Fear period aggression

Behavioral Issues
Log in to reply
  • JKentJ

    Thanks both. I have always asked people to let her come to them with their hand out to sniff, which had previously worked well. These last two times she has done that and then growled aggressively whilst sniffing their hand, so I'm now worried about letting her say hello to any strangers at all in case she bites

    I'm pretty sure she's going through a fear period, as she is showing other signs like not wanting to go down the alleyway and jumping when a jogger goes past. Her hackles have always been up when saying hello to strangers but she has still approached in her own time and enjoyed a stroke.

    It's just working out how to manage it without avoiding interaction and therefore risking desocialising her, whilst making sure she doesn't bite. It's a bit easier when someone comes to the house as I can ask them to totally ignore her until she makes it really obvious she's comfortable, but there isn't time for that to happen when out and about on walks, which is where she meets the most people.

    EDIT I should add that there is a possibility that she's about to come into season again (1st cycle was at Christmas) so I understand that can contribute to mood changes.

    Jane

    1 Reply 0
  • eeeefarmE

    Just one comment. When she does this, don't make a big deal of it or try to reassure her, as that may make her more anxious. I would be inclined to not pursue socializing with strangers at the moment, just be matter of fact, casual, and walk past. Putting too much stress on her right now would be a mistake, and she will feel your concern that she might bite, which she could misinterpret, making her more likely to defend herself and you.

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

    1 Reply 3
  • JKentJ

    Just went out for a walk and the man that she growled at last week came out of his house with some dog biscuits for her. He put a couple on his front wall, which she ate and then came out and squatted down and she took some more from his hand. I thought that was nice of him to proactively try and help.

    Jane

    1 Reply 4
  • JKentJ

    @eeeefarm good idea. It's hard when she's cute and stops and stares at people with an inviting look, so will have to make sure we're standing out of their way!

    Jane

    0
  • eeeefarmE

    @JKent, I had a further thought. Dogs can take eye contact as aggression. Basenjis, more than some breeds, will look you in the eye, but with a stranger it could be perceived by the dog as threatening. Ask people she is approaching to look away, and not reach towards her. I think she is unlikely to bite in those circumstances, and once she has a good chance to sniff she may relax, as long as nobody makes a sudden move. ( I will not be opting to pay legal fees if my advice is not good! :-) )

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

    3
  • elbrantE

    @jkent said in Fear period aggression:

    These last two times she has done that and then growled aggressively whilst sniffing their hand,

    Maybe they need to wash their hands? Dogs smell things we don't so.... maybe these particular people are using a soap that has a stinky smell, or your dog is picking up on fear/anxiety pheromones, or... as you suggested, you are dealing with doggy PMS... I am certain that doodle gets mating season PMS, so... possible.

    Kudos to the guy with the doggy biscuits!
    :face_with_tears_of_joy: @eeeefarm "I will not be opting to pay legal fees..."

    elbrant.net

    4
  • JKentJ

    Update - have seen blood this afternoon so looks like she's in season and hopefully explains the increased fear/anxiety.

    Jane

    3
  • eeeefarmE

    @JKent, so just being a "bitchy" bitch. Explains a lot. ;-)

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

    5
  • ZandeZ

    @jkent It is great when someone is aware of any problems and actively helps you. It gives you and your dog a degree of reassurance.

    In the woods at the moment there are many families, struggling with 'pandemic puppies.' Probably never even imagined having a dog before they started working from home or were furloughed.

    I always make a point of talking to them and to the dog, letting it get close to my two boys (who show a great deal of understanding and patience) and generally trying to encouage them.

    Often the next time we meet, their pup is either running free or getting close.

    Sally Wallis

    Zande Basenjis

    www.zandebasenjis.com

    https://pedigrees.zandebasenjis.com

    SKYPE zandeuk

    2
  • B

    I found a really excellent method which fixed this quickly. I just give house guests (esp males) a few pieces of chicken and have them freely give it to the pups when they meet them. They LOVE house guests now.

    3

Suggested Topics

  • W

    Fearful pup

    Behavioral Issues
    17
    1 Votes
    17 Posts
    13k Views
    tanzaT
    @wyldepaws - What a sweetie....
  • M

    Aggressive issues

    Moved Behavioral Issues
    18
    1 Votes
    18 Posts
    9k Views
    BigVB
    I don't want to sound personnel but if you are in control why does he keep showing aggression to other intact dogs. By taking him away from the other dog is not teaching him not to be aggressive . He may see you as boss but he wants to be second in charge and see,s all other intact dogs as a threat to his position. Don't be to proud to use a muzzle , and as I said take out to mix with intact dogs . As he can't hurt them and will soon relize,s this you need to stand up and let him know your displeasure using voice and physical presence and a small water pistol as he will hate being squirted. You should find the water pistol works a treat. I would do this every few days until his stops the aggressive behaviour , then I would try without the muzzle but always keep the water pistol with you and let him see it as he will remember what happens when he acts up. This is a method I have used to help mates control their pig dogs . I am by far an expert and are always prepared to Liston to others thoughts as this is how I learn.
  • davcozD

    Aggressive Behavior

    Behavioral Issues
    26
    0 Votes
    26 Posts
    12k Views
    srjeeperS
    @davcoz: there are some people that he just does not like. These people tend to be the type that make my wife and I uneasy. Any ideas about this? **If these folks make you and your wife uneasy. Then why wouldn't you expect the same reaction from your B? He's lettin everybody know what he's feelin and your not sayin! :rolleyes:**
  • Robin_n_JackR

    Fear of dogs

    Behavioral Issues
    14
    0 Votes
    14 Posts
    6k Views
    C
    My son has been afraid of animals his entire life. We didn't know it until we were visiting a friend when he was 1 year old and their cat WALKED across the room. He freaked out. From that point on he was afraid of any live animal, but loved stuffed animals. He is 6 now and we just got an 8 week old Basenji. We talked about it alot, (he has slowly gotten used to our friend's cat, but every time the animal made a sudden move he jolted). He was excited to get the puppy, and we sat with him while he got used to exactly what the puppy would do. It has only been 2 months and my son is so good with our dog that he is not afraid of the dogs across the street who are high strung little fluffy things that always sent him runnning and screaming into the house. When I asked him about it he said he wasn't afraid now because he had one now. We waited to get a dog until both of our kids were older and could handle some responsibility. It was the best decision we made. He is still uncomforable around large dogs and other large animals, but has made remarkable progress. I don't know how your nephew will respond, but as he gets older he may realize that he has some control over the animals and that may help. Good luck!!!
  • RHicksR

    Vet aggression

    Behavioral Issues
    9
    0 Votes
    9 Posts
    3k Views
    MacPackM
    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
  • SarahRNS

    Leash aggression??

    Behavioral Issues
    13
    0 Votes
    13 Posts
    5k Views
    basenjibratzB
    @Quercus: That sounds ideal! I do love the head collars…the ONLY drawback is so many dogs have fits when they wear them. But the control is awesome, particularly for reactive dogs. Glad it is working for you! Oh yes, Talker had a fit when he was younger and I tried the collar. I gave up because I felt so bad for him. I don't know what changed this time–whether I was calmer or he mellowed out or what, but he accepted the halti this time around and I'm loving it. There were so many times that he would be so anxious to be out walking that getting him to stop pulling was tiresome and the walks were not enjoyable. We were constantly stopping and starting and stopping and starting to re-adjust ourselves. Now, we just walk. Loving the halti!:)