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Possesiveness issues

Behavioral Issues
  • equis8E

    I just got a new basenji pup named Burrito about 3 weeks ago, he is 7mos old. He has started to show some major resource guarding. He will guard food, toys, and me, but mostly it is with me. He is absolutely fine with Daisy (catahoula) and Masi (Weimaraner), but with Sid (basenji) he just won't allow him near me. I've taken away all free toys and bones, they are all fed in their own areas. If he begins to become aggressive at all towards sid for whatever reason I firmly say quit and squirt him with the waterbottle (if its handy) and put him in his kennel for a time out.
    I've also been having him do a 30 min downstay every evening, and all couch privilages have been suspended. He seems to be doing a bit better, but he will just exploid towards Sid, and the last two times sid has wholeheartedly fought back. So, I am hoping that keeping them on this more strict schedule is going to help, but I am up for any ideas you all can give me :)
    kim~

    Kimberly DuEst

    Dark Skies Alias "Sid" and Dark Skies Tira Lira "Tira"

    Corinth, Maine

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  • JazzysMomJ

    Jazzy guards everything from our old Golden retriever mix – me, food, toys, treats,etc. . . even guards the entire kitchen when groceries come home.:eek: It was worse when she was younger, but occasionally she will still pick a fight over something really important, like a piece of popcorn that drops on the ground.
    I think it's just a matter of letting them know that their "things" are safe. And it's kind of a silly battle for her, because Gypsy has never taken anything from Jazzy, and probably never will.

    We used to give Jazzy her treats in her kennel so she knew Gypsy couldn't get to them. And we always give them both an equal treat at the same time, on separate blankets. I will usually put a basket, chair, etc something between them, and Jazzy seems to know that her "spot" is a safe place to eat.
    Of course, she always has to make a side trip to Gypsy's blanket to affirm that the treats are the same, then she will return to her own and eat it.

    She still occasionally tries to keep Gypsy from me, and will growl and get snappy sometimes. It used to be much worse. When she behaves that way I make her stay about an armslength away from me while I pet/hug/love Gypsy, telling Gypsy what a good dog she is, etc. Jazzy gets very antsy, but when I let her come back over to me, she leaves Gypsy alone. It's like she has to learn that I get to decide who I pet or hold.

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  • S

    My dear friend Jean Skaggs, who deals with this often says…
    When the dog is guarding you...get up and leave the area.
    Don't squirt the dog, don't say anything, get up and leave.
    Turn your back and ignore.
    These dogs do get it.
    You might makes many trips off the couch, when that is where you are...
    But they will get it.
    I would be happy to send you to her if you have more issues.
    But really, its just that simple...

    Sharron Hurlbut

    BRAT, basenji rescue

    Evergreen basenji club

    Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue

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    I don't want to sound personnel but if you are in control why does he keep showing aggression to other intact dogs. By taking him away from the other dog is not teaching him not to be aggressive . He may see you as boss but he wants to be second in charge and see,s all other intact dogs as a threat to his position. Don't be to proud to use a muzzle , and as I said take out to mix with intact dogs . As he can't hurt them and will soon relize,s this you need to stand up and let him know your displeasure using voice and physical presence and a small water pistol as he will hate being squirted. You should find the water pistol works a treat. I would do this every few days until his stops the aggressive behaviour , then I would try without the muzzle but always keep the water pistol with you and let him see it as he will remember what happens when he acts up. This is a method I have used to help mates control their pig dogs . I am by far an expert and are always prepared to Liston to others thoughts as this is how I learn.
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    You aren't likely to find a Basenji specific trainer. You need to look for someone in your area. Perhaps some other forum members know of someone. Any good trainer can probably help you, but it would be advantageous if they have worked with the breed. Best way to find out is by referral from someone else with a Basenji, but otherwise check out what you see on line, and phone them and ask. Whereabouts in Michigan are you located? Ah, Pat, you beat me to it! :)
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    Yes, she eats in the crate and we put treats in there randomly throughout the day, as well as meat-stuffed bones chained to the inside (so she can't run off with the bone outside the crate.) She has the run of the downstairs while we are home and sleeps in her dog bed in our bedroom at night. On a side note, when we give her a really tasty stuffed bone or bullystick outside the crate she acts crazy! She runs around aimlessly with it in her mouth while howling. What is with that? It is comical, yet slightly annoying! :) I wonder what she'd do with a bullystick IN the crate?!
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    Hey we had the same thing happen to us on this past Sat. We have taken Trixie for over a month one to two times per week. All of a sudden on Sat. Trixie got an attitude with a dog that was under our table and I had to scoop her up, she was trying to fight the dog and of course once that happened all the other dogs came over to see what was going on. I had Trixie picked up and we left quickly. She would not not stop making her lovely growling and devil noises. It scared a lot of people who were looking at me like what the HECK lady? I could not tell you what happened but we will be taking a little break from the dog park!!