Need help with our basenji mix!!

[margiem]

What state are you from? And what exactly are his behavior problems? Is it just the usual basenji destructiveness or independent behavior or is it something else?

[kfpolen]

I live in California. We adopted our pup Reggie when he was 10 weeks. He definitely has the typical behaviors but also aggressive tendencies. He guards toys and his crate, and randomly gets aggressive just out of the blue it seems. He is incredibly anxious (on Prozac) and nervous. Leaving the house for anything other than a walk is very difficult because he can get aggressive in the car and vacations are impossible. We love him but we just don't know what to do with the behaviors.

[eeeefarm]

How old is he now? When did the behaviour problems begin? Cute little guy, BTW.

[tanza]

@kfpolen Adopted him from who? Whoever bred him should be responsible if you have to give him up and they should take responsibility. Of course if he came from a shelter the above would not apply.

[DebraDownSouth]

You said he is on prozac. Has his behaviors gotten better or worse with it? Some dogs become more reactive. Have you worked with a trainer? Crate, food, toy and other guarding behaviors are not an "easy" fix, but most certainly can be changed.
BRAT (Basenji Rescue and Transportation) will list mixes, so that is one option.

[wizard]

That behavior could occur in any dog so don't just blame the basenji (or the corgi).
Try contacting a trainer who uses positive reinforcement training - much of that behavior can be retrained or at least managed. Giving him up should be your last resort.

[kfpolen]

He was adopted from a shelter (born there). The vet started him on Prozac like 8 months ago or so. We think it helped him slightly, but the unpredictable behaviors are not changed. We have had some luck with positive reinforcement surrounding the crate and food and he's good 90% of the time, but the other 10% of the time he can just snap. We definitely aren't blaming the breed, either one. We just wanted somewhere to reach out where people understood basenjis and some of their quirks. We plan to try behavior training but it is likely the last thing we can do. Ultimately, we are scared of the unpredictability and fear that when we have children they won't be safe around him.

[tanza]

This post is deleted!

[tanza]

@kfpolen - If that is the case (born in a shelter), then you will never know his real story..... The 10% of the time that he "just" snaps.... could be a sign of rage syndrome. Meaning that it is possible that there are "wires" crossed in the brain... Since he was born/raised in a shelter, have you asked the shelter if they can shed any light on his behavior

I don't really see any Basenji, Corgi for sure, I see

[wizard]

It's difficult to give you advice on some of the behavior issues without actually being there. And the aggression part can take some time to overcome but a really good trainer can help.

You could contact the Certified Professional Dog Trainer Association (http://www.ccpdt.org/dog-owners/certified-dog-trainer-directory/) to find a trainer to help.
You might also try the Pembroke Welsh Corgi society (http://www.pwcca.org) to find a breeder in your area who could recommend a trainer (roundabout way of getting some help).

[DebraDownSouth]

Some things cannot be fixed. I urge you to get a qualified behaviorist (veterinary) to evaluate him. If he is truly unstable, rehoming him is not fair to him or the new home.