I have an imposter basenji on my hands.
Two days ago my sister babysat Kipawa. I didn't want him in his crate with his 'cone of shame' on, required after his neuter surgery. But my sis left an imposter basenji behind when we got back home.
Yesterday, my husband and I went to pick up his van (it needed repairs). So I took the cone of shame off and brought the dog we thought was Kipawa with us to get the van.
The imposter dog was super well behaved as we walked into the body shop and the service area, with lots of cars all around. He did sit/stay perfectly. People were petting him, both the workers and people sitting in the reception area waiting for their cars. He did not jump up on any them. He was the epitome of a pet therapy dog (that's what we are working towards).
Then Darrel drove his van back home and I took the imposter dog to Canadian Tire, a hardware store. The aisles were really narrow, but the imposter dog navigated them perfectly and didn't try to grab anything off the shelves while I looked for black hockey tape and found a bin to store dog food in and a small mat I need when I take MY dog to his next training classes starting on August 23.
Then I had to get something from the drug store. The imposter dog came with me in there and stayed right beside me, no pulling on the leash. No jumping up on people. Hmmmm. He sat quietly while a few people asked me about what kind of therapy he was going to be doing. I told them MY dog was going to work at the GF Strong Rehab hospital and ultimately it would be lovely if he could do some work at The Children's Hospital. That last venue really impressed people, and as the imposter dog sat nicely, the people pet him and said how cute he was. The sales associates at the cosmetic area asked if I would be keeping this dog, as PADS/therapy dogs are usually trained and then given to someone else. I told them we were keeping this dog, but in my head I was thinking "we'll be keeping Kipawa but not this imposter dog".
Then we headed home and the imposter dog laid on the front seat and rested. He is still being INCREDIBLY well behaved. I will eventually call my sister on this prank she has played on me, and we will get Kipawa back. 
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Seriously, could having this cone on his head be calming him? He only licked his little man area a bit yesterday, but enough that I needed to put the cone back on. And what kind of a reduction of hormones, if any, would I/could I be seeing this early?
If you use Tea Tree Oil around the surgery site, he will not be very inclined to lick it… and think you can leave the cone off, especially when you are at home.
And I seriously doubt the cone has anything to do with it or a sudden reductin of hormones.
More then likely all the training you have done with him is paying off. Well DONE!
What Pat says or it could be…
He remembers what happened the last time you took him somewhere (the vet, and had his "nuggets" removed), so he figures he better behave...or else...:D:D:D
What Pat says or it could be…
He remembers what happened the last time you took him somewhere (the vet, and had his "nuggets" removed), so he figures he better behave...or else...:D:D:D
LOL…. We can only hope that they are really that smart...(or maybe NOT)
:eek:
I would love to know how to get a "Stepford" basenji. Kipawa's sister has turned into her own evil twin this week. This morning Kevin took a small pillow away from her and put it back, a few minutes later she walked over picked it up and stood just out of his reach and shook it to get his attention. When he stood up to take the pillow she dropped it and wagged her "precious" little tail at him. He actually said, okay maybe she is being a little defiant. (mmm. yah think?) This week anyway I might just trade her for an imposter dog.
I think it really is just training catching up, boy I sure hope it catches up here soon 
Therese
Imposter dog!!! Too funny. I want one! I will trade you the black devil for Kipawa!
He remembers what happened the last time you took him somewhere (the vet, and had his "nuggets" removed), so he figures he better behave…or else...:D:D:D
This was also my first thought, but I am also familiar with the "lull the owner into a false sense of security so I can embarass them later" mentality of the basenji. I have been on several agility courses where my basenjis are stunned by the obstacles out there. Act like they've never seen any of them and never heard their of thier name. (I have every agility obstacle in my backyard and they see them most days of their lives.) So, be careful of that. Be ever vigilant.
If you use Tea Tree Oil around the surgery site, he will not be very inclined to lick it… and think you can leave the cone off, especially when you are at home.
And I seriously doubt the cone has anything to do with it or a sudden reductin of hormones.
More then likely all the training you have done with him is paying off. Well DONE!
Thanks Tanza, we do hope we are doing his training well! He is really turning out to be a lovely boy.
I picked up some Tea Tree Oil about an hour ago. Before I have to put him in his crate, I will apply it. Hopefully it will work. He won't be in his crate long, in any respect.
@Therese:
I would love to know how to get a "Stepford" basenji. Kipawa's sister has turned into her own evil twin this week. This morning Kevin took a small pillow away from her and put it back, a few minutes later she walked over picked it up and stood just out of his reach and shook it to get his attention. When he stood up to take the pillow she dropped it and wagged her "precious" little tail at him. He actually said, okay maybe she is being a little defiant. (mmm. yah think?) This week anyway I might just trade her for an imposter dog.
I think it really is just training catching up, boy I sure hope it catches up here soon
Therese
Well, perhaps when she meets her brother she can give her a few 'pointers'. It sounds like she is rather smart! Boy, do pillows ever get abused in basenji homes!
Ooh, a Stepford Basenji…does anyone know where I can get one?
This post was great..thanks for the laugh.
I say he is quietly plotting and planning his next move 
Be afraid, be very afraid
Stepford Basenji - great idea! It's comforting to know, while reading these responses, that I'm not the only one who would gladly trade for one of those "imposter dogs."
Hysterical. Can your sister do the same with mine?
On tea tree oil–- yeah you know I gotta put my 2 cents in. I threw mine out many years ago when the toxicity issues began being published. Yes, it may take a bit to cause a problem but my theory is that if it is toxic, it's toxic. I don't look at chocolate and calibrate how much I can give my dogs before they have a response. And I of course worry that MY pet may be super sensitive. So anyway, a heads up.
http://www.veterinarywatch.com/Abstract-tea-tree-oil.htm
San Francisco State U Holistic Learning Center
http://www.sfsu.edu/~holistic/activism/herbs_for_animals.html
Common herbs that are potentially dangerous for use in animals
Tea Tree oil (VERY toxic to cats and small dogs)
ASPCA
Tea Tree Oil
I work in a pet store, and a customer told me that tea tree oil, often used for flea control, can be toxic to pets. Could I get more information about this?
Tea tree, or Melaleuca alternifolia oil, does have toxic potential, depending on the circumstances of exposure. Clinical effects that may occur following dermal exposure to significant amounts of tea tree oil include loss of coordination, muscle weakness, depression, and possibly even a severe drop in body temperature, collapse and liver damage. If the oil is ingested, potential effects include vomiting, diarrhea and, in some cases, seizures. If inhalation of the oil occurs, aspiration pneumonia is possible.
What makes me mad is I first read the problem when searching for bedding for our hedgehog in a warning to animal research facilities to avoid trees with oil for bedding and it included a blurb about not USING tea tree oil as it was also toxic. It was several years later before other sites began notifying the public.
Have you got the real Kipawa back yet, Fran?
Debra - you've frightened me - while I've only used Tea tree oil once (again to discourage licking - it didn't work) I've still got the bottle here for future use while its in date. I'm getting rid of it straight away. Thanks for the links. Interesting though, that Pat recommends it stop the licking - Basenjis often know, I've found, what they shouldn't eat so possibly that's why it stops them?
Have you got the real Kipawa back yet, Fran?
Debra - you've frightened me - while I've only used Tea tree oil once (again to discourage licking - it didn't work) I've still got the bottle here for future use while its in date. I'm getting rid of it straight away. Thanks for the links. Interesting though, that Pat recommends it stop the licking - Basenjis often know, I've found, what they shouldn't eat so possibly that's why it stops them?
Oh yes, the real Kipawa is back. I made the bed this morning and a couple of hours ago it was reversed back to 'unmade' by a basenji that was acting 'schnorky'. That's my word for Kipawa when he does the B500 on the bed and snorts through his nose. But you know what? Even that was adorable. I love him like crazy and I think I would pass on a stepford basenji. I mean, I think basenji breeders/owners actually like all of their silly antics. Why else would anyone choose a basenji?
Debra, thanks for the info on tea tree oil. When I used it on Kipawa, I put a drop on a Q-tip and dabbed the Q-tip in about 6 different areas on him - not a large amount, but I appreciate what you are saying. Why is it that nothing seems to be safe anymore. If I do use it again, it will once again be a very skimpy application.
That is what I do also Fran, put some on a Q-tip and just dab around the area. I have used it for years now with no ill effects.
Kipawa - We are also training our Dexter for therapy at a Children's Hospital. Do you just take Kipawa into stores? I wasn't sure what the limitations were on that with Dexter not being certified, and currently in training! But if you aren't having any problems taking Kipawa into stores, that would be great to know for the future.
Kipawa - We are also training our Dexter for therapy at a Children's Hospital. Do you just take Kipawa into stores? I wasn't sure what the limitations were on that with Dexter not being certified, and currently in training! But if you aren't having any problems taking Kipawa into stores, that would be great to know for the future.
We live in a small suburb of Vancouver that has a real community feel to it. So yes, I just take him into the stores my husband and I (either together or separate) go to. My husband uses a wheelchair, so no one comments about Kipawa in the stores. When I go out alone with Kipawa, probably people are remembering that Darrel is part of the troup, but is just not there for that visit. I use a halter when we go into grocery stores. I attach his leash to the handle on the buggy, so he doesn't wander, and I always try to walk in the centre of the aisles. Of course sometimes this is impossible to do with people shopping. What I find amazing is that I get the feeling Kipawa senses that he is given a special priviledge to be in these stores. He acts very different - we walk right through the meat section and his behavior is perfect.
I know there are vests you can buy that say a variety of things: "I visit hospitals", "Pet Therapy", "Personal Health Dog". When Kipawa starts going to the rehab hospital this September I will get him one, just to make him look a little more official. But honestly, the key is in knowing how your dog will react in the environment you are taking him/her into. I am quite confident with my little dude's behavior. I hope you and Dexter can enjoy therapy work as well. It's a spirit lifter for everyone.
jdido09, if there isn't a sign posted forbidding dogs, you should be OK to take your well behaved basenji anywhere! It is great for your dog, good for basenji outreach and wonderful for the bond between the two of you. My Ra is a big hit at his local Ace hardware, where he is affectionately know as Ra, the HooRah! dog, has a great time at Lowe's and Home Depot, and he behaves beautifully outside several local Starbucks. Take the fur kid with you, and have a grand time.
Katy
