Skip to content
Basenji Forums
  1. Home
  2. Basenji Training
  3. Barking and lunging towards people during walks, help!

Barking and lunging towards people during walks, help!

Basenji Training
  • E

    Hello!
    We adopted a Basenji Shepherd mix 3 days ago and she is calm and wonderful in every way, except when we are outside she barks, lunges and even growls at literally every person we see. She never barks or lunges inside or with me and my son. She does not calm down outside, even with people we know! She is clearly protective of me and my son, but this is not a safe behavior. Advise please!

    0
  • DebraDownSouthD

    Doesn't really matter the breed, a dog who is "protective" is a bad thing (unless trained to be)... it means they see you as their possession. Ideally you want your dog to look to you to protect it.

    I usually have good search skills.. there are some good articles on retraining this behavior. I can't find them, though this article below applies to humans as well as dogs.

    First I would suggest a trainer.

    However, you can work on this. Take the dog and a friend (if your son is old enough, not if a child) to an area with people. Enlist the people to stay back, not look at you or the dog, toss a tiny treat to him. Keep this up day after day, several times each trip, until seeing people no longer puts him in attack mode.
    Next, have them come a little closer, toss the treat and say "Hi" without looking at you. Same process.
    Next, have them stay at safe distance, face you and toss treat then go on.
    Next, have them look at the dog and say "good dog", toss treat and go on.
    Next, have them stand and talk to you, tossing a small treat when they arrive and as they leave.

    For many dogs, this process can help stop the reactive behavior.

    Other than in those very controlled, you dog needs a muzzle in public. Do not risk him hurting someone or being put down.

    https://positively.com/dog-behavior/aggression/leash-aggression/

    Debra

    0
  • Baba BamideleB

    CARE is another good resource for desensitizing a reactive dog such as this: http://careforreactivedogs.com. Good luck!

    0

Suggested Topics

  • NicoleEastwooddN

    HELP! Non-stop barking at our guests

    Basenji Training
    12
    0 Votes
    12 Posts
    5k Views
    NicoleEastwooddN
    I have tried to put him in the backyard a few times but as long as he knows someone is inside, he will continue. As for the walking, it works until we get back home. I have even tried having him meet guests outside before coming in and it still didn't work. He is a shelter dog and I'm almost positive he's just trying to protect his home and us because he's never had someone who actually cared about him; plus we really don't get guests too often so it's just taking twice as long for him to understand.
  • M

    Help Please!!

    Basenji Training
    20
    0 Votes
    20 Posts
    8k Views
    eeeefarmE
    If you really want to be sure your dog responds appropriately to invisible fence, it is essential to "proof" it properly. After you have thoroughly conditioned the animal to the fence, you need to use very high value distractions or lures while you are present (but not visible) to observe behavior. It's the only way to be reasonably sure your dog will not bolt through the fence, and then you still have the problem of other dogs or people possibly trespassing and causing a problem, since there is nothing to keep them out. In the country, invisible fence can work well, although there is still the chance that the dog will learn to run through it. My friend uses it at her farm, and one of her three dogs (not Basenjis) will go through the fence if the temptation is strong enough.
  • M

    Help with grouchy girl!

    Basenji Training
    16
    0 Votes
    16 Posts
    8k Views
    B
    My girl athena is like that very grumpy when our boy moves or settles around her while napping, growling n showing teeth n little nips… but never towards us, By the way i was never a big fan of the brindle pups but yours is perfect, faro is the cutest lil guy ever
  • bewlerB

    Nipping - help!

    Basenji Training
    11
    0 Votes
    11 Posts
    4k Views
    tanzaT
    As they say, "nothing in life is free"… works most everytime when they get it in their heads that they are "leader" and not you....
  • A

    Vicious towards strangers

    Basenji Training
    9
    0 Votes
    9 Posts
    5k Views
    MacPackM
    Has he always been like this, or is it new behavior? If new, I would suggest a physical exam with full panel thyroid check. Low thyroid or other health issues could be causing his behavior. If this is normal for him, I agree with all of the above, checking with breeder and getting 1:1 training with a positive trainer. And LOTS of exercise, a tired dog is a god dog. Anne in Tampa
  • Ginger_and_ChristineG

    Help with socialization

    Basenji Training
    17
    0 Votes
    17 Posts
    6k Views
    nomrbddgsN
    I've had to retrain a pug and a chihuahua not to bite me when clipping their nails. The pugs' nails were left to grow and ended up growing into the pads of the foot. The vet wanted to put the dog to sleep to trim the nails. She now lets me trim the nails-with a dremel-without trying to bite. The Chihuahua was put under to trim it's nails before I had it. It took me six weeks to just touch it's feet, but after that we were able to move very quickly and cut it's nails within a few weeks. It does take a lot of time-but it's worth it.