Skip to content
Basenji Forums
  1. Home
  2. Behavioral Issues
  3. Problems with other dogs

Problems with other dogs

Behavioral Issues
  • C

    Our Basenji Otis is 3 1/2 years old. He is my son's dog but has been living with us for the past 9 months. We also have a 3 1/2 year old lab/terrior mix. Lateley when I walk Otis, he is very very confrontational with other dogs. We also have an invisible fence and is confrontational with other dogs when they pass the house. When on a lease, he gets very jumpy, trying to get at the other dog, and my husband and I have both gotten bitten during these encounters. He was always fine at the dog park as long as he wasn't on a lease, but last time we went to the dog park, he went up to greet another dog with his teeth chomping and the dog ended up needing 12 stitches. As I am new to this forum, I believe I have come accross some good information, and I know that I need to work with him to overcome this. It has really gotten out of control and expensive!! My question is, what kind of a muzzle is best to use on a Basenji. I bought a soft one online but it is too big as it goes right up to his eyes. I need something asap so I can take him out on walks and still work with him. Thanks so much.

    0
  • S

    Welcome. IMO, a muzzle would be a short term tool to use on your b. A few questions. Is Otis fixed? What kind of home did he have before he came to you?
    Has he had any type of gentle obedience training at any time?
    That info could be helpful for advice.

    Sharron Hurlbut

    BRAT, basenji rescue

    Evergreen basenji club

    Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue

    0
  • lvossL

    You need to contact a behaviorist. There are many things you are going to need to change in your management of Otis and muzzle is not going to help change the behavior and may make it worse.

    A big problem with invisible fences is that the correction they deliver for being close to boundary line can become associated with other things that are present at the time. It sounds like Otis has started to associate the appearance of other dogs with negative things. His behavior will continue to escalate unless you begin working to change his associations, this will require the help of a behaviorist.

    0
  • NemoN

    I definitely agree a behaviorist is the way to go. You need someone to better help assess what Otis's triggers are so that a plan can be developed to help address them.

    It looks like you're around Chicago so I can ask around or local basenji club (we have several members in the Chicago area) for recommendations of good trainers if you are interested. There are also dog-sensitive dog classes in some areas that address this type of issue. But usually those require a behavioral assessment as well.

    Connect with the Basenji Club of America on Facebook

    http://www.facebook.com/basenji.org

    0
  • DebraDownSouthD

    Your dog is maturing, so it may only be maturity and dog/dog aggression is just rearing its ugly head. But I doubt it. I suspect the new environment is creating/escalating it and I agree about invisible fencing. Your dog knows he is trapped, but yet other dogs can get it. Restrict his outside time to when you are with him, on a long line, fence off. A muzzle will help avoid bites, but won't change the behaviors.

    Some dogs cannot be fixed when it comes to interdog aggression. Management, not curing, may be the only goal. But because this is new behavior, I would get a vet check, ESPECIALLY a full thyroid panel run since thyroid issues can cause aggression. Neutering helps some, but is far from a cure and sometimes if dogs are older helps minimally if at all.

    Ask your vet about a veterinary school near you with a behaviorist, if possible.

    PetMD: When Your Dog is Overly Aggressive Towards Other Dogs

    Colorado State University: Effects of Gonadectomy on Health, Behavior and Performance of Pets

    University of California Davis: The Truth about Aggression and Dominance in Dogs

    Debra

    0
  • tanzaT

    @lvoss:

    You need to contact a behaviorist. There are many things you are going to need to change in your management of Otis and muzzle is not going to help change the behavior and may make it worse.

    A big problem with invisible fences is that the correction they deliver for being close to boundary line can become associated with other things that are present at the time. It sounds like Otis has started to associate the appearance of other dogs with negative things. His behavior will continue to escalate unless you begin working to change his associations, this will require the help of a behaviorist.

    I fully agree with lvoss about the invisable fence. In fact, I would not place a puppy or adult that had this as a boundry to keep them in a yard. Consider that your Basenji is race to see other dogs and gets zapped for getting to close. Who do you think he is going to blame? The collar? Nope… the dog on the other side... again IMO

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

    0
  • C

    Thank you all for your responses. We are in St. Charles, IL which is the western suburbs of Chicago. If anyone does know of someone we can call, we would really appreciate it. Otis was neutured at around 6 months of age. My son got him as a puppy and did the training with him. He was very responsive with him, and learned many tricks. My son did not take him out too much, except over here, but we would go to the dog park and although Otis was always very eager to get to other dogs, he would never bite. I really hadn't thought about the invisible fence and how that could be affecting him. Any other thoughts, or people to contact would greatly be appreciated. He is not agressive at all at home, and our other dog can really be aggravating and he does nothing about it. Please Help!!!

    0
  • lvossL

    I will send you a PM with trainer info.

    0
  • DebraDownSouthD

    djaan, how about removing your spam link… then people might think your posts are serious.

    Debra

    0

Suggested Topics

  • MswinaM

    Dog Training

    Behavioral Issues
    4
    0 Votes
    4 Posts
    3k Views
    eeeefarmE
    What type of training are you interested in? Is this a housebreaking issue, obedience problem, or some behaviour you want to discourage? Since you have posted in behavioural problems, I assume you are having some difficulties with something. If you are more specific it might be easier to point you in the right direction, i.e. to an obedience trainer or an animal behaviourist.
  • S

    Lap dogs?

    Behavioral Issues
    11
    0 Votes
    11 Posts
    5k Views
    wizardW
    On the couch Gossy either justs sits on my lap or curls up next to me; on the recliner she prefers directly in my lap. On the other hand, if I'm on the couch in the evening Teddy will slowly climb up onto my lap as if he thinks I won't notice then he'll curl up leaning against my chest and go to sleep! If Gossy is already in my lap, he'll try to squeeze in between :)
  • KipawaK

    Marking problem

    Behavioral Issues
    47
    0 Votes
    47 Posts
    19k Views
    KipawaK
    @Therese: I avoid calling him dominant because that word seems to draw fire in the dog world with new training methods and I don't really know that describes what he is. Sober is also a therapy dog and exceptionally good with small children and the tiniest of dogs. He completely respects me and my husband and without much formal training is probably one of my best trained dogs. That said he (who Kipawa is very much like) is very strong willed. When Fran took Kipawa we warned her consistant fair ongoing training would give her a Sober in her house, but letting him take over or encouraging it will likely give him license to challenge situations. I think she and Darrell understand this and are doing a great job. I think continuing what they plan will be great and they will have an amazing adult dog when he is finished. Kipawa is out of a line that matures very slowly and for his health and well being we believe in his case it would be good to wait to neuter him when he is fully mature. I think the key is changing the behavior, by peeing Kipawa out (maybe only a dribble will remain as would with my boys) it will likely not cause as much embarassment or damage while the behavior is corrected. If Kipawa has his dad's bladder (which he did when he lived here) he can pee quite a lake if left to his own.Therese I am so thankful, Therese, for you and Kevin guiding us with Kipawa. As you mention Sober's peeing ability, Kipawa is definitely the same. He does have a healthy, big bladder. He gets a good pee right before we go to bed around 10:30 p.m., and upon rising at 7:30 a.m., he is not interested in going out right away to pee. He needs/wants his 'loves' in the morning. We do that 'within' our morning routine. I have a coffee first, at which time he sits with me, and after that he goes out for his first morning sniffs of the day and a pee. Then he is fed. We are using the technique of 'peeing him out', and that is really working for us. After about 4 good long leg lifts, he usually only has drops left. Then when those go, the problem of peeing on people is 'eliminated'. Kipawa is also going to be a therapy dog like his Dad Sober (meet and greet paraplegic and quadriplegic folks). He is very loving to any human he meets. We are working very hard on the 'good neighbour' requirements and we have accomplished many of them. And we have decided to leave Kipawa intact until he is fully mature. Over the last week I have spoken to and read so much information on the detriments of neutering. As Therese said, being fair and firm lets Kipawa know who the leader is. Perhaps that is a better word than dominant - just indicate your dog is a 'lead dog'.
  • I

    Walking Problems

    Behavioral Issues
    4
    0 Votes
    4 Posts
    1k Views
    I
    I am not sure what kind of harness I have and can't find a 'proper' name for it online. This link shows what it looks like although I didn't purchase it from this site: http://www.dog.com/item/adjustable-nylon-harness-black/ . I have double checked and it isn't pinching or pulling them in anyway. It is not really tight, but is a little snug so I don't loose control of them when I am walking them. One dog I have had for awhile and at first she liked it (I actually got it on loan from the rescue where I got her to use and had to end up buying it from them because she got out of all other leads that I had for her - think she just wanted that particular one). After being fine with it for around a month she no longer wants to put it on. I have to lure her into it and put it over her head…once it gets over her head she will sit and lift her leg nicely for you to put it all the way on. The new dog hasn't been here two weeks yet and acts like her about the harness - he too liked it when he came, but now no. Any help would be great - I really lilke the harness because I feel like I am not hurting them too much, can keep control on them, and feel secure that they won't get loose using the harness. I have seen the one's that go all the way around them with the harness clip at the top but not sure if it would be safe to use - they could probably escape? Not sure what to do from here..but they have to walk and will have to use a lead. The gentle leader I feel will not keep him or her secure. I live in an apartment but we are around a lake with tons of land and wild animals. They are always trying to track something and with the surroundings so inviting they will be gone if they get loose. TristA
  • K

    Dog to dog greeting aggression question

    Behavioral Issues
    12
    0 Votes
    12 Posts
    4k Views
    S
    I will take a bit of time, but it does work. Please let us know how it goes.
  • Robin_n_JackR

    Fear of dogs

    Behavioral Issues
    14
    0 Votes
    14 Posts
    6k Views
    C
    My son has been afraid of animals his entire life. We didn't know it until we were visiting a friend when he was 1 year old and their cat WALKED across the room. He freaked out. From that point on he was afraid of any live animal, but loved stuffed animals. He is 6 now and we just got an 8 week old Basenji. We talked about it alot, (he has slowly gotten used to our friend's cat, but every time the animal made a sudden move he jolted). He was excited to get the puppy, and we sat with him while he got used to exactly what the puppy would do. It has only been 2 months and my son is so good with our dog that he is not afraid of the dogs across the street who are high strung little fluffy things that always sent him runnning and screaming into the house. When I asked him about it he said he wasn't afraid now because he had one now. We waited to get a dog until both of our kids were older and could handle some responsibility. It was the best decision we made. He is still uncomforable around large dogs and other large animals, but has made remarkable progress. I don't know how your nephew will respond, but as he gets older he may realize that he has some control over the animals and that may help. Good luck!!!