Little Dog Curly Tail

If you’ve watched the George Lopez show you’ve heard the Low Rider Song by the band WAR. A low rider is (in some instances) a vehicle that has had its suspension lowered. Little did WAR know their song would symbolize a style of dog, particularly a style of Basenji.

BRAT has inventory! BRAT has lots of colors and styles but this blog is focusing on one style-the LOW RIDER! As WAR pointed out in their song lyrics,

“Low rider is a real goer…Low Rider is the one to meet YEAH!” and rather pertinent in these recessionary times “Low rider don’t use no gas now”

Who can’t save some money at the pump??

My dog Guppy is a Low Rider-he stands 13 inches tall and what he lacks in physical stature he makes up for in personality and mischief. There is even a special chant we recite to Guppy that really gets him excited. He baroos and dances all around. It goes like this: Little dog (clap, clap) Curly Tail.

Recently a Mama dog and her pups came into BRAT. Not just any Mama dog but one that looked suspiciously like Guppy. Same stature and markings too! All but two of the pups have been adopted and understandably adopting a Low Rider is unchartered territory for most people so I’m going to help ease the uncertainty a bit. 

Among the two available pups are BO, a redhead and FABIO, a blonde. Both boys are typical Basenji boys and full of spunk and hell on 8 legs when they’re playing. 

Here are some other characteristics consistent with a Low Rider:

1.       Said Low Rider WILL create a stir wherever they go. People (and other dogs) will want to know what this little dog is.

2.      Countersurfing just doesn’t happen. 

      An open refrigerator door however and the bottom shelf is an entire different story.

3.      A smaller stature lends itself to better cuddling and more room on the couch.

4.      His name is FABIO….’nuff said.

5.      His name is BO…Bo Duke had a *really* cool car….

6.      Shorter legs make for a lower center of gravity-harder to take down when wrestling.

7.      They are easier to buy clothes for. (Dunno why but they are)

8.     They’re teddy bear sized.

9.      They make great arm rests in the car.

10.   They’re cat sized so when correction by cat is needed-the cat doesn’t need to reach.

11.   Who needs to buy tickets to the NHRA’s?

12.  If you’re downsizing or live in a small space-they’re perfect!

New Available BRATs: Kerby, Ricky, Benji, Zoey, Cody

Name: Kerby
Dog state: California
DOB: 7/7/2002
Gender: Male
Color: Red & white
Weight: 23


Kerby is a good natured, well-rounded, male basenji who has a heart of gold and wants to share it with you. His appearance is as special as he is. He has a shadow of a black saddle marking on his back which we think adds to his unique and totally charming personality. He adores his people and gets along well with everybody -- men, women, and children.

Click here to read more about Kerby!

Name: Ricky
Dog state: Indiana
DOB: 2000
Gender: Male
Color: Tricolor
Weight: 34


Ricky is a very sweet older gentleman. He’s the rough and tough, strong and silent type, with a calm, observant demeanor. He would prefer to accompany you anywhere you go, but is OK if he can’t. He’s courteous, respectful and well mannered. Being an older gentleman, he likes his routine, and he likes his quiet. His favorite spot is by your side. There he will sleep for hours...

Click here to read more about Ricky!

Name: Benji
Dog state: Indiana
DOB: 2007
Gender: Male
Color: Red & white
Weight: 33


Benji is a amazing diamond in the rough! He knows many commands, gets along with other female basenjis that are not dominant or aggressive and is a snuggler. He does enjoy a good walk or a jog and is losing weight with proper exercise and nutrition. This sweetie pie didn't have much training in his former life and is doing very well with his foster family about learning and getting into a routine. As you can tell from his photo he has only one eye. Benji was reportedly in an auto accident many years ago and lost an eye. BUT, he is "all basenji"!

Click here to read more about Benji!

Name: Zoey
Dog state: Illinois
DOB: 2003
Gender: Female
Color: Red & white
Weight: 38


Zoey is an amazing lady! This beautiful 9 year old basenji is very sweet, loving and would love nothing more than to have a home to call her own. Zoey is good with other dogs, but would prefer to be the only female dog in the house. She is good with her house manners and her foster family continues to work with her in that regard. She is crate trained and house trained.

Click here to read more about Zoey!

Name: Cody
Dog state: Indiana
DOB: 2005
Gender: Male
Color: Red & white
Weight: 35


Cody started out in life as a show dog who did not like being in the ring. His breeder placed him with an adopter who later surrendered him to rescue. Cody is a playful and social basenji with lots of energy. He is currently boarded at a kennel due to a shortage of foster homes in the Midwest. He may have habits or quirks which have not been identified but over all he is a very sweet boy who craves attention. More than anything else, Cody needs someone who is willing to take a less than perfect basenji and show him that life in a real home is much better than living in a kennel. 

Click here to read more about Cody!

Looking to open your home to one of these lovely dogs? Please check out the main BRAT page for more available rescues!

Togetherness

Right from the start, there was a special bond between Jazzie and Dixie.

Coming in out of the rain, Dixie dries Jazzie.

Wherever Jazzie is, Dixie is.

Sharing sunshine.

Always sharing space.

Best friends forever!

New Available BRATs: Tashja, Josie, and Zoie

Name: Tashja
Dog state: Illinois
DOB: 2003
Gender: Female
Color: Red & white
Weight: 25


Tashja was recently rescued from a home that she shared with many other Basenjis. She is currently living at a kennel and enjoys her frequent visits from her rescue coordinator. She greets her special visitor with tail wags and kisses, and her baroos indicate that she has all sorts of feelings she wants to communicate. Tashja is very clean and never messes in the indoor portion of her run. She does not chew on or shred her bedding. This girl is ready to have a real home where she can love and be spoiled as she deserves.

Click HERE to learn more about Tashja!

Name: Josie
Dog state: Michigan
DOB: 12/23/2009
Gender: Female
Color: Brindle
Weight: 25


Introducing Josie (but no pussycats)! Josie is a really cool basenji girl. She is absolutely beautiful and has amazing personality. She loves her people and enjoys exploring EVERYTHING! This little rock-star diva is very curious. Care should be taken around open doors. If you are an active person, Josie will make a great walking or running companion. She is active and as a young basenji, will need activities in place to keep her in top shape!

Click HERE to learn more about  Josie!

Name: Zoie
Dog state: Michigan
DOB: 9/4/2003
Gender: Female
Color: Tricolor
Weight: 20


Zoie is a real go getter! This little "pistol" is a bundle of energy looking for a home and family to keep her busy! She is very curious and enjoys exploring. She is very sweet and loves to give kisses. Oh yes ... she's a kisser! Zoie is very playful too. She is selective about her canine companions, but she loves to play with her people and toys. If you are a family who enjoys the outdoors, Zoie is for YOU! She would make a great hiking or running companion. She is also non-destructive, crate and house trained. 

Click HERE to learn more about Zoie!

Find a Basenji that is just right for your home! Please visit our main BRAT page for more available rescues.

Blankie Trains

Ivan and Dasa already know they are royalty, which is why is seems natural for them to wander around with blankie trains when the weather is chilly. We have an abundance of dog blankets scattered around the house, most of them acquired from yard sales, although a few special ones were made for the Munchkins by talented aunts with a fondness for small dogs.

These blankets are distributed between the first and second floors, with a couple extra ones stored on the basement futon bed for good measure. The plan is for there to be a blankie within reach wherever a small dog might be napping. I rearrange the blankets as needed. When said small dogs stand up, usually to check on movements in the kitchen, the mantles stay on their backs like little horse blankets. Ivan’s will be anchored by his curly tail, often giving him the appearance of having a royal train. The blankets stay in place, trailing along behind the Munchkins, as long as they wander on the same floor, but the trains are usually lost during the procession between floors and we find them halfway up the stairs.

A recent visitor surveyed the stuffed animals and small blankets festooning the floor and furniture and said, “It looks like you have children.” I replied, “We do have children, small furry children with curly tails and four feet.”

New Available BRATs: Pepsi, Lily, Lola, & Cairo

Name: Pepsi
Dog state: Califiornia
DOB: 12/08/2009
Gender: Female
Color: Red & white
Weight: 21


Pepsi is a typical young Basenji with a mind of her own. She can be very affectionate but will require care in handling for her safety and yours. She has a tremendous amount of energy which must be channeled in a positive direction. The ideal home would be one with knowledge of the Basenji temperament, willingness to work with her youthful exuberance and one where she can get enough exercise to keep her tired

Click HERE to find out more about Pepsi!

Name: Lily
Dog state: Illinois
DOB: 2007
Gender: Female
Color: Tricolor
Weight: 25


Lily is a very sweet lady that just wants to be loved and given lots of attention. This very overweight girl could use some exercise and play time. She walks very nicely on the leash and is currently learning how to use a treadmill. After all, she is a Basenji, and doesn't like the freezing cold temperatures Midwestern winters. She prefers to sleep cuddled up on her human's bed, or on the sofa when nobody is home. She knows how to greet homecomers with a yodel on command!

Click HERE to find out more about Lily!

Name: Lola
Dog state: Illinois
DOB: 2005
Gender: Female
Color: Brindle
Weight: 40


Lola is a big girl who may look rough around the edges, but she is quite a character with tons of confidence. She is extremely intelligent, and knows how to open doors and previously "dog-proofed" containers. Those big paws of hers can reach far distances! She loves to play and craves attention. She loves to snuggle with her humans. When she gets too warm, Lola will go sleep on the floor in her doggie bed and snore away.

Click HERE to find out more about Lola!

Name: Cairo
Dog state: Georgia
DOB: 12/10/2010
Gender: Male
Color: Red & white
Weight: 25


Cairo is full of energy and loves to go on walks and meet new people. He walks quite well on a leash and responds to "wait" and "no". One of his favorite out door pastimes is to chase those pesky tree climbing rodents. There surely would be no varmints in the yard he protects. He rides well in the car, and sleeps well with his humans. He is social and quite active, as he is a young Basenji! 

Click HERE to find out more about Cairo!

There may be a Basenji just waiting to burrow under YOUR covers. Please visit the listings on the main BRAT page to view all currently available rescues.

Sun Spot Soap Opera

Since I work from home, I am often told that Shaka and Audrey are lucky to have me with them almost 24/7 (though I also travel one to two weeks a month when they are with the house/dogsitter).

I say that I am the lucky one since I have non-stop entertainment. While California has had an especially mild winter like much of the country, days are still short and sunlight is a precious commodity for the eternal solar-loving basenjis who have to be a bit more competitive to get their sunbaths, and that translates into some fun melodrama.

"Ha, ha, ha. Look at me. I've got the best view and sun in the house and I'm not sharing any of it with Shaka."

"Guess again, Audrey!"

"Oh, well, it was fun while it lasted."

Helping a Shy Dog: Talley’s Story

Most of us have experienced or know what it means to “fail” fostering.  This past summer when I fostered an adorable little black & white basenji girl named Talley, was the first time I actually came close to failing fostering myself.  But, in the process, I learned a lot about how to work with a shy dog as we helped Talley to get ready for her eventual adoption.  Here is Talley’s story, retold here so that the tips I learned may help others who work with shy dogs. 

Talley came to us in May 2011, as a part of a large group of rescues from the Philadelphia area.  This group of dogs had never really had much human interaction before, so were extremely shy around most humans, especially men.  Talley fought me and the leash the whole way out the door and into the car, and once in the car she plastered herself up against the passenger’s side window, as far from me as she could get.  With a 3-hour drive ahead of us and a bag full of treats, I decided to start trying to win Talley’s trust by tossing her tiny little pieces of chicken jerky.  Nervous at first to the point of agitation, she wouldn’t touch them for the first hour, but eventually she did start to nibble at them, tried a few, then started gobbling them up greedily as fast as I could break off more bits of jerky.  I started giving them to her by hand, so she could get comfortable with the smell of me and having my hand near her, and she hesitatingly began taking them from me.  After 20 minutes of hand-feeding her, I began to scratch the bottom of her chin (always go for the chin first with a shy dog, since it’s less dominating than the head), then moved to the neck, and eventually around to petting her on the head.  With one hand still on the steering wheel, I pet Talley nonstop for nearly an hour, growing ever more confident with my movements, and with her growing ever more comfortable with me.  By the end of the car ride, she was starting to gingerly test out my lap, and I knew we would be friends.  

Getting home, however, we entered into a whole new challenge: Introducing a terrified dog to the house, the dogs, and my husband.  Most fosters have their “usual” way of introducing a new dog to the pack, which is even more important to follow when you’re introducing a shy (read: insecure) dog to your home: 

Talley gets acquainted with Reef

1. Let the new dog run around the backyard by herself, dragging her leash, to empty her bladder and familiarize herself with the territory. 
2. Get ahold of a squirt bottle, hold the new dog’s leash, and have someone else bring out one of the resident dogs on leash.  Walk the new dogs around the yard together, never letting them go head-to-head or get too close, and squirt anyone who growls. 
3. When the dogs are comfortable with one another, drop the resident dog’s leash and let him come sniff the new dog while you (the pack leader) are still holding the new dog’s leash.  If necessary, kneel down next to the new dog, to show ownership over the new dog and let the resident dog know not to mess with her.  Let the dogs sniff each other, and squirt anyone who growls or postures. 
4. As the dogs get more comfortable, drop the new dog’s leash and let them sniff without being “shielded” from one another.  Be watchful – this is where a fight is likely to break out if there’s going to be one.  As the dogs sniff each other, encourage them to move around the yard together, and sniff the bushes together.  It may be too early for them to start to play, but try to get them to run around if you can. 
5. After the dogs seem comfortable with one another, put the first dog in the house and repeat the process with the second dog.  
6. When you’ve got the second dog comfortable with the new dog, repeat the process with both dogs together at the same time. 
7. When everyone is comfortable together in the yard, take everyone’s leashes together, and enter the house at the same time.  Have baby gates in place before you enter, so that the dogs are initially confined to just one room (preferably the kitchen, in case of accidents).  All dogs should remain dragging leashes for the first few hours/days until you are sure there will not be dog fights.  As you are comfortable, add more rooms to their “roaming area” one by one.  If potty training is an issue, only allow the dogs access to one room at a time – the room you are currently in – to avoid having the new dog run off to another room to potty in secret. 

After this initial orientation to the house and the pack, Talley gradually started to acclimate to life as a foster dog.  There were a few spats between the dogs, but nothing outside of the ordinary dynamics of a new pack trying to establish a dominancy hierarchy.  On the human side, Talley very quickly started to trust me enough to pick her up and handle her, but she still remained terrified of my husband, Mike, and all newcomers to the house.  Because we were trying to get her ready for adoption, we had to work on helping her to overcome this shyness behavior ASAP, or else she would never be able to go to a new home.  Through our experiences and lots of great advice from the BRAT network, we implemented the following tips for working with shy dogs, all of which really helped Talley to gradually come out of her shell over the next few weeks: 

• Have the new dog wear a harness and drag a leash around inside the house for the first week or so.  You want to be able to get ahold of her when you need to, without having to chase or corner her (both of which would terrify an already shy and scared dog!), and she's so shy that luring her with a treat probably won't work all that well either.  The best thing to do is to have her drag a leash and wear a harness so you can get hold of her without invoking her fear response, until she gets comfortable enough with one person to allow them to regularly approach her without her running away.  Also, wearing a leash and harness is a great safeguard against the new dog accidentally slipping out the door while she acclimates to being in your home. 

• While the new dog is wearing a leash and harness, try hooking the leash to your beltloops for a few days, so the new dog has to be in close proximity to you and follow you everywhere.  This helps get the dog used to your presence (also helps avoid potty accidents!), and it allows you to be able to reach down and pet the dog whenever you want to without having the dog run away.  Eventually the dog will get used to you and you can take the leash off.  After we took Talley’s leash off, she still wasn't a fan of my husband reaching for her for pets, but she did start readily coming up on the couch and sitting near him because she had gotten used to being around him.  She would get closer and closer all the time, and gradually started letting Mike reach for her to pet her while she was laying on the couch.  It was a big win for a shy dog, which was greatly facilitated by keeping them leashed together for the first few days.
• When the new dog is untethered from you (but still has a leash and harness on), use baby gates to keep her in the same room where you are at all times, but make sure she has a "safe space" in each room where she can go to feel secure.  Because she's terrified of her new environment and needs somewhere to feel is "hers," she should have a den-like space in each room where she can go and no one will bother her.  Usually a crate covered with a blanket works well, or sometimes underneath an end table, or the corner of a sofa with lots of pillows to burrow in.  You want this safe space to be where you can see her and she can see you as you move about the house, because you want her to feel safe but still see you and your dogs following you around confidently.  Eventually once she feels safe she'll start venturing out -tentatively at first, and gradually getting bolder- to see what the other dogs are interested in.  As long as she can physically see that they're okay with you, she'll start becoming more okay with you, too.  (Note: The baby gate strategy also helps to make sure that she won't go into another room and have a potty accident while you're not looking!).   

Hiding under the patio table

• Once your new dog gets comfortable with one human, have that person facilitate contact with other people.  With Talley, I started this by making her sit between Mike and I on the couch.  Anytime I was sitting on the couch with Mike, I picked Talley up and plopped her down between us.  At first she would lean away from Mike with all her might, or she would try to jump down (I wouldn't let her), but after a few times she learned that she was okay just sitting there between us.  I would pet her, then Mike would start petting her too, then I would stop and just leave Mike petting her.  After a while, she became okay with Mike just reaching over and petting her while she was seated on the couch.  After she got comfortable with this level, we upped the ante even more by having me pick her up, then hand her to Mike, and he would carry her around for a while.  By the time Talley got adopted, she still wasn't yet okay with Mike reaching for her while she was on the floor, but it seemed that if I initiated the touch and then handed off to Mike, she'd be fine.  

All ready to be adopted!

By implementing all of these tips for working with a shy dog, we helped Talley to make a little bit of progress every day, and within weeks I started to see her really come out of her shell.  By the time she was adopted in July of 2011, Talley was definitely ready to begin forming attachments with other humans, and we knew what techniques would work to help her continue to make progress.  We chose a wonderful new family for her in North Carolina, where she would have two basenji companions to help “show her the way” when it comes to trusting her new humans, and we made sure to give the family all of the great techniques we had discovered along the way to help her.  They have continued to work with her, and from the pictures we’ve gotten from time to time, it seems she’s doing great! 

Talley, the shy dog who was worth the challenge!

Dental Health for Dogs

Not only is February the month for lovers, it's also the month to show your love for your Basenji by paying special attention to his or her dental health. Pet Dental Health Month, sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association, stresses that dental health for pets is as important as it is for humans. You wouldn't neglect yours or your child's teeth -- why would you ignore your dog's? 

Periodontal infections have been linked to many very serious conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and strokes. The best way to prevent infections of the gums and teeth is to brush them regularly and have them routinely inspected by your veterinarian.

I can hear you thinking, "Brush his teeth? Yeah, riiiiight!" But you can do it! As with any training, it helps to break into the routine gradually. Keep daily brushing sessions short and positive. Don't pin your dog down and expect him to enjoy having his teeth scrubbed with a foreign object. Instead, start by holding him in your lap and dipping a finger into beef or chicken broth.  When he opens his mouth to lick, gently rub his teeth and gums, and praise him happily. He will soon be looking forward to this tasty little ritual, and the length of time you spend with your finger in his mouth can be extended. 

Then you can move on to the next step, which is the introduction of a small piece of gauze wrapped around your rubbing finger. As before, dip in broth, but rub the teeth and gums gently in a circular motion. Don't be in a hurry, and don't forget the happy praise throughout!

When he has accepted this procedure, your dog should be ready for you to begin using a small toothbrush -- either a child's soft toothbrush, or one specially made for dogs. Use the toothbrush in conjunction with a flavored dog toothpaste. (My Basenji loved liver flavor. Eeeew!) You can also find recipes for homemade dog toothpaste online; but whatever you use, do not use human toothpaste, as it can cause stomach upset.

When your vet examines your Basenji's mouth, he may notice a buildup of plaque or inflammation of the gums; he will probably recommend a thorough cleaning and evaluation. This is not an inexpensive procedure, but professional attention can prevent needless pain and add years to your dog's life. The same anesthesia protocol should be used for your Basenji as would be used for a Greyhound. A veterinarian who has not treated a Basenji may not know or remember that it is a sighthound. You might say something like, "I don't mean to insult you, but I have to make sure you know..."  Unfortunately, I have heard of a few cases over the years that resulted in death due to use of the wrong anesthetic. 

More information on the subject can be found on the article Maintaining Those Pearly Whites on the BRAT website, a step-by-step look at routine dental prophylaxis being performed on a Basenji. Knowing what to expect reduces the fear factor.

Now that you know how to get started, give your dog a kiss and go fix some beef broth! Happy Dental Health Month!

 

- Chey Miller

New Available BRATs: Penny Lane, Laika, Zola

Name: Penny Lane
Dog state: Michigan
Gender: Female
DOB: 1/10/2002
Color: Red & white
Weight: 22.5


Penny Lane is a beautiful girl with a copper red and white coat. She is super sweet to everyone she meets and loves to go on walks. She gets along very well with her foster brothers. She likes to sleep a lot, but she can be very playful too. She gently wrestles with the younger basenji in her foster home, and rolls around while he cleans her ears every morning.

Click HERE to find out more about Penny Lane!

Name: Laika
Dog state: Massachusetts
Gender: Female
DOB: 1/13/1999
Color: Brindle
Weight: 24


Laika is a beautiful, dark brindle girl. She has led a quiet life as the companion to an elderly woman who loved her dearly. Laika's owner passed away last summer and has been in the care of the owner's grandson. He can not keep Laika  because he works long hours and poor Laika is left home alone. She would love to be the center of attention again.

Click HERE to find out more about Laika!

Name: Zola
Dog state: Pennsylvania
Gender: Female
DOB: 12/16/2007
Color: Red and white
Weight: 21




Zola is wonderful girl who will warm your heart with just one look! She loves to be active by going on daily walks and playing with her toys, but she is also content when sitting next to you on the couch. Zola is a huge snuggler! She wants to be touching you all the time and will let you know this by tapping your hand or leg with her paw reminding you that she's there and ready for some attention. Once she warms up to you, there is no going back!

Click HERE to find out more about Zola! 

Many more Basenjis are looking for their forever homes. Please check out the list of available dogs on the main BRAT page!