What to Expect

Your ‘new’ Basenji is about to experience yet another major disruption in his life: adjusting to a new home, new humans, and perhaps new dogs. Disruption means anxiety, which may result in unpredictable or undesirable behavior. He needs your help to ease the transition into his new home.

CONTENTS

[toc]

Preparing for Success

Several steps will prepare your home, your family and your new Basenji for a long and happy life together. See our guidelines on key topics below. We encourage you to adhere carefully initially to these guidelines with your new besty. As you get to know your dog, relax them as your dog warrants and you see fit. But remember: it is easier to relax rules later than to tighten them, especially after habits have formed.

Transport

Traveling to his new home is possibly the time of highest anxiety and risk for your new Basenji. He is often in unfamiliar hands while in unfamiliar territory near scary highways. Please read our recommendations for getting your new family member home safely at the links below.

Learn from our experiences with transport
Additional resources on transport

Introductions

Prepare established pack members and home for the new arrival. Close doors and gates. Pick up toys and chews; put them away. It’s a good idea to get some energy out of resident dogs before the new arrival makes his entrance. Go through a few obedience commands to remind them to listen to you. Avoid getting out treats–that will elevate unwanted excitement. Offer calm, gentle praise. While there will be arousal when the newbie arrives, established residents are likely to be less edgy.

Learn from our experiences with introductions
Additional resources on introductions

Routine

Establishing routines is one of the most important things you can do to help your dog settle in to his new home. Establishing routines minimizes stress by making life predictable. Knowing the drill, established residents will provide cues that help your newbie with the settling in process.

Learn from our experiences with routine

Food

The quality of your dog’s food supports not only life but influences the health of his immune system. In addition to building musle and bone and contributing to a heathy skin and coat, good food can help fight disease. Poor food, in contrast, can cause it. There are many considerations you will want to factor in establishing your dog’s diet.

Learn from our experiences with food
Additional resources on food

Containment

There are various ways and methods to confine or contain dogs.  There are crates, gates and ex-pens (exercise pens). Each is useful in particular circumstances and for particular dogs. You may need only a crate; it’s possible you may need all. And you may need none. But remember that setting boundaries by containing your Basenji–and providing him a ‘safe place’–probably will make him feel more comfortable and secure in his new home.

Learn from our experiences with containment

Collars, Leashes, Harnesses and Other Tools

Choosing the right collar, leash or harness can be confusing.  So many colors and styles!  Which one is the right one?

Learn from our experiences with collars, leashes, harnesses and other tools

Preventive Health Maintenance

Your Basenji depends on you for his welfare. You are his advocate. He has no other and cannot do it himself. It is important to establish a health profile as well as performing various maintenance functions.

Learn from our experiences with preventive health maintenance
Additional resources on preventive health maintenance