Aggressive Behavior as they get older?

Behavioral Issues
Log in to reply
  • 2

    Hello,

    I have two 11 year old males. Both were neutered as pups. Over the past year and a half they have definitely exhibited signs of aging. Not being able to walk as long as they used to, etc. However over the past month one has started to becoming increasingly aggressive towards me when it is time to go in his kennel, etc. and is only willing to walk about one block?

    Has anyone experienced a Basenji becoming aggressive as they have gotten older?

    Wondering if it means that time is near, but I can't have him behaving that way.

    Thanks.

    0
  • KipawaK

    Have your dogs had a complete check up lately? Could they be becoming aggressive because of something like joint pain or a thyroid issue?

    Fran Harder, BAB

    With Barney in my heart

    0
  • DebraDownSouthD

    If your dog won't walk, your dog may be in PAIN. Please, get the dog to the vet for a thorough exam (including Fran's suggestion for thyroid). 11 is not that old, but any dog in pain can become nasty. Really, imagine yourself in pain and someone bothering you. New personality behaviors ALWAYS should be followed up with vet exam because it is a sign something is WRONG.

    And to answer your question, just getting older doesn't make a dog aggressive. It is only due to pain or being sick.

    Debra

    0
  • tanzaT

    As already suggested, a full medical workup should be done along with full thyroid panel… once anything medical is eliminated then other things can be looked at.

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

    0
  • 2

    Thank you for you advice, it is appreciated.

    0
  • agilebasenjiA

    I have 2 senior basenjis - Digital the brindlewonderkid will be 14 in december and Jet the try-ing will be 13 later this month. Jet is a bit grumpier with other dogs but is the same he's always been with the people. Digital is, of course, as golden as he's always been.

    You may want to look into finding a holistic vet. Jet does get grouchier when his back needs adjusting.

    0
  • D

    I would suggest back, neck & hip x-rays. I have had older Bs-over 10 with spondylosis in the back and neck.

    Jennifer

    0
  • MacPackM

    I agree with all the above. My oldest at 15 has spine issues and has been on rimadyl low dose for about a year with great results, he had pain before, but has had a very good year. Eddie (11) is on thyroid meds, he was a cranky-pants a couple of years ago and after thyroid meds, is a happier dog.
    A vet visit is in order to figure out what has caused his change, 11 is still pretty young.

    Anne in Tampa

    Chipley, Missy & Lucky

    Topper, Nicky & Eddie in the clouds

    0

Suggested Topics

  • Heinz57H

    Aggressive Behavior

    Behavioral Issues
    6
    0 Votes
    6 Posts
    3k Views
    NemoN
    A way to do what Debra is suggesting in a game format is Crate Games, which you can get on DVD. You said this happens when you are getting ready to leave. Pay attention to exactly what you are doing before you leave and then see how your dog is reacting. You should be able to pick up on the cues that your dog is picking up on. You can try changing the pattern of how you get ready and potentially remove the cue to lessen the behavior until you can build the good associations others described. visit BCOA on Facebook. http://facebook.com/basenji.org
  • G

    Female aggression to older female

    Behavioral Issues
    14
    0 Votes
    14 Posts
    3k Views
    S
    I am sorry these dogs don't get along, but really, it will be best to keep them apart. They can hurt/kill each other, and often its silent and very, very ugly. Hugs for being committed to all your dogs.
  • RHicksR

    Vet aggression

    Behavioral Issues
    9
    0 Votes
    9 Posts
    4k Views
    MacPackM
    Take a small rubber backed rug, like a bathroom rug, to put on the metal table, then it won't slip and he will have good footing, and the smell of home to comfort him. Combined with all of the above positive reinforcement and lots of 'drop in' vet visits. Anne in Tampa
  • D

    Aggression

    Behavioral Issues
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    3k Views
    tanzaT
    And sometimes you have to "push" and/or demand for the complete test that is not usually done by the labs that your Vet might use…
  • P

    Sudden aggression!

    Behavioral Issues
    32
    0 Votes
    32 Posts
    14k Views
    tanzaT
    Kept us up to date on how it is going with Pongo!
  • youngandtiredY

    Strange behavior!!!

    Behavioral Issues
    11
    0 Votes
    11 Posts
    5k Views
    P
    I think you should go back to your vets especially as this has been happenig ever since the emergency surgery. It could just be coincidence I suppose, but if she were mine I'd want to check. As Pat says more information is needed before suggestions can be given.