Skip to content
Basenji Forums
  1. Home
  2. Behavioral Issues
  3. Leash Aggression or Protective Instincts?

Leash Aggression or Protective Instincts?

Behavioral Issues
  • E

    Doodle temperament has changed lately... maybe, maybe not. I'm not sure. For the last 2 years (almost) I have been taking doodle on a daily 3 mile walk. I've been having trouble with my hip the last couple of months and her 3 mile walks are more like one (or two if I'm up to it). A serious dip in exercise for her, but she has been a trooper and seems to understand what's going on. That isn't the only change though.... Over the past week I've noticed that doodle is prone to little snarky moments around other dogs while we are out walking.

    Example: Today a rather large Lab got away from his owner and came bounding over to play. He was being a typical dog and really wanted to play, but he got too close and I started to loose my balance. Doodle became "aggressive" and tried to get the Lab to back off. Growling, snapping. New behavior for doodle.

    So, is this more likely to be "leash aggression"? Or is doodle sensing that I'm not 100% and trying to protect me? (I'll be fine, btw.) Any opinions?

    elbrant.net

    T R 2 Replies
    1
  • E

    Could be either, but since your status has changed she may feel the need to call the shots with intruding animals, where before she likely felt you had it under control.

    "In order to get along with a Basenji, you have to be at least half as smart as the dog!"

    5
  • Z

    She almost certainly senses you are not 100%. Basenjis do. They are very atune to anything wrong with their owners.

    She may be protecting you, she may have some niggling annoyance of her own which bothers her but which is not serious enough for you to notice it.

    Sally Wallis

    Zande Basenjis

    www.zandebasenjis.com

    https://pedigrees.zandebasenjis.com

    SKYPE zandeuk

    4
  • T

    @elbrant - I agree, she might be feeling that you need her assistance.... and being on lead and another invading her (your) space.... more protective.

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

    2
  • R

    @elbrant

    Both. Aggression because Doodle was on leash and the other dog was not. No escape for Doodle. Doodle was protecting Doodle, not you. In dog language, the Lab was being rude and Doodle was letting him know that.

    4
  • D

    She may also be getting less forgiving of bad behavior as she gets older. In my experience adult Basenjis adhere to a certain code of conduct when meeting new dogs. Part of that is approaching slowly and not immediately getting in their face. They expect similar behavior from other dogs. A dog running up to them would violate the standard and might elicit a snark and a response. As long as it's not overly aggressive I wouldn't give it a thought. Chalk it up to a good learning experience for the other dog.

    FWIW they have a different standard for puppies. They will give them more leeway. Doesn't mean they won't snark at them but it's more like trying to dissuade them -- defense not offense.

    3

6/6

26 Mar 2021, 22:08

Suggested Topics

  • H

    Aggressive Behavior

    Behavioral Issues
    6 13 Dec 2012, 05:43
    13 Dec 2012, 05:43
    0 Votes
    6 Posts
    3k Views
    N
    A way to do what Debra is suggesting in a game format is Crate Games, which you can get on DVD. You said this happens when you are getting ready to leave. Pay attention to exactly what you are doing before you leave and then see how your dog is reacting. You should be able to pick up on the cues that your dog is picking up on. You can try changing the pattern of how you get ready and potentially remove the cue to lessen the behavior until you can build the good associations others described. visit BCOA on Facebook. http://facebook.com/basenji.org
  • H

    Collar and Leash

    Behavioral Issues
    6 30 Sept 2009, 19:06
    30 Sept 2009, 19:06
    0 Votes
    23 Posts
    7k Views
    C
    My experience with my Belle, who was 8weeks old when we started leash trainning, is the old standard "link leash" no cloth or material leash, My vet sales a brank of leash and collars and if your dogs chews throug, no question asked, you return it and replaced on the spot….It has worked so far, I will check out tomorrow of the brand I don't remember but the collars are great....I will let you know. Check out my album and see my husband and the 3 B's on the first walk together after the new fosters came.....
  • T

    Aggression and leash problems?

    Behavioral Issues
    6 13 Sept 2009, 06:24
    13 Sept 2009, 06:24
    0 Votes
    10 Posts
    3k Views
    B
    How interesting. Makes me want to keep my eyes open when we go to the dogpark..
  • B

    On-Leash Snarking

    Behavioral Issues
    6 31 Oct 2008, 23:59
    31 Oct 2008, 23:59
    0 Votes
    12 Posts
    5k Views
    J
    @sharronhurlbut: Training with treats will work, if you take it slow. Clicker training works as well. I was going to say the same thing. I would carry a treat bag with me, and a clicker when out on leash. Use the clicker to mark correct behavior, i.e., sitting calmly while another dog passes. If my dog gets snarky on leash, I promptly stand in front of him, and put him in a sit/wait with a focus on ME (not the other dog). if he persists, I simply become a "goalie" and continue to block his path, get eye contact, and again, get a sit/wait.
  • R

    Vet aggression

    Behavioral Issues
    6 23 May 2008, 18:51
    23 May 2008, 18:51
    0 Votes
    9 Posts
    4k Views
    M
    Take a small rubber backed rug, like a bathroom rug, to put on the metal table, then it won't slip and he will have good footing, and the smell of home to comfort him. Combined with all of the above positive reinforcement and lots of 'drop in' vet visits. Anne in Tampa
  • B

    Help with aggression

    Behavioral Issues
    6 25 Sept 2006, 05:43
    25 Sept 2006, 05:43
    0 Votes
    8 Posts
    4k Views
    L
    Some basenjis seem to have particular kinds of dogs they don't like. My Abbey is best friends with a rottweiller, a black lab, and a dalmation, but she hates golden retrievers! What do they go by, coat color?? She goes after anything that moves at the vet's though. My first basenji many years ago, Pumpkin, climbed trees to get after squirrels, and fences were no problem either.