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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!

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    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!
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