Thank you mixie for all your advice, I appreciate you and your kind words.

@eeeefarm:

How old is she?

She is almost 6 months

@mixie:

Hi there! I'm new here, but just wanted to make sure you got hooked up with some help! First things first, I would recommend setting rules, she is not allowed on furniture or laps, and have her "work" (sit quietly) to earn petting and play. Growls and barks get her shunned. Kids feed her, only at scheduled times, and she waits sitting patiently until being given permission to eat. Don't be domineering and aggressive or shout at her, just expect respectful behavior, and quietly exclude her for pushiness or aggression. Please work with a trainer if you can. Whatever her breed, many kids get bitten by dogs every year, and mostly it's not because they're bad dogs. There's a lot of miscommunication happening, and right now she is getting whatever it is that she wants with rudeness. Your job is to figure out why–she might be scared and reacting, or being pushy and rude, or maybe is just unclear on the rules. That's where a good trainer can help.

And again, I don't know basenjis--that's just my take on the situation. It's really important you get some help before someone gets hurt, or you feel like you have to give her up. Please let me know if you need help looking for a trainer in your area or something!

Thanks so much for your reply. We will be looking for a trainer because she has really become more than we can handle. I'm trying not to give up on her. I have become scared of my own dog and I have to protect my kids, they come first. She is our first experience with a dog and it's clear to us that we don't know what we are doing!! I appreciate the feedback.

We rescued Lola back in February. A groomer thought she might be basenji, just wondering what the forum thinks! She is very aggressive and bites, growls and barks at all of us (I have 4 kids). I read that Basenjis are difficult to train. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Ann