Skip to content

1 yr old basenji dog aggressive after second heat

Behavioral Issues
  • Hello everyone.

    My 1/2 basenji 1/2 shiba mix personality has changed slightly ever since her second heat cycle. Just to give you a back round she has been at the dog park since 3 months old every day and loves people and dogs. Very well socialized. All of the sudden she just doesn’t like the vibe of certain dogs. I’m not sure if it’s an energy thing or if it’s because they are intact. We never had this issue until this second heat. I wonder if getting her spayed will change this behavior? Has anyone else dealt with this? She is honestly the best dog i just want to fix this issue.

  • After a couple of heats she is likely mature and it is an age where their attitude towards other dogs often changes. Are there any specific things about the dogs she doesn't like? e.g. same sex aggression is fairly common in Basenjis, and for that matter dog aggressive Basenjis are not unusual. She isn't a puppy anymore and sadly some dogs develop a dislike for other dogs. I doubt spaying will change anything, but someone else may want to comment on that. Out of five Basenjis I had one that was same sex aggressive, two that were dog aggressive, and two that were friendly towards any and all dogs.

  • @cpumbel I would seriously doubt that spaying would make a ha'pporth of difference. But for how long after the season did she remain aggressive ? I mean is it continuing ever since the season and if so for how long ?

    Could be she settles down again.

  • This happened to my Basenji (now 18 months old) during her second heat cycle at 12 months old. She has always been fearful of stranger's hands but until that point used to flinch away but then enjoy being stroked. Just before her second heat cycle she started responding aggressively with a growl and showing her teeth. From what I understand, once this happens they realise it's a more effective way to get people to back off and then it's likely to be repeated. I'm trying to condition her to use a muzzle so we can safely practice greetings with strangers again (at her own pace).

  • @cpumbel said in 1 yr old basenji dog aggressive after second heat:

    All of the sudden she just doesn’t like the vibe of certain dogs.

    I refer to this as doggy PMS, especially this time of year when most dogs seem to be "in season". Take a break from the dog park for a month or two until it passes. It may sound over simplified, but it seems to work for my (spayed) girl. It also seems to make an acceptable self explanatory explanation for others to keep their dogs at a distance and not "in her face". A quick, "sorry, doodle has a touch of PMS right now... perhaps the dogs can meet next time", seems to get people to back off without further explanation.

  • @elbrant and all of you thanks!

Suggested Topics

  • Aggressive towards other dogs

    Behavioral Issues
    17
    0 Votes
    17 Posts
    2k Views
    J
    Sparkle Barkle came into heat in April. Logan went nuts! I was traveling so my wife was saddled with the mayhem. Mayhem doesn't begin to describe the situation. Sparkle should be coming in again within days, I hope, and unfortunately, he won't get any love this time either. He's gonna be a massive handful for at least a MONTH. I'm not traveling this time, so it's all on me. Cross your fingers for Tri females. I want three!
  • 0 Votes
    11 Posts
    4k Views
    R
    I have had 15 - 20 adult female basenjis over the years, and 2 was the age when it seemed like they became their 'true adult selves.' (spayed/neutered or not) I do not feel confident giving suggestions, just wanted you to know her age is typical for this to happen.
  • Aggression towards other dogs

    Behavioral Issues
    8
    1 Votes
    8 Posts
    7k Views
    farabuttoF
    @DebraDownSouth Thanks Debra, you've given me a lot to think about. I think I'll start immediately with the "leave it" training at home and then get in touch with some trainers/behaviorists in my area. I'm not expecting any miracles here but, like you said, even just learning to ignore other dogs would make such a difference.
  • Basenji mix aggression

    Behavioral Issues
    1
    0 Votes
    1 Posts
    2k Views
    No one has replied
  • Dog to dog greeting aggression question

    Behavioral Issues
    12
    0 Votes
    12 Posts
    4k Views
    S
    I will take a bit of time, but it does work. Please let us know how it goes.
  • My Basenji is only aggressive towards other basenjis

    Behavioral Issues
    5
    0 Votes
    5 Posts
    2k Views
    agilebasenjiA
    You know, my boyz like dogs the same color as they are. Jet LOVES tri colored dogs - Berners, tri Aussies, etc. And last time they were at Anne's dog park, poor Digital was the only brindle basenji. Jet played with the basenjis and Diggie went and hung out with a brindle greyhound. Remember that Anne?