Skip to content

Barking and lunging towards people during walks, help!

Basenji Training
  • Hello!
    We adopted a Basenji Shepherd mix 3 days ago and she is calm and wonderful in every way, except when we are outside she barks, lunges and even growls at literally every person we see. She never barks or lunges inside or with me and my son. She does not calm down outside, even with people we know! She is clearly protective of me and my son, but this is not a safe behavior. Advise please!

  • Doesn't really matter the breed, a dog who is "protective" is a bad thing (unless trained to be)... it means they see you as their possession. Ideally you want your dog to look to you to protect it.

    I usually have good search skills.. there are some good articles on retraining this behavior. I can't find them, though this article below applies to humans as well as dogs.

    First I would suggest a trainer.

    However, you can work on this. Take the dog and a friend (if your son is old enough, not if a child) to an area with people. Enlist the people to stay back, not look at you or the dog, toss a tiny treat to him. Keep this up day after day, several times each trip, until seeing people no longer puts him in attack mode.
    Next, have them come a little closer, toss the treat and say "Hi" without looking at you. Same process.
    Next, have them stay at safe distance, face you and toss treat then go on.
    Next, have them look at the dog and say "good dog", toss treat and go on.
    Next, have them stand and talk to you, tossing a small treat when they arrive and as they leave.

    For many dogs, this process can help stop the reactive behavior.

    Other than in those very controlled, you dog needs a muzzle in public. Do not risk him hurting someone or being put down.

    https://positively.com/dog-behavior/aggression/leash-aggression/

  • CARE is another good resource for desensitizing a reactive dog such as this: http://careforreactivedogs.com. Good luck!

3/3

22 Dec 2016, 13:43

Suggested Topics

  • 0 Votes
    16 Posts
    14k Views
    First, thank you for the honest evaluation of your situation. Basenjis are dogs that consider who they live wit, to be part of their pack - family. They only chew or destroy things when they are bored, or mad at you. (Yes, I know people will disagree, but I have had basenjis for 25 years and have witnessed this activity. This included one dog jumping on the table, with me sitting 3 feet away, and peeing in a circle, as if saying, "There, take that!”) A young basenji, under say, 8 years, will do this when left alone for so long. (Yes, I know people will disagree, but I have had basenjis for 25 years and have witnessed this activity. This included one dog jumping on the table, with me sitting 3 feet away, and peeing in a circle, as if saying, "There, take that!) You write that you live with 3 roommates. You do not mention if this will change, so I will assume it will not. Personally, I think it is very unkind (to them AND the dog) of you to bring a basenji into this living arrangement. Unless ALL the roommates understand, and agree, to sharing their lives with a dog that will require so much of their time. The tiniest thing left on the floor could be destroyed, and could even harm the dog. Bathroom doors left open? A basenji might not be able to find anything as much fun, grab the toilet paper, and run. Fun, fun, fun!!! For the dog. You are researching enough to show that you are checking really well to see if a basenji will fit into your life. In my opinion, not just yet. Maybe later when your life has settled a bit. Oh, just remembered you mentioning you studying, the dog doing its thing. It might happen, but if the dog thinks your attention should be on him/her, you may not like that something. Best of luck in your studies, and with where ever your life leads you!
  • 0 Votes
    12 Posts
    5k Views
    I have tried to put him in the backyard a few times but as long as he knows someone is inside, he will continue. As for the walking, it works until we get back home. I have even tried having him meet guests outside before coming in and it still didn't work. He is a shelter dog and I'm almost positive he's just trying to protect his home and us because he's never had someone who actually cared about him; plus we really don't get guests too often so it's just taking twice as long for him to understand.
  • Walking Basenji

    Basenji Training 30 Sept 2011, 12:19
    0 Votes
    13 Posts
    7k Views
    i walk the lab and isis at the same time one on hand and one on the other, the lab seem to have a major drive to sniff out anything and track blindly and of course isis will be doing the same, the b is easier to control cause she lighter but the m1 tank of the lab well.. we've came across little furry friends on our nitely walks i need to stay very focus on my surroundings, one thing the b does if theres someone walking behind us doesnt matter how far , she walk ahead stop and turn to look back, she'll keep doing this repeatedly like she warning me these something there,im sure its instinct on her end to,of course i confirm whats shes doing but yeah those b's dont miss a trick
  • Nipping - help!

    Basenji Training 25 Oct 2010, 23:51
    0 Votes
    11 Posts
    4k Views
    As they say, "nothing in life is free"… works most everytime when they get it in their heads that they are "leader" and not you....
  • 0 Votes
    8 Posts
    3k Views
    My boyfriend and I are both 5'5" but she has been around other dogs tons of other people and it seems that she isn't shy with smaller people. She was very shy when we first got her around other people but there are a select few that she runs from. I will usually give a person a treat or two if she is afraid of them and that will work but other times we have to have that person sit on the ground or something just for her to come over. Thanks for all the replies guys! My computer was down for a few days and I come back to a wealth of knowledge :)
  • Help with Recall

    Basenji Training 18 Oct 2008, 02:37
    0 Votes
    6 Posts
    3k Views
    Roast Beef, Chicken, Turkey, etc. In short Lunch Meat