Understanding The Two Breeds Things to Know, Points of Caution
Home   My dogs	I wrote this to give a better understanding of these two breeds on behalf of potential owners. Taking on a dog (any breed) is a big responsibility, one that should not be taken lightly. Each breed has it's own traits and personality and should be evaluated on it's own merits. All dogs are *not* the same and one should be educated on a breed before choosing one as a companion. It is a long-term commitment and one should know ahead of time (before purchasing) if this is a breed you can live with. Despite of how attractive a breed's appearance may be, there are way more important issues, like behaviour and personality. Do you and this breed connect? Do you have the time and patience to live with a very active dog. I can assure you (whatever breed you choose) that your dog will only be as good as the home and environment that you've provided them with. I have stated these points of caution not as a deterrent, but as a source of information. In understanding these points, one can take the precautions to avoid any trouble or mishaps. Living with them can be wonderful if you know what to expect and understand them. I myself live with two Basenjis and one New Guinea Singing Dog and adore them! They are part a big part of our family, live in our house, even sleep in our bed! Points apply to both breeds Both Basenjis and NGSDs are not like average dogs and should not be expected to act like one. They are sensitive, extremely intelligent and are independent thinkers. They come from wild origins and are not a man made breed. They will always love you but will never be your slave. Never allow these breeds off a leash while outside the security of your fenced property. They get the call for "Adventure" and will run like the wind! Retrieval is almost impossible. They are easily distracted by birds, squirrels, anything and *will not* come back when called. Many first time owners loose their dogs to automobiles as they have no fear of cars. The leash is the only way to keep your dog safe from disappearing or becoming road kill. A harsh reality but very true! A secured fenced yard is a must! Both Basenjis and NGSDs are natural born escape artists! They can dig, jump very high, climb a tree and scale a fence.They are not only dogs, but part cat and part monkey. Never underestimate their intelligence. Be always one step ahead. An outside (when the weather is warm) secured chain link kennel run with a chain link roof is an excellent investment as this provides a safe and comfortable enviornment for them when you are not at home to supervise. Both of these breeds exhibit strong hunting drives. They are natural born hunters, so small pets like rabbits, birds, hamsters etc. should be kept in another part of the house or away from reach. Should small wildlife, birds, squirrels happen to wander into your yard, there is always a good chance that they will be caught! Mother nature has provided them with this skill and they are very good at it! When unsupervised inside or out, these dogs should be kenneled or crate trained. Left alone in your home loose, unsupervised is setting yourself up for trouble and a trashed house. No, they do not intentionally mean harm but just have a curious nature and are easily bored. All of this *can *be avoided if you understand the nature. Left outside alone in an unsecured backyard will only result in coming home to find your dog long gone. Both these breeds are very active and require adequate exercise. Never hit or use aggression with these breeds. This will only make for a difficult aggressive dog in return. Use only consistent, positive training. Earning trust and respect with these dogs goes a long way in achieving goals. For bad infractions use a squirt bottle with water. Both of these breeds *may* be gender aggressive with other breeds and of their own breed. Each dog is an individual and should be evaluated according to their own personality for integration. Some get along fine with no problem while others don't care to share their world with dogs of the same sex. These dogs like to chew, especially when they are young, so provide lots of chew toys. They require love, attention and supervision. Living with them is much like living with children and so comes the responsibility. Both of these breeds have a long life span (16 years or more) so be prepared for a long term commitment. Both Basenjis and NGSDs make wonderful pets when matched with the right people. They are extremely intelligent, affectionate and far from boring. I personally love these dogs!