@tangokor My first Basenji, Jengo, was never comfortable around many other dogs. He tolerated some at best. Following his stroke he lost eyesight in one eye and became aggressive around ALL other dogs. Our days at the dog park were over. When walking him in the neighborhood I'd cross the street, or pull completely off the path and wait if there were another dog walking towards us. Sometimes the other owner might say "Oh, don't worry. He's friendly." I'd respond "I'm sorry. Mine's not. He's blind in one eye and really fearful of other dogs. His first instinct will be to attack yours." They'd always give us room. He also became a bit aggressive towards the owner of another dog regardless if the dog was with her or not. The dog was black, the owner always wore black, maybe her clothes smelled like her dog... don't know. I kept Jengo completely away from her after the first time he went after her.
It was a lot of work to look after him and keep him safe after his stroke. So much had changed, but that was the deal I made when I agreed to take him. At least it was in my mind. I made a commitment. I owed it to him.
Another thought... A close friend recently sent me a Blog Article written by Jennifer Malawey, who is dog behaviorist and trainer. The post is titled Someone's Going To Get Bitten. I think it's a good idea for all of us to read this and think about how we might treat our pups. I tease my dogs from time to time. Hadn't really considered how that might affect them. After all, I'm just playing. Or, maybe not? You might think about what was happening and how people might have been treating your dog just before he bit... Might not have anything to do with it, but still... it's worth considering.
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