Aggressive Behavior as they get older?


  • 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

  • Aggressive Behavior

    Behavioral Issues
    26
    0 Votes
    26 Posts
    12k 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:**
  • Eating behaviors..

    Behavioral Issues
    16
    0 Votes
    16 Posts
    6k Views
    N
    Hello, I just wanted to send a quick update on Nulla. She is doing so well! We started a dog training course where my boyfriend and I are the alpha dogs. There is not treats involved and it has shown amazing results. Nulla has been in the course for about a month now. We have had no eating problems from her (no barfing, no not eating what we set our for her), no behavioral problems (no chewing my shoes, etc). She seems so happy and I am sure she is gaining weight (although I have not weighed her). I think dog training is completely necessary and we've seen HUGE results in Nulla. Everything I posted about before is no longer a concern. Thanks for all the input though. Take Care :)
  • Getting Out of Bed

    Behavioral Issues
    12
    0 Votes
    12 Posts
    4k Views
    M
    We were doing really good with keeping our B out of the bed when we first got him. However, my fiance is the light sleeper and was responsible for kicking him out of bed. In contrast I am a very heavy sleeper and wouldn't feel Colbey climbing in bed when Ed wasn't home. Colbey learned very quickly that he could sleep in the bed when Ed was gone. And then, winter came. We keep the house pretty cool and Colbey would climb in the bed shivering, and that was the end of my resolve to keep the dog out of the bed. So now, the rule of the house is, animals are allowed in the bed, but only on my side. Needless to say, I have about 1/4 of the bed…... but, I am a cuddler, so I am ok with it. We are keeping our other dog out of the bed, mostly because there would be no more space left for me!
  • Vet aggression

    Behavioral Issues
    9
    0 Votes
    9 Posts
    4k Views
    MacPackM
    Take a small rubber backed rug, like a bathroom rug, to put on the metal table, then it won't slip and he will have good footing, and the smell of home to comfort him. Combined with all of the above positive reinforcement and lots of 'drop in' vet visits. Anne in Tampa
  • 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…
  • Aggression

    Behavioral Issues
    11
    0 Votes
    11 Posts
    4k Views
    abby_basenjiA
    I too have an automatic litter box but we built a platform almost like a cabinate and the poo goes down into a garbage can with a bag in it and abby or missy can not get into the poo.