Basenji Puppies: What to Expect and Prepare

Getting a Basenji puppy is a big decision, and it's essential to be prepared for the challenges and joys that come with it. Basenji puppies are born without a bark, but they're not mute - they make a unique yodeling sound.

Basenji puppies are born after a gestation period of about 60-65 days, and they typically weigh between 1 and 2 pounds at birth. They need to be with their mother for at least 8 weeks to develop properly.

Basenji puppies are known for their curious and energetic nature, and they need plenty of exercise and playtime to keep them happy and healthy. They're also intelligent and independent, so they require consistent training and socialization.

Basenji puppies are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems, so it's crucial to work with a reputable breeder who health tests their breeding stock.

Before bringing home a Basenji puppy, you need to puppy-proof your home and yard. A bored Basenji will chew and gnaw on anything they can find, so make sure to provide plenty of durable chew toys.

Basenjis are smart and active dogs, so you'll need to be prepared to give them daily attention and exercise. This means setting aside time for playtime and training.

To keep your puppy safe, be mindful of small objects that can be easily swallowed, and secure trashcans and toilet lids.

Before adopting a Basenji, you need to puppy-proof your home and yard to prevent damage and keep your new furry friend safe. A bored Basenji will chew and gnaw on anything they can find, so durable chew toys and plenty of playtime are a must.

Basenjis are excellent climbers, so if you plan to let your puppy out in your yard, you'll want to keep them always supervised. Chain link fences won't be enough to keep them contained. You'll also need to avoid letting your pup in the yard if you've treated the lawn with fertilizers or pesticides, as this can cause skin problems.

Inside your home, unplug electrical cords and move them out of reach to prevent electrical shock or damage. Secure trashcans and toilet lids to prevent your puppy from getting into them. Move chemicals and cleaning supplies into a high cabinet out of reach.

As with any puppy, you'll need to be mindful of small objects to prevent choking hazards. Toddlers and Basenji puppies have a lot in common when it comes to getting into trouble.

As a new owner, you're probably eager to get started. You'll need to set up your account, which can be done online or through our mobile app.

To access your account, you'll need to have a device with an internet connection and a valid email address. This will be your primary means of communication with us, so make sure it's up to date.

We recommend setting up two-factor authentication for added security. This will require you to enter a code sent to your phone or email whenever you log in from a new device.

You can change your password at any time by clicking on the "Account" tab and selecting "Change Password". Don't forget to update your password regularly to keep your account secure.

If you're having trouble accessing your account, you can contact our support team for assistance. They're available 24/7 to help with any issues you may have.

Basenji puppies are very small, but they grow to be an average of 20 to 26 pounds, depending on whether they're male or female.

They are very strong and have a high prey drive, which means they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

Basenjis are known to be like Houdini, an excellent escape artist, so you'll need to Basenji-proof your home to prevent them from making a break for it.

Basenjis are strong-willed and independent-minded, which can make training a bit of a challenge, but with patience and consistency, they can learn to listen and obey.

Basenjis are loyal and love their family, but they can be wary of strangers, so socialization is key to helping them feel comfortable around new people.

Their unique characters, along with their barks and yodels, make owning a Basenji a fun and rewarding experience.

Training and Socializing a Basenji Puppy is crucial for their development and can even save their life in an emergency. Basenji puppies must be properly trained very early on, as they are extremely intelligent but can be very stubborn. If you need assistance training your pup, you can seek the help of a certified trainer or take your puppy to obedience school.

Check this out: Leash Training for Puppies

A well-trained dog will have fewer common behavioral problems than a dog who was not socialized properly. Basenjis need plenty of mental stimulation, and learning tricks and completing tasks is one way to give your dog the mental stimulation they crave.

Basenjis are not fans of other animals, so it's essential to introduce them to other pets slowly. They have a strong instinct to see other pets as prey, but with proper socialization early on, they are friendly dogs. They usually do okay in a home with other dogs, but they can be watchful and wary.

Here are some essential commands to teach your Basenji puppy:

These basic commands will set your Basenji up for success and prevent them from bolting out the door or coming back if they do. It's essential to have short training sessions with high praise, as Basenjis can lose interest quicker than other breeds.

Basenji puppies need a joint supplement starting at 1 to 2 years old to slow arthritis progression.

A high-quality joint supplement containing glucosamine and chondroitin, such as Cosequin, Dasuquin, or VetriScience, is recommended.

Basenji puppies eat more frequently than older dogs, and their feeding habits change as they grow.

Puppies should be on a puppy diet until they are 1 year old and fed a high-quality commercial dog food approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Feeding them with a puzzle feeder can benefit them and keep them busy, but stay mindful of treats as they can add up quickly.

Basenjis need a balanced diet to stay healthy.

They can eat either dry kibble or wet food, and either option is fine as long as they're getting the right number of calories and fair portions of healthy dog food.

Basenji puppies eat more frequently than older dogs, so their feeding habits will change as they grow.

For another approach, see: Puppys Food

They should be on a puppy diet until they are 1 year old.

You can choose a high-quality commercial dog food approved by the AAFCO for your Basenji.

This is a good option because it's been tested for quality and safety.

Basenjis should be fed a joint supplement containing glucosamine and chondroitin starting at 1 to 2 years old to slow the progression of arthritis.

Commonly recommended brands are Cosequin, Dasuquin, and VetriScience.

The amount of food you give a Basenji depends on their weight, health, lifestyle, and other factors.

You should talk with your veterinarian about how much to feed your dog.

Feeding your Basenji with a puzzle feeder can benefit them and keep them busy.

This is especially helpful for their curious nature and intelligence.

Basenjis can be prone to an upset stomach, especially when transitioning to a new home. This stress often results in digestive issues that can make potty training extra difficult.

A good quality, multi-strain probiotic can help soothe your dog's stomach and regulate their bowel movements. We like this 3-in-1 probiotic chew that also includes prebiotics & digestive enzymes.

Basenjis typically live 13-14 years, and with proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life. However, staying vigilant for potential health issues is crucial to ensure their well-being.

A probiotic can help alleviate digestive issues caused by stress, making it easier to care for your new Basenji pup.

Basenji puppies require early socialization and training to thrive. They can be very stubborn and may not do well with small children, who can make them anxious with their unpredictable behavior.

Crate training is a great way to help with potty training and give your Basenji puppy a sense of security. However, it's essential to make the crate a positive space, not a punishment.

Basenjis are highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training. They can be easily distracted, so training sessions should be kept short and fun.

Check this out: Training Puppies 101

A well-trained Basenji puppy will have fewer common behavioral problems than one that wasn't socialized properly. You can seek the help of a certified trainer or take your puppy to obedience school for assistance.

Basenjis need plenty of mental stimulation, which can be achieved through learning tricks and completing tasks. They can be watchful and wary of strangers, so early socialization is vital.

Here are some essential training courses for your Basenji puppy:

Basenjis are prone to mischief if they don't receive enough exercise and mental stimulation. They can be destructive, so it's crucial to keep them busy and entertained.

Basenjis are hounds with a keen sense of smell, so they may wander off in search of a scent. They should always be kept in a fenced yard or on a leash when outside.

Housebreaking a Basenji puppy can be a challenge due to their stubborn nature. Establish a routine for taking your puppy out, such as after meals, playtime, and naps.

The best times to take your puppy out are when you wake up, after meals, and after playtime or naps. If your pup has an accident, clean it up immediately and don't punish them. You can take them outside to finish.

A three-month-old puppy can usually go four hours without having an accident. If you're going to be gone longer than that, plan to have someone let your puppy out to prevent accidents. You could also use "pee-pee pads" until they're fully housebroken.

Housebreaking is a crucial part of raising a Basenji puppy, and it requires consistency and patience. Establish a routine for taking your puppy out, as it's essential for their learning process.

Some of the best times to take your puppy out are when you wake up, after meals, and after playtime or naps. This helps them associate these times with going outside.

If your puppy has an accident, clean it up immediately and don't punish them or give them attention over the incident. This will only confuse them and make the housebreaking process longer.

A three-month-old puppy can usually go four hours without having an accident, so plan accordingly if you'll be away for an extended period. You can also consider getting "pee-pee pads" for your puppy until they're fully housebroken.

When choosing pee pads, look for ones that are large enough for your puppy to use comfortably and will last throughout the day.

Gate or Pen can be a lifesaver, especially during the early days of housebreaking. There will likely be times where you wish to keep your basenji puppy contained in a smaller area.

You can use a puppy gate or pen to restrict your puppy's access to certain rooms or areas of the house. This can help prevent accidents and make cleanup easier.

Puppy gates or pens are available in various sizes and styles to fit your needs. There are many great options available for such a need.

By containing your puppy in a smaller area, you can also help with crate training and potty training. This can be especially helpful during the night when you're trying to get a good night's sleep.