Agressive growl or B talk

[luzmery928]

thanks for the hugs. I do hope the trainer can help with the walking issue. I know how hard it is when they suddenly appear and you have no time to step back and kind of run them over. I wish we were more stern with the rules but really at 4am after a night of no sleep we kind of give up. Little brat knows that we will eventually give in so we are pretty much loosing control but hopefully we will start making the proper adjustments to bring back our alpha titles. It would be alot easier if they weren't so damn cute. Even after Champ bit me he looked at me and followed me around the house with those sweet sorry mommie eyes. We are owned by our two furry brats.

[massagemom3]

Ha Ha! So true! Did I mention she is new to our home and that she is 2ish. But we luv her so much already! Even with her honking at us @ 3&4&5a.m….

[luzmery928]

Well I can't blame you she is cute

[Quercus]

@luzmery928:

well I must admit Champ is becoming more aggresive with each day. But will also admit it is his parents (human parents)fault. We have not kept up with the training and have again grown lazy and minimized the walks. He bit me twice this weekend. Once for trying to take his bone away and again this morning for moving him in bed. I sopke to his trainer and he told me this is due to lack of training. He does not know who is in charge and we must go back to the basics and continue doing this especially since the home demographics have changed. Yes I admit to being at fault and will begin the routine again today!!!

Well….I don't know if it is due to a lack of training, that Champ is acting out aggressively...but training certainly could improve the situation.

I think that Champ may feel that his pack status is threatened by a new dog, and he is over-reacting when you assert yourself (taking a bone, or displacing him). I don't know that this means he has forgotten you are in charge...but more that he is hypersensitive to being required to do surrender status/power.

I would work on all basic obedience behaviors. I would make sure I am asking for cooperative behaviors before giving meals, treats or attention (sit for dinner, etc.) Most likely as things settle down, he will return to however he was before...but it is best to take a pro-active approach, and start reinforcing the behaviors you want to see.

[Quercus]

@luzmery928:

that's also a problem. Champ has not learned how to jump on the bed so unless invited and picked up he can't come up but Belle on the other hand is a jumper and will jump on it all the time. We did not want that but after spending all night waking up and taking her off the bed, we gave in so of course Champ has to come up too. And well the trainer is coming today and I'm sure he'll let us know what else can be done.

That could be trouble. I would have them both sleep in crates until they sort out their issues.

[sharronhurlbut]

This being alpha thing…I am not sure bed sleeping will destroy your authority.
Re the coughing...yes, its pretty loud..I had a basenji with Kennel cough, and it did seem to go on forever!, so I can understand not wanting to sleep with the noise and movements when they cough.
I will be interested in hearing what the trainer says.
I hope this person knows basenjis and has a gentle approch..
Some of the folks I have met learning about behavior are pretty harsh and I know it won't work on our breed of dog.
Fingers crossed this makes your life easier and your basenji's happier.

[massagemom3]

Re Sahronhurlbut..I'll keep the trainer sensitivity in mind. It was her idea though to estab. the alph setting in the home, and that included not having Sally in the bed with us, until we were sure. We wouldn't want to put an unknown dog let alone a B in a situation that could have been traumatic before. After all we really don't know why she was surrendered after 2 years of life. The trainer we are "trying out" seems to be very proactive instead of reactive.

[sharronhurlbut]

Thanks for your post. I hope you understand that I am trying to help…
not give you more "issues" to deal with than you already have.
I look forward to hearing about what is discussed and decided.
Fingers crossed it will work for everyone in your family.

[luzmery928]

well as usual Champ made me look like I was crazy. He has now miraculously reverted to his great self…oopss gotto run the DH is waiting for me...will continue this story tomorrow or later.

[luzmery928]

so as I was saying…the trainer came over tue night and Champ made no type of growling or aggresive noise....In fact Belle was the one doing the rough housing. I do think it also has to do with the fact that we've started the am walks again and a bit of basic training. Though this morning Champ did growl a little but it was real low and more of a protest towards Belle since I was snuggling with him and she kind of walked towards us. I know not nice but it's better then it being true aggresion. So I feel better now but must continue with the regimen. Definetly exercise and training makes for a better behaved B...though still hiding the pumps...lol

[luzmery928]

oh yes and last night I was actually furless on the bed. Of course had to push Belle off the bed about 10times but at least she got the message before 12.00am and went to her bed. But at 6 they came up…Hey baby steps...