ok, so the overall assumption is that this is dog aggressive, but there are variable demonstrations of aggression. Aggression where the dog wants to kill the object (dog, other animal,…) or if it is fear aggression, then the thyroid has nothing (probably) to do with the 'aggressing' towards the other dog. If the dog has a fear or inability to socialize with other dogs, then the growling, lunging, last resort bite,(if that variable is actually followed through or if the snapping is done and the fearful dog retreats)...all have different methodologies of rehab with the fearful dog making better decisions in the area of his/her tolerance trigger. CAT or BAT is what you want to talk over with a behaviorist or trainer with the knowledge.
New neighbors dog
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We have a 10 month old basenji, he is very well socialized and gets on with all kinds of dogs. We had new neighbors move in down stairs with an Aussie shepherd. Our dog heard him howling and whining the first few days. The first time they met in the hall our dog turned into gollum and tried to attack our neighbors dog and the neighbors dog reciprocated because it was wiggling out from the move. We tried introducing them in the park - same deal, but 100% of the aggression was from our dog. We tried on the street, same reaction. The shepherd post move is quite beta and super nice, and our dog is just being a bullying brat. We have never seen him pick a fight before with any other dog, but he will stick up for himself if he is feeling threatened. Any suggestions on how we could get them to be friends, it would be great if our dog could have a playmate and reciprocal dog sitter in our building. Our upstairs neighbor had a beagle that was best buddies with our basenji but she just just moved out.
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It's been my experience that sometimes my basenji just gets it in her head that she doesn't like another dog, and for seemingly no good reason. I have been able to mitigate her behavior, but this is not a cure….
First, an excited basenji is a biting basenji. Make sure he's calm. Make him sit. Exert your dominance. Stand over your dog, look him in the eye. You need to snap him out of his mindset and remind him that you're in charge and he doesn't need to be aggressive.
It will take time and patience, but he can be made more comfortable...
I've also found that walking together as a "pack" helps. The two humans in the middle, the dogs held on a very short leash to either side, and you ignore your dog's aggression, focusing them on the walk itself. After a short while, they should just about forget one another. But this also acclimates them to each other. Good luck!
