond and have ultimate control over your adopted dog is to play "umbilical cord." Attach a 6-foot leash to your waist and the snap end to the dog. Simply go about your business. The dog must come with you everywhere you go. Basenjis love this! Adopted Basenjis tend to follow you around wistfully anyway, hoping that you might be the one who won't leave them. They may get anxious when you leave. Be sure to crate them. Many adopted Basenjis haven't been trained and still "nip" in play. Stop your hand dead still and cry out in pain when they nip. They will probably stop immediately and start to lick your hand. If this doesn't work, grab their collar, shake it, and firmly say, "No!" Praise immediately when they stop. If the dog needs refreshing in housebreaking, use the "umbilical chord" game, and say "No!" when he or she starts sniffing around for a place to go, or use a spray bottle filled with water to spritz them in the act. Praise when the sniffing stops, take her or him outside and praise mightily when action occurs.
Adopted dogs are usually grateful for anything you do for them—much more so than other dogs. They appreciate your giving them obedience training, and they thrive on knowing that the rules of your house are consistent, predictable, orderly and enforced. Basenji love to be loved. Affection is "money in the bank" with them. As soon as the feel comfortable accepting it (and that may not be right away), feel free to give them all the love and affection you want. Copyright © 2001 by Janine Peters & Betsy Polglase |