Skip to content

Growling Alpha issues...

Behavioral Issues
  • So i have 2 basenji pups (6 yrs old)

    I had Milosh since a puppy- and later adopted Zeus at 2yrs from BRAT. now they are both 6.

    and well, my issue is Milosh is very vocal.

    he just thinks that everyone should be in their place. if we walk down the stairs and Zeus is also coming down the stairs he growls- i know they respect each others space - and there are no fights that break out. - he DOES NOT attempt to bite.

    Zeus is very mellow and calm- and ignores his growls. i just want Milosh to respect and understand that Zeus is entitled todo as he pleases without Milosh approval.

    is this normal having 2 basenjis?

    1- they are not from the same liter.
    2- they are both males
    3- they dont dog fight./ they play with one another when they like.

  • In my experience, intervening will escalate the issue. As long as there is no fighting, I really would ignore it.

  • that they are two males, yes, it will happen, but not just because they are males. One may be the 'alpha' but look into Resource Guarding. a resource can be a toy, food, person, couch, a space, bed....anything that one dog deems of high value. and yes, letting them have a hierarchy of who is higher is normal in any pack of animals (humans...hehehe!) great that they don't fight, so leaving them alone is ok. I had a similar problem with the personality conflict between my current B and older male who was here. A behaviorist told me to sing out in a high pitched mini-mouse voice when they would pass each other and whale eye and growl. It worked all the time to distract and redirect them and prevent further escalation. (they never fought either and actually sat close to each other a few months later) You can try this or leave it alone....

  • Unless there is true fighting leave them alone. They will work things out - the resource guarding may be behind it - but one simply doesn't want the other to be so close or whatever.

Suggested Topics

  • Issues with overstimulation

    Behavioral Issues
    9
    0 Votes
    9 Posts
    2k Views
    eeeefarmE
    IMO it is a myth that Basenjis cannot have good manners on a walk. Yes, great if you can do off leash, but when circumstances dictate that a leash is necessary then walking calmly without a lot of drama and pulling should be achievable. Personally I do not like long lines or flex leashes. Or allowing dogs to eat whatever they find on the ground, which can in some cases earn you a trip to the vet or worse. Like most dogs, Basenjis are not overly discriminant about what they will ingest. A short leash and being observant can protect them from unwelcome outcomes. Mental exercise will also go a long way with any dog. But one should have a definite opinion about who is running the show, and it should not be the dog....they are quite willing to take up the position should you abdicate.
  • Puppy issues

    Behavioral Issues
    10
    0 Votes
    10 Posts
    4k Views
    A
    @nick4 I am in the "Basenji Zone" as well. I have done the putting her in the crate and then walking away while I talk to her and then letting her out and then back in again and I do the same thing where i will step out then come back in again. She does best when i leave her a good greenie for her teeth and I step out really quick she got used to it. Also I had the shower problem I even went as far as bringing her into the shower and to my surprise she did not care and i used it as a way to get her comfortable with the water....then i slowly gave her water from the shower talked to her while I was in there and peeked out the curtain every now and then and she got a lot calmer. I dont know if any this would help. Just wanted to share!
  • Major issues

    Behavioral Issues
    29
    0 Votes
    29 Posts
    9k Views
    wizardW
    When I first acquired my previous basenji the breeder suggested putting paper towels in the bottom of the crate (she can tear them up to her hearts content and even if she eats some if shouldn't cause problems) and to give frozen marrow bones to keep her occupied. There are also lots of interactive toys available that also keep her occupied.
  • Walking issues

    Behavioral Issues
    10
    0 Votes
    10 Posts
    3k Views
    QuercusQ
    I always offer my clients a choice. They can train their dog to heel in the same position each time, or they can train their dog to simply be enjoyable to walk with (to pay attention, not pull, not criss-cross in front, or tangle up) So far every single one, scores of clients, have chosen to have a polite walker, not a perfect one. With my own dogs, the only time we work on 'heel' is when we are training for Rally. In the show ring I want them in front a little bit, and on a walk, I want them on the "fun" side of the trail. Now, they do sometimes forget with the stimulus is overwhelming…squirrel, etc...but usually I can do some attention work with them right away and get them back under control. Those of you who see me walking my dogs at the National will probably laugh...I am bringing my two WORST trained dogs...one is virtually resistant to training, and the other just hasn't had the training time he needs..it will be quite a circus :)
  • Growling Now???!!!

    Behavioral Issues
    29
    0 Votes
    29 Posts
    10k Views
    tanzaT
    @Vanessa626: Here is an update on the little growler. Since the post I have tried a few different things and the best thing that seems to work is getting down and dirty :) (figure of speech) I have been mixing the food with my hands and hand feeding him. It has been working and after doing that for a few minutes I give him the bowl and sit next to him telling him that he is a good boy. So far so good. He is definitely trying to show that he is becoming a teenager but what he doesn't realize..I am more stubborn than him and wont give in :) He is now sleeping on the floor. No more sleeping with us. I now make sure I am first to walk out any door and he must follow. These little things are helping. Thanks everyone for offering suggestions!!! That is great…. and glad that Chance is getting the message... It has always amazed me how quickly they get these ideas into their heads...
  • Possesiveness issues

    Behavioral Issues
    3
    0 Votes
    3 Posts
    3k Views
    S
    My dear friend Jean Skaggs, who deals with this often says… When the dog is guarding you...get up and leave the area. Don't squirt the dog, don't say anything, get up and leave. Turn your back and ignore. These dogs do get it. You might makes many trips off the couch, when that is where you are... But they will get it. I would be happy to send you to her if you have more issues. But really, its just that simple...