Skip to content

Aggressive Behavior as they get older?

Behavioral Issues
  • Hello,

    I have two 11 year old males. Both were neutered as pups. Over the past year and a half they have definitely exhibited signs of aging. Not being able to walk as long as they used to, etc. However over the past month one has started to becoming increasingly aggressive towards me when it is time to go in his kennel, etc. and is only willing to walk about one block?

    Has anyone experienced a Basenji becoming aggressive as they have gotten older?

    Wondering if it means that time is near, but I can't have him behaving that way.

    Thanks.

  • Have your dogs had a complete check up lately? Could they be becoming aggressive because of something like joint pain or a thyroid issue?

  • If your dog won't walk, your dog may be in PAIN. Please, get the dog to the vet for a thorough exam (including Fran's suggestion for thyroid). 11 is not that old, but any dog in pain can become nasty. Really, imagine yourself in pain and someone bothering you. New personality behaviors ALWAYS should be followed up with vet exam because it is a sign something is WRONG.

    And to answer your question, just getting older doesn't make a dog aggressive. It is only due to pain or being sick.

  • As already suggested, a full medical workup should be done along with full thyroid panel… once anything medical is eliminated then other things can be looked at.

  • Thank you for you advice, it is appreciated.

  • I have 2 senior basenjis - Digital the brindlewonderkid will be 14 in december and Jet the try-ing will be 13 later this month. Jet is a bit grumpier with other dogs but is the same he's always been with the people. Digital is, of course, as golden as he's always been.

    You may want to look into finding a holistic vet. Jet does get grouchier when his back needs adjusting.

  • I would suggest back, neck & hip x-rays. I have had older Bs-over 10 with spondylosis in the back and neck.

    Jennifer

  • I agree with all the above. My oldest at 15 has spine issues and has been on rimadyl low dose for about a year with great results, he had pain before, but has had a very good year. Eddie (11) is on thyroid meds, he was a cranky-pants a couple of years ago and after thyroid meds, is a happier dog.
    A vet visit is in order to figure out what has caused his change, 11 is still pretty young.

Suggested Topics

  • Poopy behaviors

    Behavioral Issues
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    4k Views
    TimesthemythT
    This is an interesting thread. Any afghan owners notice this in their dogs as well? When Beo was younger, back when I was using the crate with him, when he would have a 'poop' accident he would take a blanket and use his nose to encircle said accident, didn't do the same thing with pee accidents….I don't know if it's the same thing or not, honestly I think he just wanted it as far away from him as possible. He still does this mounding behavior with like bones and the like; he'll use his nose and push a blanket or something on top of it, and then further us his nose to bunch it up into a relatively good looking circle shape. He won't have anything to do with dog feces now though ....he prefers to go in the bushiest/covered area he can find, and then wants absolutely nothing to do with it afterwards (I have to literally drag him through public areas where there's a lot of dog poop lying around).... It is kind of funny to see his "wide-eyed, EW! ICK!" reaction when he accidentally steps in some. Seems like it's more common for basenjis to half halfheartedly attempt to bury it, as opposed to take the time to cover it up with their noses?
  • 3 yr old starting to get aggressive

    Behavioral Issues
    21
    0 Votes
    21 Posts
    10k Views
    Chealsie508C
    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
    26
    0 Votes
    26 Posts
    13k 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:**
  • Behavior Worsens?

    Behavioral Issues
    13
    0 Votes
    13 Posts
    5k Views
    BasenjimammaB
    I can see that it is easier to read lighter colors, i.e reds, Otis is a very dark brindle, so unless you stand over him, you can hardly see his wrinkles/expression..
  • New aggressive behavior toward strange kids

    Behavioral Issues
    4
    0 Votes
    4 Posts
    3k Views
    S
    It takes a bit of doing, but if you get him up for success…it will work. Keep in touch.
  • Sudden aggression!

    Behavioral Issues
    32
    0 Votes
    32 Posts
    15k Views
    tanzaT
    Kept us up to date on how it is going with Pongo!