How to Housebreak a Basenji Puppy
Because Basenji dogs can’t bark, housebreaking a new puppy may seem more challenging as it’s harder for this breed to tell their owners when it’s time to go outside for a potty break. However, by exercising patience, as well as creativity, Basenji owners can teach their puppies how to communicate without barking.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Wire dog crate with partition separator
- Puppy collar and leash
- Outdoor bathroom area
- Wind chimes (or bells)
- Puppy treats
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How to Housebreak a Basenji Puppy
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1
Set up a dog crate before even bringing your Basenji puppy home. Buy a crate that’s large enough for a full-grown Basenji dog (a small breed, 16 to 17 inches tall). Use the partition (included with your crate) to section off a smaller area, housing a puppy. The space should be large enough for your puppy to stand and turn around. Always use the partition because puppies often pee in the corners of oversized crates, away from where they sleep.
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2
Set up a schedule for potty breaks. Write down appointed times to take your leashed Basenji outside, including immediately after awakening in the morning, as well as following meals, naps and play times. Use the same spot, as this not only shows your pet where to go potty, but also provides the familiar smells to attract your puppy to the right area for future bathroom trips.
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3
Always take your puppy outside on a leash, not allowing her to play until she performs her bathroom business. Whenever your Basenji pees and/or defecates in the correct spot, lavish her with praise, small treats, and playtime.
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4
Carefully supervise your puppy indoors, while noting any sniffing or body motions (such as squatting) which may suggest a potty break. After awhile, owners don’t have to supervise their puppies inside the house as closely because most dogs (other than Basenjis) begin to bark when they need to go outside. However, Basenji owners can use noisemakers such as wind chimes (or bells) to help with communication problems. Hang wind chimes from a doorknob, closest to the chosen outdoor bathroom area.
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5
Demonstrate how to use the wind chimes (or bells). Each time you take your Basenji to the door, grab a paw, showing her how to strike or brush against the wind chimes. After about a week of this routine, your Basenji should start “ringing” the chimes (or bells), independently, signaling when she needs to go outside.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Be patient because accidents do happen before a puppy is housebroken. Don't berate your Basenji or rub his nose in his urine and/or feces. Just firmly say, “No!” while promptly lifting up your puppy and then planting him on the designated bathroom location.
Don’t pad the crate with a soft towel or blanket, as this can entice urination.
Remove all water by 6 p.m.
Besides indoor wind chimes, also hang chimes on your outside doorknob, so your Basenji can let you know when he’s ready to come back inside the house.
Besides taking your Basenji outside at scheduled times, make sure your puppy gets plenty of exercise outdoors. Provide walks at least twice a day, as well as off the leash workouts if your yard is enclosed. The more time spent exercising outdoors, the mroe quickly the housebreaking is accomplished.
Choose metal wind chimes (or bells) to prevent chewing.
Don’t overcrate. The number of hours a puppy should be crated is determined by the age of the puppy. For each month of age, add one hour for the period of time your puppy can be confined. For example, a four-month-old puppy shouldn’t be left in a crate more than five hours.
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- Photo Credit Venice Kichura
