Skip to content

Growling Alpha issues...

Behavioral Issues
  • 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.

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

  • 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....

  • 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.

Suggested Topics

  • Issues with overstimulation

    Behavioral Issues
    9
    0 Votes
    9 Posts
    2k 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.
  • Leash issues

    Behavioral Issues
    5
    0 Votes
    5 Posts
    4k 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.
  • Biting Issues

    Behavioral Issues
    24
    0 Votes
    24 Posts
    13k Views
    eeeefarmE
    You aren't likely to find a Basenji specific trainer. You need to look for someone in your area. Perhaps some other forum members know of someone. Any good trainer can probably help you, but it would be advantageous if they have worked with the breed. Best way to find out is by referral from someone else with a Basenji, but otherwise check out what you see on line, and phone them and ask. Whereabouts in Michigan are you located? Ah, Pat, you beat me to it! :)
  • Smaller issues..

    Behavioral Issues
    24
    0 Votes
    24 Posts
    9k Views
    Rita JeanR
    That is just to funny having to chase the dog with underware and guests. At least you had something to talk about that night that was different. Rita Jean
  • Sleep issues

    Behavioral Issues
    16
    0 Votes
    16 Posts
    5k Views
    BookwormB
    We've been leaving the crate door open. The worst thing he has done is during the night, he goes to the other dog's pillow, plops down, and the other poor dog gives up and moves somewhere else. We haven't heard a peep out of either of them all night, so we can sleep. Only problem is stepping on them if you don't know where they are! Right now we have two visiting dogs for a month - big female yellow (clueless) lab and a big blonde retriever mix. Buster thinks he can go up and nip their necks and he growls and snaps at them. I know I've read about this type of behavior on the other discussion boards. The thing is, for the first few days, they were getting along and playing. Now, Buster is getting a little more aggressive. Is this just part of the Basenji charm?:confused:
  • Issues with walks

    Behavioral Issues
    34
    0 Votes
    34 Posts
    11k Views
    Rita JeanR
    Jaycee on Sunday was on the deck sleeping in the hot sun. However when we did class on Sunday my husband took his shoes off and was on the pavement with her to see if it was to hot. Trainer ask him if he had shoes Steve told sure do but if it is to hot for my feet its to hot for Jaycee. Rita Jean