Skip to content
Basenji Forums
  1. Home
  2. Behavioral Issues
  3. Leash Aggression or Protective Instincts?

Leash Aggression or Protective Instincts?

Behavioral Issues
  • elbrantE

    Doodle temperament has changed lately... maybe, maybe not. I'm not sure. For the last 2 years (almost) I have been taking doodle on a daily 3 mile walk. I've been having trouble with my hip the last couple of months and her 3 mile walks are more like one (or two if I'm up to it). A serious dip in exercise for her, but she has been a trooper and seems to understand what's going on. That isn't the only change though.... Over the past week I've noticed that doodle is prone to little snarky moments around other dogs while we are out walking.

    Example: Today a rather large Lab got away from his owner and came bounding over to play. He was being a typical dog and really wanted to play, but he got too close and I started to loose my balance. Doodle became "aggressive" and tried to get the Lab to back off. Growling, snapping. New behavior for doodle.

    So, is this more likely to be "leash aggression"? Or is doodle sensing that I'm not 100% and trying to protect me? (I'll be fine, btw.) Any opinions?

    elbrant.net

    tanzaT R 2 Replies
    1
  • eeeefarmE

    Could be either, but since your status has changed she may feel the need to call the shots with intruding animals, where before she likely felt you had it under control.

    "In order to get along with a Basenji, you have to be at least half as smart as the dog!"

    5
  • ZandeZ

    She almost certainly senses you are not 100%. Basenjis do. They are very atune to anything wrong with their owners.

    She may be protecting you, she may have some niggling annoyance of her own which bothers her but which is not serious enough for you to notice it.

    Sally Wallis

    Zande Basenjis

    www.zandebasenjis.com

    https://pedigrees.zandebasenjis.com

    SKYPE zandeuk

    4
  • tanzaT

    @elbrant - I agree, she might be feeling that you need her assistance.... and being on lead and another invading her (your) space.... more protective.

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

    2
  • R

    @elbrant

    Both. Aggression because Doodle was on leash and the other dog was not. No escape for Doodle. Doodle was protecting Doodle, not you. In dog language, the Lab was being rude and Doodle was letting him know that.

    4
  • D

    She may also be getting less forgiving of bad behavior as she gets older. In my experience adult Basenjis adhere to a certain code of conduct when meeting new dogs. Part of that is approaching slowly and not immediately getting in their face. They expect similar behavior from other dogs. A dog running up to them would violate the standard and might elicit a snark and a response. As long as it's not overly aggressive I wouldn't give it a thought. Chalk it up to a good learning experience for the other dog.

    FWIW they have a different standard for puppies. They will give them more leeway. Doesn't mean they won't snark at them but it's more like trying to dissuade them -- defense not offense.

    3

Suggested Topics

  • davcozD

    Aggressive Behavior

    Behavioral Issues
    26
    0 Votes
    26 Posts
    12k Views
    srjeeperS
    @davcoz: there are some people that he just does not like. These people tend to be the type that make my wife and I uneasy. Any ideas about this? **If these folks make you and your wife uneasy. Then why wouldn't you expect the same reaction from your B? He's lettin everybody know what he's feelin and your not sayin! :rolleyes:**
  • H

    Collar and Leash

    Behavioral Issues
    23
    0 Votes
    23 Posts
    7k Views
    C
    My experience with my Belle, who was 8weeks old when we started leash trainning, is the old standard "link leash" no cloth or material leash, My vet sales a brank of leash and collars and if your dogs chews throug, no question asked, you return it and replaced on the spot….It has worked so far, I will check out tomorrow of the brand I don't remember but the collars are great....I will let you know. Check out my album and see my husband and the 3 B's on the first walk together after the new fosters came.....
  • BasenjiByTheBayB

    On-Leash Snarking

    Behavioral Issues
    12
    0 Votes
    12 Posts
    5k Views
    jessi76J
    @sharronhurlbut: Training with treats will work, if you take it slow. Clicker training works as well. I was going to say the same thing. I would carry a treat bag with me, and a clicker when out on leash. Use the clicker to mark correct behavior, i.e., sitting calmly while another dog passes. If my dog gets snarky on leash, I promptly stand in front of him, and put him in a sit/wait with a focus on ME (not the other dog). if he persists, I simply become a "goalie" and continue to block his path, get eye contact, and again, get a sit/wait.
  • 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
  • wizardW

    Bedtime aggression

    Behavioral Issues
    21
    0 Votes
    21 Posts
    8k Views
    youngandtiredY
    Sahara never gets grumpy when she has to move or I move her myself. When she was a puppy I always tried to get her use to being moved, and I just couldn't keep my hands off of her when she was sleeping. Just like a sweet little baby, I just had to sweet talk her and rub her, she looked so sweet and lovable. I still have a had time leaving her alone, hubby too when she is sleeping. She is great, when she is sleeping in my lap and I have to get up, I just say, "Sahara, Mommy has to get up". She immediately gets up and moves and goes to lay down in her bed or in the guest room where it is usually nice and dark (no lights on). I read on here when she was a puppy to get her use to being moved when she was sleeping and I thank this forum for that. I took the advice and Sahara is all the good for that. She still growls and puts my wrist in her mouth when I get in my car, she hates to see me leave. I am still working on this behavior, hope the water bottle stops it for good.:D
  • abby_basenjiA

    Aggression

    Behavioral Issues
    11
    0 Votes
    11 Posts
    5k Views
    abby_basenjiA
    I too have an automatic litter box but we built a platform almost like a cabinate and the poo goes down into a garbage can with a bag in it and abby or missy can not get into the poo.