Requirements for Duke’s new home:
• A Basenji savvy home is a must.
• You must have a securely fenced yard.
• We're looking for a home with another playful, well-mannered dog.
• No air travel or long multi day transports.
If you meet these requirements, read on …
Duke is just short of two years old and is a very handsome red and white Basenji boy. He was destined to be a show dog and has the signature characteristics of the breed with long legs, tall chest and a beautifully curled tail. He is still a bit underweight at around 24 pounds, but his new diet of quality food is allowing him to gain in a controlled manner and his energy levels are increasing in conjunction with his better health.
Duke joined BRAT from a breeder/handler who was overwhelmed with the number of dogs in their kennel after his wife died. Reportedly, he and his pack mates spent all of their time in outdoor kennels and were never considered pets by the family. When he arrived at his foster home he was extremely nervous and defensive, suddenly surrounded by three foster brothers and a human he had never met before. Duke didn’t know his name, didn’t know about treats, had never seen a chew toy, didn’t know how to walk on a leash, and had never spent time indoors.
His transition has been remarkable. First learning that the proper place to do his “business” was outside; he quickly got used to the dog door, and he soon understood that he could go in and out as he wishes. Next, he quickly mastered walking on leash and now really enjoys going on twice a day walks with his foster brothers. He pulls a bit when walking with the group in the continual competition dogs have to be in front, when alone he is now well-mannered and endlessly curious.
Duke’s nervous habit is to pace in circles. When opportunities to meet new people come up, he always starts the circling maneuver, but if left alone his Basenji curiosity compels him to close the distance and take those exploratory sniffs that eventually turn into acceptance of the new presence.
Duke stays in his crate in the family room when the foster family goes out, and sleeps in a crate in the master bedroom at night. He is a good sleeper and may soon graduate to sleeping where he pleases, the same as his foster brothers. He has started lying on the couch and jumps on the bed when the opportunity arises. Not really a cuddlier yet but seems like he will get there as his comfort level increases.
He has learned to take treats, he definitely has his favorites, and helps himself to the items in the doggy toy basket. He has learned a few commands, “stop”, “leave it”, and to “be nice” when taking treats. He is slowly learning to “sit”, and is cooperative at mealtime, minding his own dish and waiting until everyone else has finished before they all engage in checking out each other’s leavings.
His Basenji personality is asserting itself and he has begun the typical behaviors of checking out trashcans, destuffing chew toys, and chasing birds away from the feeders. He is responding to his name and will come when called; although showing up doesn’t always mean staying unless there is food involved. He likes to wrestle and play tug-of-war with his foster brothers, and they often run full blast around the yard together.
Certain noises still bother Duke, but having experienced a recent storm, thunder does not seem to be a problem. He is great in the car and sits quietly looking out the windows. He destroys chew toys, and they must be taken before he swallows anything dangerous. A recent opportunity to visit inside the family clothes closet revealed that, without intervention, slippers are likely in grave danger.
Duke would do well in a family with (an)other playful and well-mannered dog(s) to continue his education on how to be a member of the family. He has never interacted with children but would likely do well with kids that are old enough to know to give him his space until he is comfortable. He has seen cats during walks and reacts with mild interest when my other cat-hating B tries to “get the kitty.” Since Duke is new to the world, a secure harness is a must for walks as he is completely unaware of the dangers of the roadway and will take off with little chance of recapture. A securely fenced yard is an absolute requirement.
Duke is vocal, with howls, short barks, and has started with a yodel which he usually does first thing in the morning when it is time for him to exit the crate and start his day.
If you think you could provide Duke with love, activity, and evening cuddle time, please read the data sheet below carefully, complete the BRAT adoption form (if you have not previously done so) and contact the BRAT coordinator, Sabina Knight.
The coordinator's link will take you to a form that will ask you your name, email address, the city and state you live in, why this dog is perfect for your family, a typical day in your household, and, if applicable, how you plan to transport Duke.
There is an adoption fee of $400.00 for Duke. This fee is used for the extensive costs associated with vetting and otherwise caring for Duke and future Basenjis in rescue. BRAT adopters receive a dog that has been spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated, treated for fleas and internal worms if necessary, DNA tested for Fanconi syndrome (dogs under 10), and heartworm tested. Our dogs get recommended dental work. When indicated, we test our dogs for thyroid deficiencies. They are also temperament evaluated. In addition, BRAT provides free lifetime post-adoption counseling to help deal with behavioral or health issues. Finally, we provide a free lifetime identification tag connected to our "lost dog" toll free number.
ABOUT THIS BRAT DOG
Name: Duke
Where: Las Vegas, Nevada
Birth Date: 12/27/2022
Gender: Male
Color: Red and White
Weight: 24 pounds
Neutered: Yes
Tattooed: No
Micro-chipped: Yes
HEALTH INFORMATION, VACCINATIONS, MEDICAL TESTS
General health information: Healthy
DHLP: Yes
Parvovirus: Yes
Rabies: Yes
Rabies Certificate: Yes
Bordetella: No
Lyme Disease: No
Heartworm: Negative
Regular heartworm given: No
DNA test for Fanconi: Pending
Other medications: None
EATING HABITS
Eating schedule: 170 grams (6 ounces) twice per day; gradually increasing to get him to ideal his weight.
Brand of food: Freshpet
Type of food: Refrigerated roll, varies between beef and chicken.
Begs for food: Begging not observed, but he really likes to eat.
TEMPERAMENT
Temperament description: Curious, playful, a lot of energy
Lived with children: No
Likes children: Unknown
Lived with cats: No
Likes cats: Unknown
Lived with dogs: Yes
Likes dogs: Yes
Prefer men or women: Either
Likes strangers: Yes but needs time to approach
Nips (playfully): No
Bites (in anger): No
Crate trained: Yes
House broken: Mostly
Destructive indoors: Normal puppy behavior
Destructive outdoors: No
Dog is a climber: No, but does like to run up and down the raised planters.
Dog is an escape artist: Likely
Easily startled: Yes
Wakes up grouchy: No
Rides well in car: Yes
Gets carsick: No
Rides in crate: He’s fine, either in the crate of not.
Yodels: Starting to.
Screams: No
Dog sleeps where: In crate in bedroom for now; but will likely be given his own choice soon.
If you are interested in Duke, please use our coordinator contact form, to email our BRAT coordinator, Sabina Knight. Thank you!
There is an adoption fee of $400.00 for Duke. This fee is used for the extensive costs associated with vetting and otherwise caring for Duke and future Basenjis in rescue. BRAT adopters receive a dog that has been spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated, treated for fleas and internal worms if necessary, DNA tested for Fanconi syndrome (dogs under 10), and heartworm tested. Our dogs get recommended dental work. When indicated, we test our dogs for thyroid deficiencies. They are also temperament evaluated. In addition, BRAT provides free lifetime post-adoption counseling to help deal with behavioral or health issues. Finally, we provide a free lifetime identification tag connected to our "lost dog" toll free number.