Basenji - African hunting dog

[ittybittypilot]

Hello!

This my first post, but I have been lurking for quite some time. I'm not a big poster, I mostly enjoy reading.

I have been breeding/showing/training/lure coursing/judging Basenjis since 1992. I am currently training 1 of my Basenjis (retired from the show ring and now lure coursing/rally obedience/barn hunting) for pheasant/chukar hunting. A littermate of his has been actively hunting upland game birds since he was 6 months old and is fully hand signal/whistle trained. I figured I'd give this a "shot".

He's pretty solid on his retrieve and we're working on blind retrieve. I've not had a chance to shoot over him but will take him to the range soon and just leave him in the vehicle while he gets used to the noise.


I was very excited to find the "other breed" boards, and was thrilled to see other postings on Sighthounds. They are definitely more challenging to train but have a ton of natural hunting ability. Basenjis have been and still are used for hunting in Africa for 5000+ years. This is the only breed recognized by AKC where we can use native stock from Africa and incorporate them into our breeding programs (not a simple process, but it is regularly practiced.


Has anyone else hunted with or knows of someone who's hunted with Basenjis? I know there are a handful in the south but I'm been unsuccessful at locating them.

[mtlhdr]

The ONE thing I can tell you is that taking a dog to the range is NOT how you intro the gun. Basically you want the dog so focused on a bird (or some other object of desire) that it doesn't even notice the gunfire getting progressively closer. You need to find and follow a proven program if you're not going to a pro. Best of luck.

[ittybittypilot]

Interesting. I've had several field trial dog owners (GSPs/Springers) tell me to take him to the range next time I go and just let him sit in his crate while we're shooting (we go about 2-3x a month).

I'd definitely MUCH rather just go hunt birds and take him but my thought was more of the desensitizing of the dog. I'd love to hear more thoughts. This is why I am here. I am honestly quite bored with conformation/lure coursing and all the politics and arrogant attitudes that can go with all that. Just want me and my dog and a good challenge.

I bred the dog myself, he is 3rd generation of my line. 5 years old, and is bomb-proof. He's very outgoing, bold (but not aggressive) and is just about the happiest dog you could meet. I do not doubt a gunfire will do any more than startle him. And considering is incredible prey-drive (which I'm hoping does not work against me when he retrieves a bird), I like your suggestion of just taking him out when I hunt bird.

The one who needs "training" is ME. LOL. Isn't that always the case with dogs and horses? They almost always know what to do, it's just that need to learn to read and listen.

[mtlhdr]

I like your suggestion of just taking him out when I hunt bird.

I didn't say that.

https://vimeo.com/56924329

Listen to Brad's intro, particularly the part about gun introduction. He starts the gun breaking at about the 4 minute mark. At this point he knows he has a bold, confident and birdy dog. Notice how the dog doesn't startle, flinch or do anything except continue to chase the bird.

Like I mentioned previously, find a proven program (like Perfect Start) or go to a pro.

[Sniper John]

Welcome to the forum. Looking forward to more posts about the progress of your dog.

[ittybittypilot]

I like your suggestion of just taking him out when I hunt bird.

I didn't say that.

https://vimeo.com/56924329

Listen to Brad's intro, particularly the part about gun introduction. He starts the gun breaking at about the 4 minute mark. At this point he knows he has a bold, confident and birdy dog. Notice how the dog doesn't startle, flinch or do anything except continue to chase the bird.

Like I mentioned previously, find a proven program (like Perfect Start) or go to a pro.

Thank you! A pro is out of the question (plus defeats the purpose of this whole "adventure" of training my dog and the whole learning process). I discovered brad's videos on YouTube and I like his methodology FAR FAR better than anything else I've seen. I've also found some really good videos and articles on training ES (and flushing is definitely more of how a Basenji hunts anyway).

I appreciate the help. I will post more on his progress as it comes. Right now the weather and my work schedule prohibit me from doing any field work with him, but can still do basic obedience and bumper work in the house to keep is brain engaged.

[ittybittypilot]

Welcome to the forum. Looking forward to more posts about the progress of your dog.

I definitely will! Dexter (my male) and I are having a ball learning together. He's very eager to please and learns very quickly (despite the inherent stubborness/independence of this breed). I'm enjoying reading, learning, and talking to trainers. Already had some invites from local field trial folks to come join them on their next "fun day". I wondered initially if I'd get alot of "flack" from the Sporting dog folks, but to my surprise, everyone has been incredibly supportive and helpful. I've showed alot of Sporting dogs at the Breed and Group level and many owners/handlers can be pretty "hard-core" and snobby about their breed.

Here is Dexter at a show in central Oregon. He LOVES the ring. I'm now showing his daughter.

[mtlhdr]

Sounds like you're positioning yourself and your dog for success. Best of luck and keep us posted.