A Basenji may know perfectly well all the commands you teach him, but whether he actually performs them will always be in question.
He may think first and then obey, or he may decide there’s really no good reason to do as you ask. Instead, Basenjis use their intelligence to demand your attention and get you to provide whatever it is they need or want.
Basenji people say their breed is good at teaching you to pick up your house. Anything left out where the dog can find it is fair game to be chewed or eaten. You’ll soon learn to protect your belongings by putting them out of reach of these inquisitive dogs.