Care & Training Resources

At Royal Senji, we know that adopting a puppy is just the beginning of an incredible journey. Basenjis are intelligent, energetic, and unique companions, and raising one comes with its own set of joys and challenges. We’ve put together this guide to help you provide the best care and training for your new Basenji.

Basenji Care Essentials

1. Feeding Your Basenji

A healthy diet is key to your Basenji’s overall well-being. Here’s what you need to know:

🥩 Puppy Diet: Choose a high-quality puppy food with plenty of protein, vitamins, and minerals to support growth.

🍽 Portion Control: Basenjis love food! Watch portion sizes to prevent overeating and weight gain.

💧 Fresh Water: Always have clean water available, especially after playtime or exercise.

2. Exercise Needs

Basenjis have endless energy and need daily activity to stay happy and healthy.

🐾 Daily Walks: Plan for 30–60 minutes of exercise every day—walks, hikes, or playtime all work well.

🧠 Mental Stimulation: Basenjis are smart problem-solvers. Keep them engaged with puzzle toys, scent games, and obedience training.

3. Grooming

Basenjis are low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, but they still need some care.

🖌 Brushing: Once a week is enough to keep their coat shiny and remove loose fur.

✂️ Nail Trimming: Trim their nails regularly to prevent discomfort and injuries.

👂 Ear Cleaning: Check and clean their ears occasionally, especially after outdoor adventures.

Training Tips for Your Basenji

1. Start Early

Basenjis are independent thinkers—early training is key!

✅ Positive Reinforcement: Use treats, praise, and affection to encourage good behavior.

🔁 Consistency: Make sure everyone in the household follows the same rules to avoid confusion.

2. Crate Training

Crate training helps with housebreaking and gives your Basenji a safe space.

🏡 Create a Cozy Space: Add a soft bed and toys to make the crate inviting.

⏳ Short Sessions: Start with short periods in the crate, rewarding calm behavior.

3. House Training

House training should begin the moment your puppy arrives home.

📅 Establish a Routine: Take your puppy outside frequently—especially after meals, playtime, and naps.

🎉 Praise & Patience: Reward them when they go potty outside. Accidents happen—stay patient!

4. Socialization

Exposing your Basenji to new experiences early on helps them grow into a well-adjusted adult.

🌍 Introduce New Environments: Let your puppy explore different places, people, and animals in a safe, controlled way.

🐕 Puppy Classes: A great way to socialize while learning basic obedience skills.

5. Leash Training

Basenjis have a strong prey drive, so leash training is essential.

🏠 Start Indoors: Practice walking with a leash in a distraction-free space.

🌳 Gradual Progress: Move training outdoors, using rewards to encourage good leash manners.

Health Care Tips

1. Regular Vet Visits

🩺 Check-ups: Routine vet visits help catch any potential health issues early.

💉 Vaccinations & Parasite Prevention: Stay up to date with shots and flea/tick treatments.

2. Dental Care

🦷 Brush Their Teeth: Regular brushing with a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste prevents dental issues.

🐾 Chew Toys: Provide dental chews and toys to help keep their teeth clean.

Understanding Your Basenji

1. Unique Basenji Traits

🤔 Independent Thinkers: Basenjis are smart but stubborn—they like to do things their way!

🐿 Prey Drive: Be cautious around small pets and practice strong recall training.

🔊 Barkless but Vocal: Basenjis don’t bark, but they make adorable “yodels” and “baroos” to express themselves.

2. Managing Separation Anxiety

Basenjis can become anxious if left alone too long.

⏳ Gradual Alone Time: Start by leaving them alone for short periods and slowly increase the duration.

🎾 Interactive Toys: Keep them busy with treat-dispensing toys or puzzle games.

Additional Resources

For more information on Basenji care and training, check out:

📌 Basenji Club of America

📌 American Kennel Club (AKC) Basenji Care Guide

📌 Training Videos for Basenjis

At Royal Senji, we’re here for you every step of the way. If you have questions or need advice, feel free to reach out—we love helping our Basenji families!

🐾 Welcome to the Royal Senji Family! 🐾