We have a new Foster... [Archive] - Basenji Forums

Basenjimamma

09-29-2009, 09:15 PM

...meet..well she doesn't have a name yet, but we are working hard on it, so we will inform when we figure it out.
We picked here up today, my son and I, in Waco, about 3 hours from our home, each way...long day for sure, but she was so worth it.
So far the pack are checking her out and sniffing every inch of her..some snarls and growls but nothing serious.
She is a sweetie and seems to love my kiddos, that is always a good sign..

look at me..
http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/swedepea_2008/IMG_3473.jpg
meeting the pack..
http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/swedepea_2008/IMG_3475.jpg

nobarkus

09-29-2009, 09:23 PM

Wel, well look at the new beautiful girl. Her coat looks really good too. How old is she? She looks young. Great of you once again Petra for helping out!

tanza

09-29-2009, 09:57 PM

She looks cute.... Hey... just a observation... looks to me like that harness is way too tight?

Rita Jean

09-29-2009, 10:27 PM

She is so cute and looks like she just fits right in. Ok guys what ever your looking at you share with the lady. I do agree in the first picture looks like harness is too tight. There is your lady and red Basenjimamma. Looks like she all ready likes her new brothers and we only name the babies we keep.

Rita Jean

Basenjimamma

09-29-2009, 10:47 PM

Thanks guys..things are escalading around here, she definitely stands her ground, so we have had a lot of fullblown fights already, my arm got in the middle, only grazed though, as I was trying to break them all up..Day 1..adjustment day..we just had to seperate her and Otis..poor Otis is just walking past her, not even cloe, 4+ feet from her and she goes ballistic..scary like my 4 yr old put it..
Day 2 will be somewhat better and day 3 better be "gooder" then Day 2..and so on.
The harness is off by the way, they didn't have anything different to put on her as they were transporting her from the shelter so they took what they had..she is now in a collar.

They don't know how old she is , the vet stated 6 mo, he is off I think, she is closer to 1-2 yrs I think..
Got to go , fight number 55..brewing in our livingroom..

Rita Jean

09-29-2009, 11:08 PM

Poor Otis he is so kind and good then Red says hello the hard way. Thank you about collar I know your there and see it. O for about day 10 when all is well and everyone is playing together I used the word playing. Have fun this evening.

Rita Jean

tanza

09-30-2009, 01:20 AM

Just remember that some will never "fit" in ..... so keep that in mind.... while you are fostering her..... it is better in most cases to set bounderies.. right off... and not just "dump" them into a situation where she might want to try and guard things.... and the others that are used to sharing don't get the signals that she is giving

Basenjimamma

09-30-2009, 01:43 AM

I know what you mean Tanza, things are getting better as the night approaches, so tomorrow will be better..I hope.
My pack are minding their business playing with their own toys and she will beeline to Otis, while he is laying there chewing his bone, and just attach herself to his neck...and the sounds coming out of her, wow...it is wild to see how she just attacks him..and the other ones as well, but it is much better now..
I have squirted all of them to split them up..and it works.

Rita Jean

09-30-2009, 01:49 AM

Hide Otis and his bone she sounds a little wild. Were did she come from and why? She must have been the only one. Best of luck for the rest of tonight.

Rita Jean

Basenjimamma

09-30-2009, 01:54 AM

No one knows where she is from, she was in a shelter, picked up from the streets, somebody contacted Brat and here she is..we have named her Dotty by the way, she has freckles all around her nose area, on her skin in the white fur area, as well as on her stomach. So Dotty fits well, Devil, is what my kids wanted to name her, thankfully they didn't get to decide..LOL
She is calm now and sleeping ever so peacefully with the other dogs, so all is good. I think we needed to establish pecking order and for her to tell them she won't get walked on..just 'cause she is new.

Rita Jean

09-30-2009, 02:02 AM

You could have let the kids name her Dev that away not everyone would know what it really was. Loss on streets she is lucky a car did not get her. She looks so pretty in the picture. Pecking order what are you talking about after all she is the only girl and now the Princess. LOL Sorry just had to say that lets hope all is calm and peacefull the full night but just before dawn look out.

Rita Jean

renaultf1

09-30-2009, 11:15 AM

she will beeline to Otis, while he is laying there chewing his bone, and just attach herself to his neck...and the sounds coming out of her, wow...it is wild to see how she just attacks him..and the other ones as well, but it is much better now..

Firstly, welcome to the new foster. :) Do you know if the place she was fostered in Waco before you got her if they had other basenjis in the house?

I'm wondering because, are your sure that the attaching at the neck and the noise isn't just play? Basenji play is VERY rough & tumble and VERY noisy. The neck grabbing is usually the initiating of play in my house - Ruby doesn't respond to the neck grab very well (usually ignores it until she coughs or growls when she isn't in the mood), she much prefers the basenji dance to initiate play. :)

It may be that she is a very rough player and Otis isn't used to it - so she needs to tone it down a notch and Otis might need to bring it up a notch ;):D. I'm just wondering if because Otis grew up around calmer different breeds if he isn't now being exposed to proper (or improper :D) basenji play. It does sound like maybe she was taken from her litter mates too soon so she didn't get the proper messages from her siblings about toning it down.

I will say if you aren't used to it, it is hard to judge, and in my house, I only break it up if someone looks like they aren't having fun or it ends up in the dogs "yelling" in each others faces. In my case, my 9mo. pup learned the rough play from my 2 adult basenjis right off the bat (11wks old) - a survival mechanism that the adults are paying for now. :D :rolleyes:

dash

09-30-2009, 12:16 PM

I would suggest keeping her on leash attatched to your hip until she settles. I know it would be annoying but it can give your dogs time to adjust without her in their face stealing their toys. They can get used to her just being there. Also, I would pick up toys and no treats and feed in the crate. Some fosters will blend really nicely in the pack and other won't. This isn't forever but just to avoid fights if possible.

Good luck and she is beautiful.

Basenjimamma

09-30-2009, 12:33 PM

Hi again, the night was long and I am tired..lol.
She didn't sleep more then maybe 1 hour at a time, then she got up to play, and this went on through the night. We tried crating her, but she cried and that still kept me up. I think she just had too much energy from being cooped up for so long in shelter. She has not been fostered before, as far as BRAT knows so this is all new to her.
Things are better for sure, but much more violent that I have seen in the other foster I have had. Otis is a rough player and very necky, but this was pure anger fights, she even drew blood on Otis lip at one point, and he is looking very uncomfortable. Like he is trying to figure out.."What the h---, this is my house, she can't just waltz in her and have her way.." She might have issues with males, who knows, that is why we are fostering right? To figure out where she fits in and who would be her perfect forever family..
I didn't get Otis until he was 4 mo. old so he grew up among other B's, his parents and one other set of adult B's as well as some littermates were still there when I got him, so he has been around b's for like I said his first 4 mo, this last 4 mo. he has played with some at the dog park, but only rough here at the house with our dogs and friends dogs.
Today is day 2 and it WILL be better, I just have to believe in that. Dotty is a sweetie towards the kids and us, no fear what so ever, just has issues with Otis and our dachshund, Gus..our female Schnorkie, she plays with normal, not killbill style..

wizard

09-30-2009, 01:04 PM

Kudos to you for taking in the foster - here's hoping things will work themselves out even more.

renaultf1

09-30-2009, 01:44 PM

Blood drawing doesn't sound good.

Have you walked Otis and the new foster together - what happens when they are "off your/Otis' turf."

Shaye's Mom

09-30-2009, 02:10 PM

Your new girl is beautiful - nice coat, and the usual elegant air about her!

Rita Jean

09-30-2009, 03:02 PM

I hope you have a better day today and maybe get a nap in. I think I would walk and play run do what ever. Keep her awake and going all day so just mabe she will so tried tonight she will sleep. Hope Otis lip is all right.

Rita Jean

vickilb

09-30-2009, 03:43 PM

Hunter, my BRAT pup, came from a house with 2 big dogs. He plays like a big dog! Way too rough for my Bandit. Maybe Dotty came from a house with big dogs?

I can say that, now, almost 4 months later, Hunter is learning it's not OK to play so rough. Bandit puts him in his place when she has to. And she's learning to keep her neck away from him!!!:o

thunderbird8588

09-30-2009, 04:16 PM

Aww poor Oyis, he must wonder what hit him :(
Hopefully Dotty will learn not to play so rough soon. You are very kind to open your home to foster dogs.
She looks a beautiful Basenji, i wish she was in the UK :(

thunderbird8588

09-30-2009, 04:16 PM

sorry about the typo, meant Otis of course not Oyis ,lol

Basenjimamma

09-30-2009, 09:25 PM

Hi all

Today has been better, partially because I had to go and sub at my daughters school today so they were all crated for some time, They are out and about right now and are actually doing really well, no snarks, nips yet.
I haven't walked them yet, but will this pm. Should I walk her alone or with one of the other dogs? Either way I will tire her out as best I can..If I have the energy to. I sub'd as PE teacher and boy let me tell you, 6 hours of outdoor pe, in 80 or so degrees was taxing, the fistfights and other various things that occured didn't help, but walks are a certain thing that will happen..
Thanks for all your help and inputs, I truly appreciate it.

Rita Jean

09-30-2009, 10:16 PM

Well if your not up to taking two walks I would walk Otis and Dotty at lease together. Poor Otis don't get to go walking he may have not like her is after all still number one. Maybe Dotty and Otis will be so tired everone will sleep tonight.

Rita Jean

Basenjimamma

09-30-2009, 10:20 PM

I don't mind two walks, I usually to three x 2.3 mile walks so they all get their own time, however, in this case should I bring her with Otis so they can deal it out?

nobarkus

09-30-2009, 10:32 PM

I don't mind two walks, I usually to three x 2.3 mile walks so they all get their own time, however, in this case should I bring her with Otis so they can deal it out?

Three x 2.3! Wow 7 miles is a lot a walk'n. That's great Petra!

Rita Jean

09-30-2009, 10:39 PM

I would walk them together but I am not there in case they have a fight you are. Maybe they will become friends this away. Have fun let us know.

Rita Jean

Basenjimamma

09-30-2009, 10:40 PM

Three x 2.3! Wow 7 miles is a lot a walk'n. That's great Petra!

Now I guess I am going to up that since I have a 4th dog in the house...I am going to be so healthy...another reason I love my pets..

renaultf1

09-30-2009, 11:33 PM

I was thinking that if you walk Otis and Dot together it might help with their bonding. You could give it a try and see how it goes.

BTW, I find walking 2 at the same time really easy. Adding a 3rd isn't so easy so mostly I do 2 walks morning and evening. :rolleyes::D

Basenjimamma

09-30-2009, 11:42 PM

I will try it after dinner, just had to pry her off of Otis neck once again, I am getting thoroughly over this..I am afraid for my kids limbs and my own legs and ankles when I walk past her, I simply do not trust that she will not lunge, not at us, she is really sweet towards humans, but by mistake when she is lungeing towards Otis.
I am having a hard time with this, and frankly just want to sit here and ball about it for a few minutes..
Poor Otis is walking around like he is on eggshells, looking slightly shell shocked, like he doesn't understand what he has done to deserve this..and I don't know either..he hasn't done anything..besides maybe living here and she hasn't..tears are taking over..I will be back..

Rita Jean

09-30-2009, 11:52 PM

I am sorry but this little lady would have to learn some manners. I would have to put her in the kennel she would have to know that Otis neck is not to eat. You can get your hand were it does not belong when your trying to pry her off Otis. I know she is new there but I do not know maybe a muzzle when she is near Otis for a few days. Now if they got along today in kennels they can do the same tonight.

Do not cry that will not help the problem only make you more upset get to thinking and set down the ground rules for your home and Otis.

Rita Jean

Basenjimamma

10-01-2009, 12:13 AM

You are right Rita, ground rules are set even for our own dogs and yes they get broken, and we fix them and move on..I guess I am just very leary about her being so sweet one minute and then bonker city the next, even to Otis..they played earlier like B's do..wow I thought we have a breakthough...it lasted only for few minutes.
I am standing my ground and letting both of them know this is unexceptable. Otis is allowed to get mad, IMO if he is being attacked, but she also have a right to establish were she belongs in the pack.

I got so mad a few minutes ago, when they were at it that slammed my hand as hard as I could into our granite counter top, so it popped real loud..both of them stopped and looked at me in fright...and I separated them and we went out and played..outside they are OK with eachother..

Rita Jean

10-01-2009, 12:50 AM

There must be something that set's her off. Playing and then just went off something must cause this. I hate to see Otis get mad do you not wonder if this could change him maybe not now but even down the road?
I understand she has to establish were she belong in the pack. To me I am sorry it's at the bottom. When we come in the door and Spice, Bo and Jaycee all come to the door Jaycee is not the first to get lovings and we do not do first come first serve. Spice was first then Bo and then Jaycee. Jaycee has tried several times to push back the other two but we set the ground rules and that's it she is doing better each time.

Please do not get Otis to have a fright over loud noise. I know it was just at the that second just did it. Happy all played outside and went so well. Rest have a better night.

Rita Jean

tanza

10-01-2009, 01:29 AM

I would never put a muzzle on a dog in the house... that is really just going to make it worse... that is not a solution... as I see it.. she is trying to put her dominance in the pack over Otis... you need to redirect her... and if needed, keep her separated from Otis.... Sharron, who has fostered lots of basenjis.. you might want to contact her privately...
Again.. please DO NOT put a muzzle on this bitch... IMO... it will only make the situation worse

Basenjimamma

10-01-2009, 01:34 AM

Tanza,
No worries I will not muzzle her..remember the objective is to get her fostered to later move into a a forever home, that would not be a positive thing in her life and she needs positive right now. I am keeping at it, and getting between them when needed, it actually helsp if I gently pet her and tell her it is Ok and for her to calm down, I of course also reassure Otis and let him know it will be OK. She still gets at him, but it seems milder now, so I think speaking to her gently is helping..
So far she has not bit any of us and I don't think she will, unless she is not seeing what leg belongs to whom..

tanza

10-01-2009, 01:38 AM

Oh here is a rub.... you need to let her know that "jumping" Otis is NOT OK.... you need to be pro active ... that she knows that is not acceptable behavior... but it sounds like she needs to be an only Basenji in her forever home.... and you need to be careful that she gets the difference from what is and is not acceptable.

Basenjimamma

10-01-2009, 01:44 AM

I will work on that, and I think you might be right, unless her behaviour changes rapidly, she will need a home where she is the only B for sure, maybe even the only dog..
Thanks for your thoughts and input..I need them badly..and appreciate them dearly.

renaultf1

10-01-2009, 11:07 AM

Sounds like quite an evening...sorry things are rough. One question...I can't remember if you said...is Dot spayed?

One thing to do is really observe her and her interaction with Otis - is there some sort of eye contact or body language thing going on that you haven't picked up on. It could even be Otis shooting her a glance of some sort that is setting her off - or not. If you pick up on it, you can end it before it escalates. But you really have to watch to see the signs.

An example of what I mean...
When Brando first got injured - there was a lot of bad glances going on between Ruby and Brando - and you could feel the tension in their energy. You could tell that Ruby was waiting to jump Brando, and it was up to me to make sure that didn't happen as he was injured and needed my protection. I think I said it before, but it ended up that I needed to separate the two of them for 6 weeks.

Even though the energy was pretty much back to normal when he got his cast off and I re-introduced them, at first Ruby would still try to set up Brando to jump him - and I could tell it by watching the way she moved around him, the eye contact she made or tried to make, or her interaction with him when he was playing with Aaliyah. Thru redirection and inserting myself in the middle of the play to stop it when I could see the signs that it could go off the rails, Ruby has stopped the behavior and the pack is back to normal - in fact, I think better than before as Ruby seems more stable. I would say that any sort of trouble between Ruby and Brando never came without warning - it was just whether I was proactive and picked up on the warning signs and did anything about them. I do now. And if I couldn't watch them, I couldn't leave them in the same room together and trust that nothing would happen.

It sounds like you might need to separate them while in the house. In my house, they could still see each other, but they couldn't get to each other.

Pat had a good suggestion about contacting Sharron - I'm sure she's seen it all in fostering. I would also highly recommend 2 little books by Patricia McConnell - How to Be the Leader of the Pack and Feisty Fido. They are short reads, but have great advice.

Basenjimamma

10-01-2009, 12:06 PM

Renault1.

Yes Dotty was just spayed while in shelter, so fairly fresh of about a few weeks to a month ago..
I just found out some more info about her this morning, we don't know how old she is but we are all thinking about to turn a year, so maybe 10-12 months, so young. She was taken from her mother at a way to young of an age, some have indicated at about 6 or so weeks so she clearly has not gotten the socalization down from her littermates or mother..that might be her biggest problem.
Last night I decided not to stop her when she would go at Otis, other then speaking to them in a calm voice and also touch them on their backs, it seemed to work to the point of things not escalading into the neck attachment thing she seems so fond of.
After a while I decided to leave their side and go do my own thing, i.e I snuck away, if they saw/heard me move away they were both following me like a magnet so I snuck away.

Of course I could here the fighting starting up again, but decided to leave them alone..they got at it, saliva was flying but I let them duke it out..and I think as long as nobody gets hurt, maybe I need to have Otis show her that it is not acceptable for that behaviour to exist.
They even ended up after a long time of snarling and saliva flinging, lay down on the same bed, backs to each other though and go to sleep..
She slept better, we tried the crate in our bedroom, but she was miserable in it, so we ended up letting her out and she went to sleep on my son's bed. She was up a few times checking things out through the night, but who can blame her, she is probably thinking this home is going away if she doesn't keep on top of it.
I will buy the book you recommended, sounds like a good read.

Thanks for your help, much appreciated.

Rita Jean

10-01-2009, 12:29 PM

It might have been a good deal letting them have it out now maybe they will like each or at least until the next round. (ding, ding) Who knows how she may have had to fight to get food or anything. Hope it is a better day. When I said muzzle I did not mean she had to sleep in it and keep on for hours just maybe once or twice while sitting beside Otis for 2 or 3 min's at a time. But since you let the duke it out you may not need that ideal of a muzzle.

Rita Jean

Basenjimamma

10-02-2009, 12:30 PM

Just wanted to update..
Things are getting better around her, Dotty is blending in better and the fights have diminished to sporadic/few and play is more prominent.
I basically took a step back and let Otis put her in her place and I think it worked, now she doens't seek him out anymore, rather tries to be his bud. Luna, our 10lb Schnorkie mix we have has also laid it on her, so Dotty has been taught and is still being taught what is cool and not.

She slept in her crate last night, cried and screamend for an hour before she fell asleep, but finally she gave up and tuckered out. I had the crate right next to our bed, so she wouldn't feel punished/abandoned/lonely, or whatever. Otis laid in his crate a few feet away and was curled up in a ball, but letting this really deep growls out every so often..I have never heard him do that before so it took me a while to figure out who was doing it, through the screams and whining from Dotty.
So far so good, she is coming around and is becoming a sweet part in our pack..

To all of you fellow forum friends, thank you so much for all your positive input, expertise and kind thoughts, they have helped me stay sane, as I was thinking I had made a big mistake bringing Dotty into our lives and making my pack so obviously unhappy. Play now overtakes the negative rumbles..