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Aggressive 13 Year Old Male

Behavioral Issues
  • Teimo and Elzaer Update
    Teimo, almost 14 now has slowed down considerably over the last several months. We were up to walking about 10 miles a day and he outlasts Elzaer every time, but in the last 10 weeks he has suffered two seizures. He seems to come out of them okay, but they are not easy to watch.
    Elzaer has also been a little frustrated, because Teimo does not want to play as much. The younger dog will often just sit silently in front of Teimo and watch him sleep. We decided to introduce another young B into the pack to act as a bridge between Teimo and Elzaer. A roughhouse mate for Elzaer and a caring female for Teimo. So far at least part of that is true. Teimo asserted his dominance the first day we brought Akiki home from the rescue group. Since then we only allow them together under close supervision and with leashes on. We think Teimo would back down, but Akiki has a stubborn mind and is physically more agile and stonger than Teimo. Hopefully they will learn to adjust.

    Elzaer is in heaven. He still is able to lay on the sofa with his best bud Teimo and do the B-500 with Akiki. They wrestle, play tug of war and laze in the sunshine when they finally tire. It is exactly what he needed and by how happy Akiki seems it is good for her as well.

    Akiki seems to have a skin condition. Just below the collar line on her chest, the white is discolored from the red skin irritation underneath. She also emits a very dog like smell, something none of our other basenjis have ever had. We are treating her with a topical antibiotic that the vet provided and it seems to be somewhat better. We thought that the nylon collar was causing some irritation so we tried a harness on her. She walks well with it, however everywhere the material touches her body the hair has been removed as if she has been shaved. This is only after one week of use. Her fur/hair is the shortest I have ever seen on a basenji. There is nothing to brush and no place for flees or ticks to hide. She seems happy; I hope we can find a solution to the skin irritation.

    That the latest…

  • Wayne food issues can cause skin issues and smelly b's.
    What are you feeding her?

  • We are feeding all of them natures balance dry - no wheat with some wet canned food also by natures balance. We were feeding Elzaer and Teimo Inova for years, but had too many bad batches where both dogs would get sick. Teimo and Elzaer both have wonderful coats. This condition was pre existing on Akiki. I asked the rescue shelter about any possible conditions or allergies, but they did not know of any.

  • Try seeking out a good veterinary dermatologist. I know a great one in Seattle, but that won't help you.

    Good luck!

  • Sometimes dogs/basenjis are sensitive to nylon collars. It is like a contact dermatitis(sp).I would try a leather collar or try keeping the collar off except when you are walking her.

  • Thanks, I purchased a leather harness yesterday. Hopefully it will do the trick. She is a good walker and does not pull unless of course she sees bugs bunny on the lawn. Then all bets are off.

  • Add some fish oil to her food at each meal. I just poke a capsule and squeeze it on and mix in. I just buy the fish oil for people. We both take it.

  • @nobarkus:

    Add some fish oil to her food at each meal. I just poke a capsule and squeeze it on and mix in. I just buy the fish oil for people. We both take it.

    Sonny gets his fish oil every night but oh boy once I got a whiff of what that stuff smells like I can't get myself to swallow that big pill anymore! :p

  • Thanks for the advice. It may be worth a try.

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    I can wear Oakley out physically but if I don't work his mind he will still chase his tail! Definitely a point that mental stimulation is very important , and the exercise you do to stimulate the mid will help build trust as well so that's just a bonus!
  • Aggressive Behavior

    Behavioral Issues 13 Dec 2012, 05:43
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    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
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  • Old dog, old tricks

    Behavioral Issues 25 Nov 2010, 20:42
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    Hi Jay, welcome! Did you have your dog posted on Craig's List? I'm grateful that you found our website, and that you are looking for solutions for Trey. Giving him away before addressing his behavior just pushes his issues onto someone else, who doesn't love him like your family does. If Trey hasn't been to the doctor, you may be able to find some low-cost vet options. When the economy gets tough and we all pinch pennies. It's easy to overlook checkups for our dogs, especially when the Dr says, "let's run some tests." :eek: That has $$$ all of it, you know? In Tampa, because the vet offices are slow, they are running great specials to keep busy. Maybe you (or your wife) can call around to find someone who will give Trey a good check up without costing an arm and a leg… I'm glad to hear that your daughter is in 4th grade (versus 4 years old), because she's at an age where she can respect Trey's boundaries. I don't think a basenji would simply chomp on someone without sometime of forwarning... unless he's sleeping, and wakes up grouchy? :confused: If that's the case, as long as everyone knows, I don't see her in imminent danger. Hopefully you or your wife can spend some time reading up on the quirks of a basenji. It's one thing to visit a basenji, and another to live with them. :) Like Anne said, the basenji breed is very smart and common training methods with other dogs don't necessarily work. Does Trey get along with your lab? Are they bonding? It is a lot of change for everyone in the house, including the dog.... mutual respect and love will go a long way. :) I hope it's a happy home for all, even if times are tough. I hope we can help you out!:)
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    Years ago when all my kids were young… the girls would be under the covers and OJ's favorite thing was to walk on the top and paw the "lumps" to see what got a reaction.... it was pretty funny to here that typical Basenji noise from out of no place.... covered at they were.....
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    It's scary with a toddler in the house. Even though Willie has gotten soooo much better, when I recently had little children in the house for a short visit, I kept him on a leash. You just can't watch them 100 percent of the time. Here's hoping the best for Buster.