Skip to content
Basenji Forums
  1. Home
  2. Behavioral Issues
  3. Aggressive Behavior as they get older?

Aggressive Behavior as they get older?

Behavioral Issues
  • 2

    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.

    0
  • KipawaK

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

    Fran Harder, BAB

    With Barney in my heart

    0
  • DebraDownSouthD

    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.

    Debra

    0
  • tanzaT

    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.

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

    0
  • 2

    Thank you for you advice, it is appreciated.

    0
  • agilebasenjiA

    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.

    0
  • D

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

    Jennifer

    0
  • MacPackM

    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.

    Anne in Tampa

    Chipley, Missy & Lucky

    Topper, Nicky & Eddie in the clouds

    0

Suggested Topics

  • C

    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!
  • J

    Aggression with older dogs

    Behavioral Issues
    8
    0 Votes
    8 Posts
    3k Views
    S
    Has Dexter had any basic obedience classes?
  • G

    Female aggression to older female

    Behavioral Issues
    14
    0 Votes
    14 Posts
    3k Views
    S
    I am sorry these dogs don't get along, but really, it will be best to keep them apart. They can hurt/kill each other, and often its silent and very, very ugly. Hugs for being committed to all your dogs.
  • L

    Food aggression

    Behavioral Issues
    11
    0 Votes
    11 Posts
    5k Views
    QuercusQ
    @JazzysMom: Let me ask you this, Pat {and all}….. I've always fed my dogs separately, esp. since Keoki came into the picture because he will scarf his food and run to see if he can get what the others have. I don't crate them, but they are fed in separate rooms which puts them about ten feet away from one another. Keoki has learned NOT to hover over the other dogs, but he does kind of watch and wait for either of them to finish and then he runs over to lick their bowls. I don't have a problem with that, as they all run from bowl to bowl at the end of the meals, licking whatever {icky} they can find there. It's funny because they all get the same food. Lately, in the mornings only, Jazz won't eat UNTIL Keoki finishes and and then she will growl and ruuuuun for her bowl. So, the last few days I have put her bowl near his {as an experiment}-- w/in maybe 2 feet -- and she will immediately eat while he does. He eats faster, and it's almost as if she slows down when she knows he's finished. She picks up one piece of food at a time to carefully chew it, with the occasional quiet growl to remind him that it is hers. What is up with that? Honestly…sounds like a fight in the making to me. Eating faster is the first level of resource (in this case food) guarding. She may be eating slower for any number of reasons...the first one I thought of was a calming signal to him? I doubt she is trying to tease him...but she may be trying to make a point...mine, calm down, mine, calm down... These kind of things tend to escalate, so IMO, I wouldn't even experiment with it. Why not feed them separately, like with doors in between? It has got to be less stressful for the dogs if they don't have to worry if the other dog is going to bully them for their food...or on the other hand, if they can bully the other dog.
  • D

    Aggression

    Behavioral Issues
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    3k Views
    tanzaT
    And sometimes you have to "push" and/or demand for the complete test that is not usually done by the labs that your Vet might use…
  • wizardW

    Bedtime aggression

    Behavioral Issues
    21
    0 Votes
    21 Posts
    8k Views
    youngandtiredY
    Sahara never gets grumpy when she has to move or I move her myself. When she was a puppy I always tried to get her use to being moved, and I just couldn't keep my hands off of her when she was sleeping. Just like a sweet little baby, I just had to sweet talk her and rub her, she looked so sweet and lovable. I still have a had time leaving her alone, hubby too when she is sleeping. She is great, when she is sleeping in my lap and I have to get up, I just say, "Sahara, Mommy has to get up". She immediately gets up and moves and goes to lay down in her bed or in the guest room where it is usually nice and dark (no lights on). I read on here when she was a puppy to get her use to being moved when she was sleeping and I thank this forum for that. I took the advice and Sahara is all the good for that. She still growls and puts my wrist in her mouth when I get in my car, she hates to see me leave. I am still working on this behavior, hope the water bottle stops it for good.:D