The Western Yodel Issue 2, 2011

March-April 2012
Sketch at the beach (photo courtesy of Daryl & Rebecca Baillie)
An official publication of the Basenji Club of Western Australia Incorporated
Basenji Club of Western Australia Incorporated
Founded 1974
Incorporated 1998
Club Co-Founders - Mrs Beth Swallow & Mrs Inge Gregory
President
Committee Member
Davina Hopkins
Liz Smith
08 9398 4616
08 9401 1049
davina@kanibaru.com
mark_smith2@bigpond.com
Vice President
Committee Member
Mark Smith
Lissette Grammer
08 9401 1049
04 1709 5774
mark_smith2@bigpond.com
podlet1975@netspace.net.au
Secretary
Committee Member
Yvonne Morant
Sian Bennett
08 6150 2430
08 9443 9272
yamorant@gmail.com
tis.sian@gmail.com
Treasurer
Librarian (not a Committee position)
Leanne Cooper
Ray Perry
08 9332 3352
+61 8 9593 9862
mummabear38@hotmail.com
ray@bethanievillage.com.au
Committee Member & Editor
Peter Morant
08 6150 2430
pmorant56@gmail.com
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Closing Date for material intended for publication in the next issue of The Western Yodel is 31 May 2012
The views expressed in the various articles in the magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor, Officer Bearers, or the Club. Neither the Editor, the Club nor its
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The Western Yodel is Published Bi-Monthly
The Western Yodel, March-April 2012
2
From the Editor’s Desk
A
s you can see from the Uncle Sam ad
opposite, the Club is still looking for an
Editor to take over when I call it a day in
June, after 10 great years in the role. We are not
necessarily looking for the new Editor to continue
with The Western Yodel in the same format as it
has been since the Club was founded nearly 40
years ago. If you have any ideas about a new way
forward for the Club to communicate with its
members, contact a Committee member.
Basenji Club of WA Inc
We were greatly heartened by the response from
members to the plight of young Juma, a recent rehome, who escaped his lead onto the streets near
Fremantle - for two days! Read all about it... and
the happy ending on page 4 of this issue
Also in this issue of The Western Yodel:
On page 5 ...
Yvonne reports on the March Fun Day, held at
South Beach near Fremantle on 25 March.
On page 6...
Basenjis don’t shed, right? Chey Miller of the USA
tells us more about this half-truth about Basenjis.
Find out more about what controls shedding in
Basenjis, and what can be done about it.
On page 8 ...
We have received a flurry of contributions from
members recently. Many thanks to everyone for
their stories and terrific photographs for Basenji
Brief Bits, and for Basenji-related web-links.
On page 11...
Member Greg Warburton tells us about how his
Basenji has come to be known as Rafi of the River.
On page 12...
Member Rebecca Baillie has written a lovely
article about her family’s first Basenji, Buzz
Lightyear.
On page 14...
In the first of a series of articles, Jean Skaggs of
the USA relates how “Once you learn to
communicate with your dog on the dog’s level,
you will find you have a much closer and more
solid relationship.”
The Western Yodel, March-April 2012
Your Club Needs You
WANTED
Editor
From July 2012
Contact a Committee member
Basenji Club of WA Inc
June Fun Day 2012
Basenjis’ Birthday Winter Frolics
Sunday 10 June 2012, 12 noon – 3 pm
Whiteman Park
Free Sausage Sizzle
Free hot/cold drinks
Free attendance
See flier for details
3
Juma – Homeless, Found, Lost, Found Again
Juma and Lynsay - Safe at last
In the last issue of The Western Yodel, we alerted you to the plight of young Juma who was looking for a
new home. Happily he found a loving home with Lynsay Hunt of White Gum Valley. But, horror of horrors,
after only a relatively short while in his new abode, Juma wriggled out of his harness one day and took off
along a busy street. A distraught Lynsay never gave up and, to cut a long story short, was rewarded with
Juma’s safe return two days later. Davina Hopkins, reports on her visit to Juma after his two-day ordeal on
the streets of East Fremantle.
“I visited Juma and Lynsay yesterday. Juma was happy to see me, managing tail wags and a
yodel initially but I soon saw he’s clearly very subdued and his little paws are sore from trotting
for 2 days. He’s worn his pads down but Lynsay took him to the vet and he was given
antibiotics.
He’s exhausted from his ordeal, poor boy, and he’s really been through major life changes these
last few weeks. I took his kennel over which initially Lynsay said she didn’t want because she
has one already from her Beagle.
He took to his kennel like it was home, laying in it lots whereas Lynsay said he didn’t go in the
other one once. So he certainly recognised it as his. I think with a bit of time to recover and
begin settling in, bonding with Lynsay, he should be fine.
It really is a miracle that he alive. Lynsay said she’s since had phone calls saying he’d been seen
at the cemetery, Carrington St, South St, crossing the road with cars braking so as not to hit
him. It seems like he had been doing circuits of the area going around in circles. He was
discovered two streets away from where Lynsay lives which is quite remarkable and luckily he
spotted Lynsay’s friend with her dog who he had befriended and came running when called.
Many people said they tried to catch him but couldn’t so thank goodness he recognised them.”
The Western Yodel, March-April 2012
4
March Fun Day
Compiled by Yvonne Morant
We couldn’t have asked for a better dayfor the
Club’s first get together for 2012, beside the
beach at CY O’Connor Reserve in Cockburn.
The sun shone gently, the sausages were
good, and 16 Humans and 17 Basenjis were in
a relaxed mood, or mostly, anyway.
Enjoying the sunshine were Dax Bennett
(seeking a break from grumpy “sister,” Keiko,
who, in season, wisely stayed home); Jasmine
and FX Churchill (looking fantastic, Jane!);
Harley & Kaliba Cooper; Kennai Kruger (Koda
also stayed home ); Lily Lawrence ,a pint-sized
body with a BIG attitude; Zeta & Deva Milne;
Danny & Asha Smith and Nikta & Chlodi
Zorbas-Kennedy.
Thanks to Liz and Mark Smith for their culinary
skills and to Leanne for entertaining us all with
games and raffles and offering cool Basenji
stuff for sale.
Spot the non-black-and-white Basenji
T-shirts were particularly hot sellers
The Western Yodel, March-April 2012
5
Do Basenjis Shed?
O
By Chey Miller (published with permission of the Author; © 1999-2012 Basenji Rescue and Transport, Inc.)
ne of the oft-touted
characteristics of the Basenji is
that it sheds very minimally. Yet,
coming into her second spring, my Basenji’s
sleek, silky coat suddenly began to look
downright scruffy, as though she had spent
the winter hobnobbing with a colony of
wool moths! Worse, wherever she walked,
cotton candy clouds of “strawberry frost”
old lady hair swirled in her wake. It settled
under the kitchen table. It collected in
clumps on the living room rug. It rose
toward the ceiling on vernal sunbeams
when company came to call.
But Basenjis don’t shed, right? Because
the Basenji has a higher incidence of
hypothyroidism than many other breeds,
and because coat and skin problems are
markers for hypothyroidism, my first somewhat
panicked thought was that her thyroid might
be failing. Off we went to the vet to have blood
drawn and spun for a complete thyroid profile. It was
about time to have a baseline reading done anyway.
(Visit Sinbajé Basenjis for in-depth information about
hypothyroidism.)
As it turned out, Ruby’s thyroid was fine.
Whew! But, then… what’s up with all this hair
that Basenjis aren’t supposed to shed?! The
short answer is that SOME Basenjis shed
minimally, while others have a heavier
undercoat and shed a LOT! The variation is
primarily genetic, but the undercoat is also
influenced by environmental factors, such as
whether the dog lives where winters are cold
and whether it spends a lot of time outdoors.
Although you may hear otherwise, ALL
Basenjis have an undercoat, however light;
part your Basenji’s hair and you will see
some very fine, wispy hairs beneath the
stiffer, shiny outer ones. As seen in the
diagram, a canine hair follicle supports one
central guard hair and as many as five lateral
ones. It also supports from seven to twenty
secondary hairs. The guard hairs are coarse,
while the secondary hairs—the undercoat—
are fine and soft.
* Thanks to Bill VanWyck, Owen Sound,
Ontario, Canada for permission to use this
diagram, and for sharing his wealth of
knowledge on the subject of canine hair.
The Western Yodel, March-April 2012
6
Hair growth is cyclical: there is a growing
period, a period of transition, and a resting
period. The length of each period of each hair
depends on the age of the dog, the location on
its body, the dog’s breed and gender, and
environmental and pathological factors. In
other words, the cycle is determined by light,
temperature, genetics, nutrition, hormones,
and overall health. The growth rate of hair is at
its peak in summer and ebbs in the winter. As
much as 90% of hair follicles may rest in winter,
compared to 50% in summer. The normal,
routine replacement of hair in a healthy dog is
in a random pattern, with neighboring follicles
in different stages of the cycle. Obviously, a
dog with a thicker undercoat has more hair to
shed and it will be more noticeable when it
happens!
Now we understand that if your Basenji is
shedding heavily, and the season is changing,
as long as there are no other “symptoms”,
there is no reason to be alarmed. It is perfectly
normal and healthy for a Basenji to go through
a seasonal moulting. You may have to vacuum
more frequently, but the season doesn’t last
that long. Besides, your Basenji is worth every
hair you have to pick off your dress slacks, and
after a while you won’t even notice them
floating in your coffee.
Regular grooming while your Basenji is
“blowing coat” will go a long way toward
managing the nuisance shedding. Some people
use a grooming “stripper” to remove the loose
undercoat, or make their own by forming a
hacksaw blade into a loop and tying the ends
together. Some recommend using a pumice
stone. Each of these tools will remove loose
hair when stroked in the direction of the fur,
but they can also damage the coat by breaking
or tearing the cuticle of the attached hairs.
Because the torn cuticle is barbed, it “knits”
with neighboring hairs to give the coat a
temporary “finished” look. In actuality, these
rough methods weaken the hairs, causing them
to lose moisture. The coat becomes dull
because the damaged cuticle loses its gloss. I
prefer to use a nubby rubber curry brush or a
wire “slicker” brush. I often have to brush
gently two or three times a day when the
shedding is at its heaviest. And, oh, gee, how
Ruby hates all that extra attention!
The Western Yodel, March-April 2012
No more kisses on this cheek until I can do
it without getting a mouthful of undercoat!
7
Basenji Brief Bits
Or what happens when your yodeller gets hold of your undies, and other stories!
Send your contributions to Yvonne Morant
Summer holidays, from Fiona Morrison
Our lucky Basenji has been able to find the most
comfortable and coolest place in the house during
the hot weather because there’s always been
someone home on holidays. In the afternoon he
loyally follows us out to the pool and lies on the hot
pavers to keep us company. Such a pity he won’t join
us in the cool water! I’m one for taking him out for a
walk EVERY day. So to beat the heat sometimes DJ
has to get up earlier than he’d prefer. When we’re
out walking he’s been protesting a bit lately and I
guess it’s because he thinks it’s just too darn hot. He
just puts the brakes on. It’s not the stopping he does
to sniff things, or the stopping he does when he gets
an ant on his leg and waits patiently for me to
remove it- no, this is just stopping in the middle of
the path and giving me a look, which I guess is
saying, “Ok, that’s enough, time to go home and
relax.”
Naomi Fuller’s Boots
The Western Yodel, March-April 2012
8
Sketch coping with heat, from Daryl &
Rebecca Baillie
Sometimes when there are no dogs to play with
on the beach and we are out surfing , Sketch just
howls non stop. He watches every ride.
Unfortunately, he likes to walk with any
beachgoers. He has been well out of sight for
up to 30-40 minutes which is a total stress for
us, but he has come back full strap every time so
far. I chain him if I think it is going to be busy.
He is definitely an arrogant Basenji - if he has
been at home too long, you need premium
treats to get him back if he is not ready to go
home. Oh the joys of Basenji ownership!
Sian Bennett has this sign in a
prominent place – a good idea
worth sharing
The Western Yodel, March-April 2012
9
Basenji Web-Watch –
and Giggle
Member Karen Fouweather pointed us to a quirky website with some amusing pictures of dogs, including
Basenjis, sourced from all over the internet, see http://dogs.icanhascheezburger.com/tag/basenji/
The left picture speaks for itself, but the right picture prompted cries of “How do they get three B’s to pose?”
Some suggestions offered by (unnamed) members include Taxidermy? and Glued Feet Down!
Great Danes Make Great Slides
Thanks to Sian Bennett for alerting us to this
video of a Basenji trying to use a Great Dane
as a mattress, only to discover that they
make great slippery slides too. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdQO0Kt
1J4M&feature=player_embedded#!
Clearly a case of, if at first you don’t succeed...
The Western Yodel, March-April 2012
10
Rafi of the River
By Greg Warburton
N
early 10 years ago now we acquired a re-homer then known as “Spud” but quickly renamed
“Rafiki”, now referred to as “Rafi”. Over the years Rafi has made our 16 acre rural property in
Toodyay very much his territory, especially the dog bed next to the fire in winter. On occasion he
makes unauthorized forays into the surrounding bush in hot pursuit of kangaroos. However, it is
down by the river he likes to run the most. Such is his love of the Avon River he has joined a local
environment group known as the Toodyay Friends of the River. This hardy band of volunteers work hard to
remove weeds, plant trees and prevent erosion among other worthy pursuits. Rafi can be seen lending a
helping hand during working bees and is particularly attentive at sausage sizzles. He has been adopted as
the unofficial mascot of the group and carries the title “Rafi of the River”. Being a financial member he has
full voting rights at AGMs and makes his views clear with a hearty “BAROOOOO!!!”.
The Western Yodel, March-April 2012
11
Buzz Lightyear Baillie
By Rebecca Baillie
I
know everyone thinks their dog is special but
honestly with Buzz there will just never be one
like him again. The whole neighbourhood would
agree and although he caused much mischief he is
talked about with a glint in your eye because he was
just mischief through and through. Loveable, trouble
and now legendary for it.
So let’s start at the beginning... Having never been
Basenji owners before we didn’t realise that
buying our first one for our son Mitch’s 6th
birthday from a Perth pet shop was not really the
done thing. BUT that’s how it happened and then
there was no looking back. Mitch picked our little
tan and white Basenji because, when put into an
enclosure with a Beagle and the Basenji, to choose
one or the other, the Basenji rushed around madly
throwing himself at Mitch and scratching him
slightly. Our new puppy was somewhat wild and a
little over energetic and little did we know what a
handful he would be and what a much loved
member of our family he would become.
Mitch had the final say on his name and called him
“Buzz Lightyear,” after the hero of the movie Toy
Story, he then added our family name, Baillie, at
the end. Whenever asked his dog’s name Mitch
would always answer, in his quiet six year old
voice, his full name - Buzz Lightyear Baillie. This
The Western Yodel, March-April 2012
caused much amusement and quite a few laughs
that a dog had three names! Of course it was
shortened to Buzz and the neighbourhood legend
was started.
One of the most memorable things we did at that
time was to ride our three four-wheel motor bikes
along the sandy beach north to a surf spot. Buzz
would run beside us most of the way and we were
always surprised how far he could run. Daryl
reckons it was up to fifteen to twenty kilometres
easy. But maybe that’s a tad stretching it and
maybe it’s not. If it was too hot, as it can be along
the Midwest Coast at times, Daryl would put the
dog in front of him and he would ride there
looking truly very important, a little bit royal and
with a touch of the wild west in him. In our swags
later that night around the campfire the sky was
clear and the stars were bright and as the chill set
in Buzz would smooch up to someone ending up in
their sleeping bag curled in a ball beside them.
Pondering the dog’s sleeping habits reminds me
of the many rows he caused between the two
children as both wanted him in their beds at
night. Squabbles always arose so I finally wrote
on the calendar so they had Buzz on alternate
nights. Of course with kids they still argued if
they missed their night because they had a
12
sleepover or just missed their turn. I have a
wonderful memory of Elissa with her pink fluffy
dressing-gown sitting on the couch with flushed
cheeks from a fever and Buzz nestled in her lap.
Her stroking his head for the comfort and
companionship only a dog can give.
Honestly what good company he was! When
Mitchell was sad and the world was against him
and things seemed bleak and his mum had been
grumbling, he would barricade himself in his room
with Buzz and hug him, tell him his troubles and
cry his tears till the world looked a better place.
As Elissa became old enough she would take Buzz
for a walk full of pride with the responsibility and
happiness from the joy of being with a much loved
companion. I talked to Buzz when alone in the
house and going about my chores. He would
follow me round and I felt secure and protected
with him there. Buzz hung with Daryl in the
garden and even went on adventures on the
crayboat a few times. Daryl loves to tell the
stories of Buzz catching eels while out at sea.
the habit of bailing up a
blue tongue lizard
occasionally, I headed
for the back door to
rescue it. All of a
sudden there was all
this yelping and carryon with kids screaming.
As I dashed out,
throwing open the fly
wire door, Buzz was
rushing around in a
circle with a lizard
latched onto his tongue.
After much pandemonium and me chasing Buzz
round and round for a couple of seconds trying to
help him, the lizard just let go! I think Buzz’s pride
was hurt but after much fussing from the children
he regained himself, threw his head back and
strutted off as only a Basenji can.
Buzz got up to lots of other escapades in his time
and he was a real character. He is woven into the
fabric of our family life over those ten years and
the plaque on his grave is inscribed “There will
never be another”. I think that suits him perfectly.
Oh the fun we had with Buzz! He was always out
in the backyard with the kids taking part in their
games. I would shoo Mitch and him out when the
game of chasey and hidey they played through the
house became too raucous and loud. Oh but the
laughs they had!
I suppose one of the most bazaar things that
happened to Buzz was on a lazy sunny day while
he was in the backyard with the kids. Suddenly
Buzz started making a weird noise. As he was in
The Western Yodel, March-April 2012
The Baillie family live in Geraldton, WA, and are now
devoted slaves to Sketch (see page 9)
13
What I’ve Learned from Basenjis I’ve Known
Communication
By Jean Skaggs
First in a series of articles, first published in Basenji Companions Newsletter, Oct-Nov-Dec 2011; republished here
with permission of the author
W
e all want to be able to communicate
with our dogs in a way that we can both
understand. It’s amazing how much you
can learn if you pay attention to your dogs’ actions.
My dogs tell me when they’re hungry, or when I’m
being too slow passing out their meals. They tell me
when they want to go outside. They tell me when
it’s time for their go-to-bed treat. Charley Wagner
tells me when he wants to go to bed. They come to
me when they’re in need. Of course, it’s up to me to
figure out what that need might be.
Whenever your dog comes to you on its own, it’s
trying to communicate. It may be that it just needs
attention. We all need that once in a while. If that’s
all they want, pet the dog for two or three seconds
and then go on with your business. Don’t be overly
solicitous… that in itself causes problems.
If, after petting, they still want you, they may not
be feeling well, or perhaps they’re finding
something worrisome. Try to think about what it
is that may be the problem. If there’s any kind of
change in the household, even rearranging
furniture, it will upset the dog. Dogs, like many
people, don’t like change. What the dog is mainly
asking for at these times is reassurance. Calmly
pet the dog and talk soothingly. You can explain
what’s going on. The dog won’t understand what
you’re saying but it can tell by your voice and your
calmness that everything is going to be all right.
Usually this is all it takes. If the dog is still acting
worried, sit down and call the dog up to sit beside
you. Try to show the dog the same comfort it
would get if it was in a dog pack. Sit back and let
the dog rest its head in your lap if it wants, or let
the dog lie down beside you while keeping one
hand gently on its rear haunch. You are showing
the dog you understand it’s uncomfortable… that
you’re there for its support. The dog, of course,
doesn’t understand this per se, but it does
understand the feeling of calm and togetherness.
In multi-dog households care needs to be taken
that each dog is communicated with on its own
level. Like people, dogs have all kinds of
personalities. Learn what it is that best suits each
dog. Some Basenjis you need to be firm with;
others need to be treated more gently. Basenjis
are one of the most astute breeds I’ve come
across so fairness is at the top of their vocabulary
when there are other dogs around - inside or
outside the home. None of my dogs are treated
the exact same way, at the exact same time unless
it’s a case of them all doing something good
together. If one dog earns a treat, the others
don’t get one ‘just because’. This is a most
Jean at home with her dogs in 2003
The Western Yodel, March-April 2012
14
important communication. Dogs need to learn
that not every hand-out is theirs. Pushing and
shoving is not allowed. This type of behavior can
lead to unwanted dog fights. Anytime food is
involved - be it treats or meals - calm must reign
supreme. If you have to use the sit command to
get calm, do so. Sometimes you may have to just
walk away. Dogs must learn they have to have
manners around food. When you give a dog a
treat, always make sure the treat is at the level of
their mouth so they don’t feel they have to jump
and snatch to get it. Some people have a problem
with giving one dog a treat and not the others. If
that’s the case, have the other dogs do something
to earn their treat… like a sit. Keep it simple.
dog’s previous life, it may take longer, but four
months is the average.
With a younger dog, or a puppy, you want to be
careful not to be over protective. Carrying a
puppy or younger dog too much tells the dog its
people don’t trust it enough to be able to make
good decisions. That is exactly what too much
fondling tells a dog. That’s what causes a dog to
suffer separation anxiety. The dog learns that the
only time it’s safe is when it’s in the arms of its
person. We want to communicate only good
feelings for/to our beloved Basenjis.
Communication with your dog when you have
company is so important. Don’t hesitate to tell
people not to touch your dog. Being petted by a
Body language is the strongest communication
stranger or a friend of yours that the dog doesn’t
you can use with your dog/s. This is the main
know makes a dog uncomfortable. By you taking
communication they have with each other. Most
this lead, your dog learns that you are aware of its
all dogs recognize it. This is why I always preach:
likes and dislikes, and will wait for you to take the
Ignore a dog when it’s offering unwanted
lead. When a dog understands its humans know
behavior, and show the dog praise when it’s
how to deal with everything, the dog never feels it
offering acceptable behavior.
has to take matters into its own paws. Explain to
the visitor that your dog wants to get to know the
How do you ignore a dog? Simply turn away, or
person first by sniffing and examining on its own.
slowly walk away. You don’t need to say a word. The
The dog will let the
dog immediately sees
person know it
the result of its
When a dog understands its humans know
wants to be petted.
actions. How do you
how
to
deal
with
everything,
the
dog
never
If it doesn’t, don’t
praise a dog without
force the issue. If
being verbal? Give it
feels it has to take matters into its own paws
your friend is
a few always
insulted by this, you need to question how good a
welcome pats… on the head, under the chin, on the
friend he/she is. Even if the person says, “I love
shoulder, or on the rear above the tail. Here again
dogs” or “dogs love me”, simply explain that your
the dog sees the immediate reaction to its behavior.
dog doesn’t know them and needs time to
How do you communicate with a new dog in your
formally introduce itself by sniffing and
home? Be it a puppy, or a re-home, don’t overdo
examination. You can explain to your friends at
the attention you give it. At this time, less is more.
length, but you can only communicate with your
Talk to the dog calmly a lot so it gets to know your
dog by showing it. Be the kind of teacher your
voice, but try not to do a lot of petting or handling
dog/s can feel comfortable with.
of the dog. People try to soothe a new dog
When you’re out walking your dog and someone
because they think it makes the dog feel more
asks to pet it, if your dog is friendly, tell the person
comfortable in its new surroundings. What
it’s fine IF they will let the dog introduce itself first.
happens instead is the dog actually gets the
Introduction by a dog is sniffing and investigating.
opposite feeling, it becomes more wary and
No dog likes being touched by a stranger; few people
unsure. Too much overt attention when a dog first
do either. So give your dog a break. It’s your dog
comes into your home slows down its settling in
and it needs to know you’re always there for
time. When the dog wants to, IT will come to
support. If the dog sniffs and investigates and then
YOU. Even if the dog follows you everywhere it
comes back to you, tell the person your dog isn’t
just wants to be close, it’s not asking to be
comfortable at that time and go on your way. If,
fondled. Being close to a human at this time is the
after the dog’s introduction, you are sure your dog is
dog’s way of trying to settle in. It takes a full four
comfortable, then tell the stranger he/she may pet
months for an older dog (over two years) to
the dog. If the stranger acts offended you don’t
completely settle in to a new home; physically,
want him/her to pet your dog anyway because the
mentally, and emotionally. Depending on the
The Western Yodel, March-April 2012
15
dog will sense the person’s emotions and be more
uncomfortable and wary than it otherwise would be.
The best communication you can have with your dog
if it is leery of other dogs when you’re out walking is
to turn away with the dog and either go back the
way you came or at least go in another direction
BEFORE the other dog becomes problem. This tells
the dog you know who to handle the situation and
you’re not going to let it get upset because other
dogs worry it. You must always be your dog’s first
line of defense.
Communicating with your dog on behavior issues
is pretty simple. Once your dog offers you an
unwanted behavior, your very first response will
tell the dog whether it can repeat that behavior or
whether it needs to try something else. Dogs are
always asking us, by their behavior, “Does this
work?” How you respond to that behavior at that
moment will give the dog its answer; either “yes, it
works”, or “no, it doesn’t work”. Yes is any verbal
response. No is your body language. A yes always
means the dog will repeat the behavior. That’s
why you don’t want to respond in any way that
the dog can translate as the behavior being
acceptable. To show the dog its behavior is
unacceptable simply ignore the dog, turn away, or
slowly walk away. Don’t say anything to the dog.
It knows by your behavior that the behavior it just
offered doesn’t work. The dog may then walk
away itself or try another behavior. If it tries a
new behavior watch to see whether this new
behavior is acceptable. If it is, calmly pet the dog
and tell it how wonderful it is. Always praise all
acceptable behavior. If the new behavior is not
acceptable, turn or walk away.
Some body language and what it means to the dog:
Squatting down, facing the dog, with your arms
wide open, and a smile on your face means,
“You’re wonderful, come and get a love.”
Standing, facing the dog, with your hands on
your hips, and your lips tight means, “That
behavior is unacceptable. You had better stop.”
Another signal that lets your dog know you’re not
happy with what it’s doing is to face the dog, lips
tight, and point at the dog. When the dog stops the
unwanted behavior, kindly say, “Thank you”, and
slowly walk away. If the dog comes with you, that’s
fine. Once you’ve turned away you can talk to the
dog if it comes with you. Dogs don’t hold a grudge.
Once you learn to communicate with your dog on
the dog’s level, you will find you have a much
closer and more solid relationship.
Cool Basenji Stuff for Sale
Get Yours Now
Items are well priced, eg $15 for T-shirts and $5 for
magnets. Contact Leanne (08 9332 3352) or
mummabear38@hotmail.com for details.
The Western Yodel, March-April 2012
16
Basenji Club of Western Australia Inc
Draft Minutes (to be ratified at the next meeting)
Committee Meeting, 7.30 pm, 8 February 2012, held at 16 Edinboro Street, Mt Hawthorn
1.
Welcome and Apologies – meeting opened 8.30pm.
Present: Davina Hopkins, Peter Morant, Leanne Cooper, Liz Smith, Mark Smith, Yvonne Morant, Sian
Bennett Apologies: Lissette Grammer.
2.
Confirmation of Minutes of 2 November 2011. Moved 1. Sian Bennett 2. Mark Smith CARRIED
3.
Business Arising
4.
3.1
Proposed Club Website. Agreed Davina and Yvonne would join Sian to finalise the
remaining pages for the website. Recognised delays in progress due to Sian’s need to
attend to urgent family business.
3.2
Use of Wikispace for Committee Business. A mixed response, with some present happy to
stick with emails. Unresolved.
3.3
Insurance – Affiliation with CAWA. Agreed there is no urgency to follow up on the issue at
present. Leanne to explore further as and when convenient.
3.4
Club Calendar 2012. Yvonne reported 9 calendars remain unsold, 5 of which were supplied
gratis by the printer. Agreed balance to be given away.
3.5
Succession Planning. Editor & Secretary Required. No responses received so far, from
members, to the appeal for a new editor from July 2012. Leanne expressed a tentative
interest.
Reports
4.1
Secretary’s Correspondence
In: 1. Letter from CherryDell Riupassa re supply of discounted stamped envelopes. 2.
Various Club newsletters. Out: None
4.2
Treasurer’s Report. No formal report tabled; Treasurer verbally reported bank balance of
$2814.85, as at 13 January 2012.
Memberships Endorsed: Alison Elford (Complimentary puppy buyer; Zulu). Moved 1. Davina
Hopkins 2. Liz Smith
4.3
5.
Rescues & Rehomes. Juma : Davina reported the successful rehoming of Juma to Lynsay
Hunt, White Gum Valley, who has offered a donation to Basenji Rescue. Yvonne to send
Lynsay a membership form (complimentary) and a copy of The Western Yodel. Keisha:
Agreed to donate $100 towards vet expenses for Keisha Richardson, a former Club rehome.
.General Business
5.1
Schedule of Activities 2012. Draft agreed. Yvonne to re-issue.
5.2
March Fun Day. Confirmed for Sun 25 March at CY O’Çonnor Reserve. Food: Mark & Liz;
Drinks: Yvonne & Pete; Talk on Basenji Etiquette: Davina.
5.3
No Other Business - Meeting closed at 10.10pm.
The Western Yodel, March-April 2012
17
Breeders & Business Card Directory
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Our breeder’s prefix is KIPENZI
Boarding for purebred Basenjis
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Email Basenji@dragnet.com.au
Website http://www.Basenjisrus.com.au
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RBISS, SBOS, BIS Ch Kanibaru Visual Touch
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davina@kanibaru.com
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cared for by breed expert
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Air-conditioned Cattery
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Contact Davina 08 9398 4616
info@naturalpaws.com.au
www.naturalpaws.com.au
The Western Yodel, March-April 2012
18