Skip to content
Basenji Forums
  1. Home
  2. Behavioral Issues
  3. Growling Alpha issues...

Growling Alpha issues...

Behavioral Issues
  • funnybunnyF

    So i have 2 basenji pups (6 yrs old)

    I had Milosh since a puppy- and later adopted Zeus at 2yrs from BRAT. now they are both 6.

    and well, my issue is Milosh is very vocal.

    he just thinks that everyone should be in their place. if we walk down the stairs and Zeus is also coming down the stairs he growls- i know they respect each others space - and there are no fights that break out. - he DOES NOT attempt to bite.

    Zeus is very mellow and calm- and ignores his growls. i just want Milosh to respect and understand that Zeus is entitled todo as he pleases without Milosh approval.

    is this normal having 2 basenjis?

    1- they are not from the same liter.
    2- they are both males
    3- they dont dog fight./ they play with one another when they like.

    0
  • DebraDownSouthD

    In my experience, intervening will escalate the issue. As long as there is no fighting, I really would ignore it.

    Debra

    0
  • Buddys PalB

    that they are two males, yes, it will happen, but not just because they are males. One may be the 'alpha' but look into Resource Guarding. a resource can be a toy, food, person, couch, a space, bed....anything that one dog deems of high value. and yes, letting them have a hierarchy of who is higher is normal in any pack of animals (humans...hehehe!) great that they don't fight, so leaving them alone is ok. I had a similar problem with the personality conflict between my current B and older male who was here. A behaviorist told me to sing out in a high pitched mini-mouse voice when they would pass each other and whale eye and growl. It worked all the time to distract and redirect them and prevent further escalation. (they never fought either and actually sat close to each other a few months later) You can try this or leave it alone....

    0
  • wizardW

    Unless there is true fighting leave them alone. They will work things out - the resource guarding may be behind it - but one simply doesn't want the other to be so close or whatever.

    0

Suggested Topics

  • C

    Issues with overstimulation

    Behavioral Issues
    9
    0 Votes
    9 Posts
    1k Views
    eeeefarmE
    IMO it is a myth that Basenjis cannot have good manners on a walk. Yes, great if you can do off leash, but when circumstances dictate that a leash is necessary then walking calmly without a lot of drama and pulling should be achievable. Personally I do not like long lines or flex leashes. Or allowing dogs to eat whatever they find on the ground, which can in some cases earn you a trip to the vet or worse. Like most dogs, Basenjis are not overly discriminant about what they will ingest. A short leash and being observant can protect them from unwelcome outcomes. Mental exercise will also go a long way with any dog. But one should have a definite opinion about who is running the show, and it should not be the dog....they are quite willing to take up the position should you abdicate.
  • wizardW

    Leash issues

    Behavioral Issues
    5
    0 Votes
    5 Posts
    3k Views
    D
    I agree. It upsets me to see people walking with Flexis and their dog attacks some other dog because they're not paying attention, or don't know how to work the trigger mechanism properly. I've come to think that maybe people in cities just shouldn't use them because errors will inevitably occur…humans will be humans. I live in the country though, and there's no one around where I walk my dog. The long Flexi is the best choice for me because I like to let my dog explore some on her own when we're on walks, and she can run here and there while still not being able to take off. Not every situation is the same for everyone. If I were in the city or around people and congestion I'd probably use a 5 or 6 ft. fixed lead.
  • H

    Sleeping Issues

    Behavioral Issues
    9
    0 Votes
    9 Posts
    3k Views
    krunzerK
    Yeah they do the whole 'omg my fur is all messed up' shake turn around 3 times then flop their furry butts down back in bed. I know about the super light sleeper thing. I too can wake up at the first sound of puking puppy and either throw a towel underneath them or try to get them to the bathroom in time so they can vomit in the sink. Once they get they get those ears going it's hard to stop!
  • A

    Major issues

    Behavioral Issues
    29
    0 Votes
    29 Posts
    7k Views
    wizardW
    When I first acquired my previous basenji the breeder suggested putting paper towels in the bottom of the crate (she can tear them up to her hearts content and even if she eats some if shouldn't cause problems) and to give frozen marrow bones to keep her occupied. There are also lots of interactive toys available that also keep her occupied.
  • youngandtiredY

    Growling!

    Behavioral Issues
    15
    0 Votes
    15 Posts
    4k Views
    B
    @youngandtired: :rolleyes: This woman is so stupid to let this B's behavior go to the point of looking like it will bite. My Sahara, does growl at times, but I would not allow this behavior at all. I have grabbed her when she tried to keep me from shuting the bathroom door on her, she was growling real loud, she knew I meant business and has not tried that behavior lately. I did carry a water bottle with me when I got into my car recently and told her, "No", and she has not done the growl & grab Mom's wrist since. Yea, the next time company stops by I will put her on a leash when they leave, which is a problem sometimes as she runs from me. Have to get the special sandwich meat treat out for that. haha!!!!! Can't keep her from the mailman and UPS man, I don't know when they come until it's too late. She is doing better about minding my "Leave It" commands, so I think in time of reinforcing no growling she will get better. Thanks all for the advice!:D Sounds like your making good progress C…...good job!!!! Keep it up......Mom's in charge!;)
  • VanessaV

    Growling Now???!!!

    Behavioral Issues
    29
    0 Votes
    29 Posts
    8k Views
    tanzaT
    @Vanessa626: Here is an update on the little growler. Since the post I have tried a few different things and the best thing that seems to work is getting down and dirty :) (figure of speech) I have been mixing the food with my hands and hand feeding him. It has been working and after doing that for a few minutes I give him the bowl and sit next to him telling him that he is a good boy. So far so good. He is definitely trying to show that he is becoming a teenager but what he doesn't realize..I am more stubborn than him and wont give in :) He is now sleeping on the floor. No more sleeping with us. I now make sure I am first to walk out any door and he must follow. These little things are helping. Thanks everyone for offering suggestions!!! That is great…. and glad that Chance is getting the message... It has always amazed me how quickly they get these ideas into their heads...