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Poor dog socialization skills

Behavioral Issues
  • Has anybody dealt with a basenji that simply would not get along with any other dog? Every time he sees another dog he will remain quiet until he's within touching distance and begin to growl. This instigates the other dog who 100% of the time is initially being friendly when approaching him and then instantly turns them into an aggressive dog towards my basenji. It's frustrating that I cannot take him to the dog park when we see other dogs there or let him come over a friends house that has dogs. We've tried professional dog trainers and no success.

    If you have had this issue and found a way to resolve it please do tell. I want to be more social with my basenji but I cannot deal with him attacking every dog he sees.

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  • My dog bit me.

    Behavioral Issues
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    DebraDownSouthD
    :::Note: I’m not a professional trainer, I have a degree in psychology and im a teacher; a dog is like a 2-4 year old. Every dog is different though, maybe I’ve just gotten lucky, but what I’ve been doing has been working for me; maybe it will for you.::: LOL, not luck... good common sense. We do basic training to get solid responses in controlled environments, which gives a good base for expanding it to other situations. Like eeeefarm, I don't thing animal aggressive dogs need to socialize with strange dogs. I keep them separated. For the unexpected, working at home on basic commands (Leave It!, "look at me" to focus on you and understand the other dog is off limits, solid 100 percent down-stay) can help you avoid your dog getting revved enough to bite. That means you have to stay on top of things, change directions if necessary, and be firm and loud in asking others to not approach with their dog. Training is wonderful bonding, and it exercises their brains. http://www.clickerlessons.com/index.htm
  • Yes my dog is friendly?

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    lvossL
    She was also unable to leave. It is not uncommon for dogs to growl or even snap at other dogs who are in their space when they are on a leash or tie out because they do not have the ability to leave. Also, alot of dogs are really rude and adult basenjis do not tolerate "rude" well. Many dogs rush up into other dogs' space which is very rude. So in the case of the Sheltie in the front yard, the provocation could very well have been the dog invading her personal space without her permission. The second incident could very well have been exactly what Pat said, her protecting her puppy pack member.
  • Dog Park fighting

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    wizardW
    I've taken my previous basenjis to the closest dog park and everything was fine for the most part. There were occasional dominance type snarkiness events but only once did a real fight start (and the owners pulled their dog immediately). Never encountered a jerky owner. But I was very careful not to go when the prime times were - Saturday mornings (and if I had a day off then around noon) were usually the times only a handful of dogs were there and it was easy to keep an eye on them. I haven't taken Gossy since she goes to doggy care once a week and has a lot of fun there. Also I've discovered that though she is exceptionally friendly, if another dog becomes nasty aggressive to her, she will definitely fight back. So the dog park will require more vigilence on my part I think - this park is half wooded and kind of large - I'm a firm believer in owner socialization comimg second to keeping a watchful eye on the dogs.
  • Poor Phoenix :(

    Behavioral Issues
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    S
    It will be a wonderful day in you home when the conehead is gone. Hugs.
  • Dog Park Issues

    Behavioral Issues
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    ELERICKSON40E
    Hey we had the same thing happen to us on this past Sat. We have taken Trixie for over a month one to two times per week. All of a sudden on Sat. Trixie got an attitude with a dog that was under our table and I had to scoop her up, she was trying to fight the dog and of course once that happened all the other dogs came over to see what was going on. I had Trixie picked up and we left quickly. She would not not stop making her lovely growling and devil noises. It scared a lot of people who were looking at me like what the HECK lady? I could not tell you what happened but we will be taking a little break from the dog park!!
  • There was a little dog…

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    J
    Thanks for your replies. I guess in the spontanaity of the moment I did as I do with my other dogs, a no and then a quick taking the thing away since I'm boss and I'm the owner of everything ultimately. I do believe Rowdy was not being the bad growling type bite – he took his front teeth and nipped at my arm, pinching it, but it hurt! I will try to work on the "leave it" command, since I taught that to my mom's poodle and it worked well. Rowdy is smart and is finally getting some of the house rules down. Though he's sneaky when he isn't resting beside you and you forget to watch him... :)