BRAT Frequently Asked Questions
 How does the BRAT placement process work?
Why are these dogs in rescue? Are they bad dogs? Is a basenji the right dog for me and my family?
I already own a female dog and want to adopt another female. Is
this a good idea?
Why should I
consider adopting an older basenji? I want to become a basenji breeder. Will BRAT place an intact dog
with me?
I have been thinking about purchasing an electronic fence for my
yard. Does BRAT recommend electronic fencing for basenjis? Does BRAT transport dogs to their new homes?
How much does it cost to adopt a basenji?
I want to adopt a dog quickly. How long will it take for me to get
my basenji?
I just received an e-mail from a BRAT representative assigned to
my state, what should I do?
I am interested in adopting a dog I just saw on the email list (or
the web page). What should I do next?
We are thinking about adopting two basenjis. Should we adopt both
of them at the same time or wait awhile in between?
Does BRAT provide any post-adoption care to new owners?
 The first step for the potential adopter is
to complete a BRAT
adoption application. The application will be forwarded to
a BRAT representative for
your state who will contact you, probably by e-mail but possibly
by phone. Remember, that our representatives are all volunteers,
so it could take them a few days to get in touch with you.
The BRAT representative may ask you some
questions, even though you have already answered a bunch of them on the
application. Please do not be put off or offended by this. Yes, it can be odd to have a stranger ask if you intend to allow a dog
to sleep in your bed! Just remember that the BRAT representative
wants the best possible match for adopters and basenjis.
In order
to reach that goal, a lot of information is needed, so you might be
asked questions such as these:
- What are your expectations? Do you want a dog that is promptly
obedient and content to lie endlessly by your side, gazing up
adoringly?
Well, basenjis can be obedient, they certainly like to
snuggle at times, and they often give adoring looks. However, basenjis
are also strong-willed, creative, intelligent little beings who most
certainly have minds of their own.
 If your expectations fit well with typical basenji
behavior, then both you and a basenji may be blessed with a long and happy
relationship. If not, maybe some other breed or mix would be a better
choice for you.
An important part of your expectations is, bluntly put, what you are
willing to deal with.
- Are you willing to adopt a basenji who might chew up
your sofa or try to climb your fence? How about one who has never lived
indoors and has somewhat iffy house manners? Or one who requires
medication for hypothyroidism or is on a dietary protocol for Fanconi
Syndrome?
Some rescues are well trained and socialized while others come
from situations where they were neglected or abused.
- How much effort are
you willing to put into helping your basenji become the pet of your
dreams?
- What are your beliefs about training, crating, and other
dog-related issues? For instance, do you feel that dogs should be
allowed to run free?
If so, a basenji is probably not the best dog
for you.
- What about crating? Do you think crates are horribly cruel
and abusive no matter how they are used?
 The fact is that some
basenjis cannot be left alone uncrated without causing severe damage
to your home and possibly to themselves as well.
- Do you believe in
training with rewards, punishments or a combination of both? How do
you feel about spaying or neutering your dog?
- What is your housing situation like? Do you rent or own? Does
your landlord allow dogs? Do you have a fenced yard?
If not, you
can still adopt a basenji, but you will need to have a good plan for
exercising your dog either on-leash or in some secure area.
- What is your household like? Do you have a significant other?
How does this person feel about dogs in general and basenjis in
particular? Do you have children, or do children regularly visit?
Many
basenjis are fine with children, but some (like some children) tend to
play rough, and this can escalate into an unacceptable situation.
- Do
you have dogs? What breeds and ages are they? Have they been spayed
and neutered? Are there any behavioral issues? Got cats?
Some basenjis
do well with felines, but others simply view them as "prey"
to be chased and harassed.
- What kind your lifestyle do you have?
 Being a good dog owner
requires time and effort, and this can be even more true if you adopt
a rescue dog. The good news is that you will not have to spend much
time grooming your basenji. However, this is a breed with lots of
energy, and the motto "a tired basenji is a good basenji"
certainly holds true. You will need to find time in your schedule to
give your basenji an appropriate amount of exercise, both physical and
mental.
This means that if you travel a lot and can't take your dog along, or if
you have so many other commitments that the basenji would be "just
one more thing," now is probably not a good time to add a basenji to
your family.
Once you have completed the application, you will begin receiving e-mails
describing new basenjis and basenji mixes available from BRAT, as well as
from shelters and other organizations. You should also check out the adoption
listings on the BRAT website. Look at both the purebreds and the basenji
mixes. Read the profiles carefully! We provide as much
information as possible about each dog in order to help you decide whether
or not to apply for him. If you have cats or children, for example, be
sure to note whether a particular dog does well with them. Knowing what
kind of applicant the coordinator is looking for can save both of you a
lot of time and frustration.
When you notice a dog that strikes a chord, e-mail the coordinator for
that dog. The coordinator will have access to your application and may
e-mail or call you with some additional questions. Again, please do not be
offended. And please be patient because sometimes there are many
applicants for a particular dog.
If the coordinator decides to pursue the placement of the basenji with
you, you will be asked to schedule a home visit. This will involve a BRAT
representative's visiting your home. Yes, there will probably be more
questions, but remember that they are meant to help ensure a positive
outcome for both you and the basenji. In some circumstances, it may be
possible for you to visit the dog you are interested in adopting. This can
be particularly useful for both first-time basenji people and those with
other dogs. It is critical if the basenji is shy or has difficulty
accepting some people.
When you are approved for a basenji, you will be expected to pay a
placement fee and sign a contract.
The adoption fee varies based on the age of the dog and is listed on the
web posting. While the fee helps defray the costs of care for basenjis in
rescue, it by no means covers all of the costs.
The coordinator will also work with you to arrange transport
of your basenji. Often BRAT members are willing to help by driving
your new dog part of the way. These runs are a wonderful expression
of the love that basenji people have for their breed, and at the end of
the run, you’ll have your dog. If air
transport is the best option, it may be arranged at the expense of
the new family at a cost typically between $175 to $300 depending on
location and airline. If you ever have any questions about BRAT or the placement
process, please send them to brat-help@lists.basenjirescue.org
 There are a lot of reasons why basenjis and other dogs
come into
rescue. Some of the most common include:
-
Life changes: Sometimes major life changes force people to give up
treasured companions. An owner may suffer a catastrophic illness or
injury, or the health of a family member can suddenly require all of
the owner's time and effort. Job requirements such as long work hours
or prolonged travel may mean the owner does not have time for the
dog.
-
Marriage might bring a spouse or stepchild who cannot live with the dog,
or a new baby may take up all of the owner's time. Divorce often plays a
role in relinquishment, as may unexpected financial difficulties.
-
Irreconcilable differences: Okay, we may be biased, but basenjis are
gorgeous dogs and basenji puppies are just about the cutest critters
imaginable. Unfortunately, that beautiful face with the expressive
eyes and wrinkled forehead (not to mention the curled tail) can appeal
to people who are not really suited to having a basenji. They get the
darling puppy home and find themselves unable to deal with typical
basenji puppy antics. Some people have heard that basenjis do not bark
and assume they must be totally silent-which
they definitely are not. Others have read that basenjis are good
apartment dogs, so they think they do not have to provide them with
regular exercise. Some hope to get an obedient dog or something else
that a basenji just is not. Often such people truly care about
their dog, but recognizing their mistake in selecting a basenji,
they may ask BRAT to find the dog a more suitable home.
-
Some basenjis in rescue were literally "rescued." They
have been removed from abusive or neglectful circumstances to be
rehabilitated and placed in homes where they will be understood and
cared for. This includes dogs saved from
puppy
mills or seized from "collectors."
-
Health problems: Some basenjis come into rescue because they develop
health problems that their owners are unable to deal with, or simply
because they're old. These basenjis, with proper care, can make
wonderful pets.
-
Behavior problems: Basenjis are smart,
strong-willed, independent, creative dogs. They require intelligent
handling. If left to their own devices, they may
learn
behaviors that are unacceptable. They need to be socialized
and taught what is acceptable. Some people find themselves with an
unruly dog and get a trainer for themselves and the dog.
Others choose
to relinquish the dog. These dogs are not bad dogs. They are dogs who may be
poorly trained or under-socialized, but who can benefit greatly if someone
is willing to spend time with them, be consistent, and give them proper
training. This is not to say that a few weeks in a class will yield a
perfect companion. "Dog" training is not just training the dog.
It is also training the owner so the owner will continue to shape the dog
towards better behavior. Please note that BRAT does not knowingly accept
or place vicious dogs.
 This is a great question. If everyone who is thinking about getting a
basenji would ask this question, there would probably be fewer basenjis in
rescue. The best way to answer it is to think about yourself, your family,
why you want a dog, and what you want from your dog. Consider the
following:
Maybe a dog is not the best choice for you at this
time.
-
What kind of dog do you want? One who is highly obedient and
lives only to please you? One who can safely be allowed to run off-leash?
One who just likes to lie around the house all of the time? Do you want a
dog who has never met a stranger and who instantly loves everyone,
including small children?
“Yes” responses to any of these questions should lead
you to question whether a basenji is right for you. Basenjis are obedient
some of the time, but they are sight hounds, bred for generations to be independent thinkers. They need
both physical and mental stimulation, and if they see anything of interest
to pursue (literally or figuratively), they will not hesitate to pursue it.
Basenjis are active, often fearless dogs who, when off-leash, may run in
front of a vehicle without the slightest sense of danger. This behavior is
driven by the basenji's survival instinct and should not be underestimated.
Some basenjis are outgoing, but others are more reserved and need to be
allowed to warm up to strangers before being petted. Many are wonderful
with children, but others don’t like them much at all. Read the Reality
Stories on this site to find out some of the harder truths about life
with basenjis.
-
Do you want an intelligent dog? A dog who will challenge you and
may even outsmart you on occasion? Do you want a dog who is cheerfully
disobedient? Are you willing to laugh at yourself when your dog puts one
over on you?
If you answered yes to these questions, a basenji might
be just the right dog for you.
- Are you willing to put in the time and effort it takes to be a
basenji owner? Will you go to training with the attitude that the training
is more for YOU than for your basenji? Are you willing to take your
basenji for long walks, play silly games, cuddle as needed, and provide
the consistent care and nurturing a basenji needs?
If you answered
"yes" to these questions, a basenji may be waiting for you.
Probably not. While there are exceptions to any rule, same-sex
aggression can often be a problem with basenjis. In general, and
especially when dealing with adult dogs, opposite sex placements are
easier and "safer".
Old. Elderly. Senior. The words conjure
unfair images infirmity and senility. What is old for a basenji? Like
humans, longevity is often dictated by a combination of genetic and
environmental factors. Basenjis seem to live longer than many other
breeds. This can be a good and a bad thing – especially given that we
live in such a “disposable society.”
BRAT (Basenji Rescue and Transport, Inc.) places many
dogs over the age of eight each year. Almost all of them adjust
wonderfully to their new homes.
It is a myth that the older dog takes longer to bond.
This is just not true at all. Once able to love, always able to love. If
they have bonded with previous owners, they will bond again – it is in
their nature. Now, a rescue that has been abused may have issues and be
more problematic, but that’s true regardless of any basenji’s age.
Most people want to adopt a rescue aged 2 or 3 years
old because by then the dog’s personality has been established, it is no
longer an unruly puppy, and the dog is still “young enough to bond.” But
this is true for the older basenjis as well! And, with advanced age come
some excellent benefits. An older rescue will not be as demanding.
He/she will be happy to follow the sun spots and doze away the day while
you work, and then greet you happily when you come home. The need for
exercise to blow off steam diminishes. Potty walks will be briefer and
there will be less pulling on the leash. (All the foregoing is said with
the understanding that there are always exceptions.)
Often, when an applicant’s elderly basenji passes
away, they will insist on adopting a young rescue to avoid the pain of
another loss. However, one basenji can never replace another and time
can dull memories of what it is like to live with a young basenji. One
can forget how truly energetic and demanding a young basenji could be.
An older basenji is perfect for the older applicant who might not be
able to manage a wild and crazy juvenile basenji.
An older basenji also makes an excellent pet for the
younger applicant to learn about basenji ways and become familiar with
the breed.
One of the oldest basenjis adopted through BRAT was a
sweet girl named Grace. She was raised by a man who allowed her to sleep
in bed and have free run of his home. Grace was happy. When Grace was
about 8 years old, the man married a woman and Grace’s happiness slowly
faded. The woman did not understand or like dogs. She thought that since
Grace was already 8 years old, she wouldn’t be around much longer. Boy,
was she wrong! At first, Grace was banished from the bedroom. As the
years went by, Grace’s comforts and pleasures were reduced further and
further. By the age of 16 years, Grace was chained to the kitchen table
and walked twice a day. Since the owners were downsizing and moving to
retirement, they contacted BRAT to find a new home for Grace. The last
two years (yes, she lived to 18) were probably the best years of her
life: she was flown from Florida to Seattle, WA and lived a very
pampered life with love to her last breath. The adoptive home was
thrilled with Grace from the day she arrived and they were honored to
have enjoyed her gentle, good spirit for however long they had her.
People often apply to adopt a rescue because they want
to do a good deed. They can multiply the power of their good intentions
by giving an older basenji a good home. As a reward, they can enjoy life
with a wonderful creature that is guaranteed to give more love and joy
than they can ever imagine.
 No, BRAT will not place intact dogs. BRAT’s mission
is rescue and we cannot place intact dogs and remain true to that
mission. In addition, BRAT was incorporated in Texas.
If you want to get involved in breeding, PLEASE learn all you
can about the breed first. Live with basenjis for a while, show them, or
get involved in performance events like lure
coursing or agility. Become a part of the greater basenji family. Join
a group like Basenji
Companions or your local
basenji club. Talk to other basenji people, including both experienced
breeders and those who have chosen NOT to breed. Consider the serious
issues of inherited illnesses
and defects. Make sure you are financially and emotionally able to
deal with the risks of breeding. Read over the
Basenji Club of America's Code of Practices
and make sure you are in compliance. If not, BRAT may very well wind up
placing the puppies you breed.
BRAT does NOT recommend electronic fencing as a means to
keep a Basenji safely contained. Having a high prey drive, they will
instantly give chase, ignoring the warning beep and shock they receive.
Once out, they will however, not accept the shock to get back into their
own yard. Squirrels, another dog, a cat, children, a leaf, a piece of
tissue paper flying by, are just some things that will steal their
attention.
These type of fences also give owners a false sense of
security about the reliability of the containment. It also doesn't
provide adequate containment to reasonably guarantee a dog's safety from
various threats. Children who could torment, rabid wildlife, service
people, etc.
The use of punishment in training can cause harm
to the trust that is needed in-between humans and dogs. When being
trained, a dog can view the human as the one causing the pain,
which could make the Basenji fear that human. Also, after being
shocked, some Basenjis may refuse to go into the yard, and can
develop "unexplained" aggression issues.
The only time an electronic fence will be allowed,
is when it is used in conjunction with a physical barrier.
We will NOT place one of our rescued Basenjis in a
home where the use of an electronic fence, as the only means of
containment, is being used.
BRAT often works with volunteers in the
Basenji
Underground Railroad (BUR) to provide transportation for newly adopted
basenjis. However, it is sometimes quite difficult to organize a relay of
drivers over a very long distance, and it is usually left to the
discretion of the various dogs' coordinators whether they want to try to
do this.
Sometimes air transport can be arranged at the adopter’s
expense, although this is usually not an option during warmer seasons due
to airline
restrictions. Also keep in mind that some dogs do not travel well or become
distraught when crated. These dogs will need to be placed with applicants
who live nearby.
The adoption fees are on a sliding scale,
based on the age of the Basenji:
Under six months, $350;
Up to one year , $300;
One to two years, $250;
Three to eight years, $225;
Over nine years - $100 - 200
We are flexible with pairs and special needs
dogs. BRAT also requires adopters to sign an adoption
contract. Please be aware that our adoption fees often do not
cover the care the basenji has received, and donations
are always appreciated. In some cases, when there have been
extraordinary medical or other costs, a higher placement fee may be
required.
Faster is not always better, especially when re-homing dogs.
People who work in rescue are certainly aware that those who want dogs can
easily visit a pet store, hand over their credit card, and go home with a puppy in a
matter of minutes. Part of the reason we are so aware of this is that we
see many of those puppies later in rescue.
BRAT has an excellent track record for placing basenjis in "forever
homes." One of the most important reasons for the high success
rate is the thoroughness of the screening and matching process. But
because it is thorough, it takes time.
How long a potential adopter can expect to wait while being
screened and approved for a particular basenji varies. The whole process
might only take a week or two, but more typically an applicant waits a
month or more for the right dog to come along.
While you are waiting, make sure you have "done your
research" by reading the Reality
Stories on this site. You might also want to visit BRAT's
bookstore to get some books about basenjis, training, dogs in general,
and canine health issues. If you buy any books through this link to
Amazon.com, 5% of the price will be donated to BRAT. You do not pay any
higher cost, and BRAT benefits from your purchase.
Usually, the first person to contact you after you
have submitted a BRAT adoption
application will be the representative assigned
to your state. This person will welcome you and verify that your
e-mail address is correct. The representative may also provide general
information about basenjis and about BRAT procedures. If there is anything
on your application that needs clarification, you may also be asked a few
questions. If you rent, you may be asked to provide a letter from
your landlord approving a canine resident for the property.
Be sure to respond promptly to your state representative, and
feel free to ask any questions you might have. Failure to respond will be
interpreted as a lack of interest and will result in your application
being removed from the active file.
First of all, if you haven't already done so, fill out the adoption
application. Then e-mail the basenji's coordinator, expressing your
interest. It is helpful if you can include a brief description of your
home situation and perhaps explain why you feel this particular dog might
be a good match for you. After that, wait for the coordinator to reply
(remember that it might take a few days).
In all likelihood, the coordinator will have further questions
for you. Think about these questions carefully. You may even wish to
discuss them with your family. As we mentioned before, BRAT coordinators
are not trying to be snoopy or give you a hard time. They just want a
positive outcome for you and the basenjis whose adoptions they coordinate.
You can help out by answering the questions as honestly as you can.
This another good opportunity for you to ask questions, too.
For example, if the coordinator mentions that the basenji has a particular
health
problem or behavioral challenge, you may want to request a more
detailed explanation.
If for some reason it will be a few days until you can answer,
at least let the coordinator know right away whether you’re still
interested.
Most basenji people believe that two basenjis are twice as much
fun as one, so if you are seriously considering having more than one of
these wonderful dogs in your life, why not adopt a pair from BRAT?
When you read about the pairs listed on the website, you will see that
these are dogs who have spent a good portion of their lives together, and
who are well bonded. You can be sure these pairs will play nicely with
each other, and the fact that they are being re-homed together should make
their transition a little bit easier.
There are other benefits to adopting
a pair - for instance, if you have to be away from home for several hours
each day, your dogs are not as likely to get lonely, bored, and
destructive if they have each other for company.
On the other hand, if you are not quite certain whether you
want two basenjis, it would be better to adopt one now and then wait six
months or even a year before adopting a second one.
By then, you will be
in a much better position to judge whether you and your dog would benefit
by adding to your family. Just remember that bringing another basenji into
your home may temporarily cause some behavior issues in even a
well-adjusted dog as routines and hierarchies change. For a basenji that
has had a difficult life, the stress of adding another dog too soon may be
lead to serious behavior problems.
Yes, absolutely! Nothing makes BRAT
people happier than seeing an adoption succeed. Adopting a basenji
is a life changing event. BRAT's Post Adoptive Care (PAC) is here
to provide guidance and assistance in making this change a
positive and "forever" one. Coordinators and foster
homes will keep in touch with you to help you over the almost
inevitable rough spots.
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