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Random aggression problem

Behavioral Issues
  • agilebasenjiA

    sounds like resource guarding. i haven't read it, but if i were you, i'd try a booklet called Mine!

    http://www.amazon.com/Mine-Practical-Guide-Resource-Guarding/dp/0970562942

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  • MacPackM

    Are you able to take Shep to obedience classes? Besides resource guarding (you are the resource) he sounds dominant and he needs to learn that you are the leader and there to protect him, not the other way around. My boys are neutered and usually dislike intact males!

    Good luck, a big dog that is aggressive to you and your family is not a good thing.

    Anne in Tampa

    Chipley, Missy & Lucky

    Topper, Nicky & Eddie in the clouds

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  • S

    Yes, he needs to get into a gentle obedience class and you need to work with him on bonding and bounderies.
    How much exercise does he get?
    Most young dogs, no matter what breeds, need at least one hr walk 2 times a day.
    Good luck.
    Let us know how it goes.

    Sharron Hurlbut

    BRAT, basenji rescue

    Evergreen basenji club

    Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue

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  • shep_18S

    He gets alot of exercise, so i know thats not the problem. Ive taken him to obedience classes and he did fine…is there a specific kind of obedience class for this type of problem?

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  • shep_18S

    and another annoying problem…when anyone comes to hug me, he runs up and starts humping my leg...is that him saying "shes mine" ....?

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  • tanzaT

    @shep_18:

    and another annoying problem…when anyone comes to hug me, he runs up and starts humping my leg...is that him saying "shes mine" ....?

    I assume he is neutered? And if so, yes that would be dominance towards you… If not, I would suggest neuter .... and even if not neutered that behavior most times would be considered dominance and resourse guarding

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

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  • shep_18S

    yes, he is neutered. How much would it help the problem if i get our other dog neutered too? and another thing, when a dog shows his belly isnt that a submissive behavior? because he does that…i just dont get it O.O

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  • tanzaT

    @shep_18:

    yes, he is neutered. How much would it help the problem if i get our other dog neutered too? and another thing, when a dog shows his belly isnt that a submissive behavior? because he does that…i just dont get it O.O

    I would get the other neutered, as unless you are a breeder there is no reason to keep in-tact (yes I know that this is a taboo subject for those not in the US)

    And as far as showing belly, depends on the situation. Sounds to me like a behaviorist would be a good solution to bring into your home and see the situation.

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

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  • shep_18S

    where do you find a behaviorist? is that expensive?

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  • dmcartyD

    Couple of things: First have his Thyroid Checked. I am not one that thinks thats the answer to every things - but it is easy to test and is a quick fix if that is the cause.

    I don't think I can post a link here but if you go to my icon and click on my info there is my website - on the basenji info page - there is a link to Basenji Thyroid info.

    On the off chance that I can post a link here it is: http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/Thyroid.htm

    Second - I am also in MN and would be happy to help you specifically if you want someone that is 'basenji savy' to give him a look see.

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  • M

    Aggressive issues

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    I don't want to sound personnel but if you are in control why does he keep showing aggression to other intact dogs. By taking him away from the other dog is not teaching him not to be aggressive . He may see you as boss but he wants to be second in charge and see,s all other intact dogs as a threat to his position. Don't be to proud to use a muzzle , and as I said take out to mix with intact dogs . As he can't hurt them and will soon relize,s this you need to stand up and let him know your displeasure using voice and physical presence and a small water pistol as he will hate being squirted. You should find the water pistol works a treat. I would do this every few days until his stops the aggressive behaviour , then I would try without the muzzle but always keep the water pistol with you and let him see it as he will remember what happens when he acts up. This is a method I have used to help mates control their pig dogs . I am by far an expert and are always prepared to Liston to others thoughts as this is how I learn.
  • L

    Food aggression

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    QuercusQ
    @JazzysMom: Let me ask you this, Pat {and all}….. I've always fed my dogs separately, esp. since Keoki came into the picture because he will scarf his food and run to see if he can get what the others have. I don't crate them, but they are fed in separate rooms which puts them about ten feet away from one another. Keoki has learned NOT to hover over the other dogs, but he does kind of watch and wait for either of them to finish and then he runs over to lick their bowls. I don't have a problem with that, as they all run from bowl to bowl at the end of the meals, licking whatever {icky} they can find there. It's funny because they all get the same food. Lately, in the mornings only, Jazz won't eat UNTIL Keoki finishes and and then she will growl and ruuuuun for her bowl. So, the last few days I have put her bowl near his {as an experiment}-- w/in maybe 2 feet -- and she will immediately eat while he does. He eats faster, and it's almost as if she slows down when she knows he's finished. She picks up one piece of food at a time to carefully chew it, with the occasional quiet growl to remind him that it is hers. What is up with that? Honestly…sounds like a fight in the making to me. Eating faster is the first level of resource (in this case food) guarding. She may be eating slower for any number of reasons...the first one I thought of was a calming signal to him? I doubt she is trying to tease him...but she may be trying to make a point...mine, calm down, mine, calm down... These kind of things tend to escalate, so IMO, I wouldn't even experiment with it. Why not feed them separately, like with doors in between? It has got to be less stressful for the dogs if they don't have to worry if the other dog is going to bully them for their food...or on the other hand, if they can bully the other dog.
  • wizardW

    Bedtime aggression

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    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
  • SarahRNS

    Leash aggression??

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    basenjibratzB
    @Quercus: That sounds ideal! I do love the head collars…the ONLY drawback is so many dogs have fits when they wear them. But the control is awesome, particularly for reactive dogs. Glad it is working for you! Oh yes, Talker had a fit when he was younger and I tried the collar. I gave up because I felt so bad for him. I don't know what changed this time–whether I was calmer or he mellowed out or what, but he accepted the halti this time around and I'm loving it. There were so many times that he would be so anxious to be out walking that getting him to stop pulling was tiresome and the walks were not enjoyable. We were constantly stopping and starting and stopping and starting to re-adjust ourselves. Now, we just walk. Loving the halti!:)
  • youngandtiredY

    Greeting Problem

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    Amen to the leash. That was my salvation in terms of fear of Gibby bolting out or jumping on visitors. After many months of making this the norm, he now sits and waits for the leash to go on and allows people in without immediately jumping on them. Naturally, he is curious after he is unleashed but he doesn't feel the need to jump up to get attention. With B's it sure does take months of reinforcement to get the concept identified but they will respond if you are consistent.
  • BanditB

    Help with aggression

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    L
    Some basenjis seem to have particular kinds of dogs they don't like. My Abbey is best friends with a rottweiller, a black lab, and a dalmation, but she hates golden retrievers! What do they go by, coat color?? She goes after anything that moves at the vet's though. My first basenji many years ago, Pumpkin, climbed trees to get after squirrels, and fences were no problem either.