Skip to content

My basenji turned on me :(

Behavioral Issues
  • I adopted my 7 year old Basenji in October of '08. She has never been violent or anything of that nature. She has always followed me around, and will lay right on top of me and sniff my face and lick my arms. She is really the sweetest thing. Well last night, we were laying on the couch, and I was petting her behind her ears like I ALWAYS do, and my boyfriend came and sat on the couch at my feet. Red started to growl, then she lunged and bit me right in the face. At first I thought she was protecting me when she was growling, but she turned and bit ME. She has only been around my boyfriend maybe 5 times, and she is with me every single day. WHY in the world would she do this? She's been to the vet a few times, and everything has checked out fine. Any answers or suggestions?

  • Redirected aggression. You usually see it when dogs are on leash or on the other side of a window and will lash out at the dog standing next to them when they are upset by something.

  • Makes sense. Thanks.

Suggested Topics

  • Basenji and Baby

    Behavioral Issues
    5
    0 Votes
    5 Posts
    3k Views
    tanzaT
    You need to get a professional to come to your home and observe... and give suggestions
  • Basenji and Grudges

    Behavioral Issues
    17
    0 Votes
    17 Posts
    10k Views
    Buddys PalB
    Hey eeeefarm, read that article you shared via link…..very interesting and enlightening! when one reads about spindle cells and the amygdala, one has to consider emotions to some degree in animals across the board! don't know about trees etc....???? 'nother forum ????
  • Basenji Nail Grooming

    Behavioral Issues
    9
    0 Votes
    9 Posts
    5k Views
    R
    I have found a great tool to help with nail cutting/drummeling. It's called the Calming Cap from the makers of the Thundershirt. It goes over the head like a hood and because the dog can't see well, it stays calm. About 20 or so years ago, I used to put a sock over my dogs head. It worked much in the same way. You might want to try it because it really works.
  • Basenji packs

    Behavioral Issues
    6
    0 Votes
    6 Posts
    3k Views
    eeeefarmE
    For what it's worth, I have noted that in households with a strong human leader/boss/alpha/disciplinarian (pick one!) there are less squabbles among dogs, at least when the human is present. My neighbour has Rotties, had two bitches that hated each other and would fight, but they didn't do it when she was around. She did have to be careful that they could not get together in her absence. ;) Interesting anecdote: If my mare is bothering my old gelding and I notice it, I can break it up by yelling at her out the window! Guess I am "alpha" in that herd.
  • Basenji Help!!

    Behavioral Issues
    9
    0 Votes
    9 Posts
    3k Views
    V
    Move the crates to different rooms. The female won't be able to see what's going on. Give the male his food first, then feed the female a little later. Don't let them out of the crates at the same time.
  • My Basenji training

    Behavioral Issues
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    3k Views
    jys1011J
    WOW!!!..Words to live by!! I commend you for all the effort it sounds like you've put into your dogs. I wish people were more like you…and your mantra should be placed on every B owner's refrigerator door :D :D It's all about knowing your dog & KNOWING their limitations. Respect is key and so is a no tolerance policy. At least that's how it is at our house! :) BTW-I went to a Basenji Fun Match...and A LOT of B's are bitchy snarky little fur balls. Rest assured yours are not the exception. Mine are exactly the same way but we work with them every day on this!