Expert: Susan Downes - 1/27/2008

Question
we have a 4 year old fixed female basenji,lola.  we got her as a puppy.  she gets along great with most of our friends and family (even though she's cautious at first). one or two people have spooked her--her tail goes between her legs and she tries to hide, but both of those people are kind of aggressive so i can understand her anxiety.  last night a couple came over and she just did not care for them! they have 2 italian greyhounds--they love dogs! they did not have their dogs with them.  we were playing cards and lola growled at her and barked at him!she was hanging out under the card table. we were not acting out of the ordinary.  he's been over to our house before and she always shys away from him. he is one of the nicest guys we know and it's a little embarrassing! i normally respect her judgement--i think dogs are good judges of people, but i'm just blown away by her attitude towards them.  we let the wife feed lola a snack and she relaxed a little, but still didn't want to be next to her.  my husband says lola just is protective of me, but why more so last night with this couple?

Answer
Hi Jennifer, A shy dog can quickly become fearful, which can lead to aggression, so it is good that you are addressing the issue now. Ask your guests to fold their arms across their chest, do not look at nor touch the dog when entering your home. Just ask them to ignore her while you are addressing her behavior problem. Most people will completely understand and be happy to cooperate with you. Let Lola come to them, sniff them and go about her usual activities. Having raised Basenji's myself, I am aware of many of their behavior problems. Be sure you are relaxed when company comes over. Don't overprotect Lola because you will be rewarding her fear, even if it is just with sympathetic words. When she approaches someone on her own, sniffs them...quietly say "good girl, Lola" and leave it at that. Take her on daily walks (45 minutes to an hour is great), this will help her with her anxiety and fears by exercising her mind and body, if you are sure to walk her at the heel, with her slightly behind your knee on a loose lead. Use leash corrections if she lags behind or forges ahead. If possible, use a regular leash, not a flexi-lead which give her room to roam and put her nose to the ground. Keep her head up and look forward yourself, walking with confidence, especially when passing by other people and dogs. Do not let her feel any fear or frustrations which you may have, as you know, they travel down the leash to her. Read some of my post to others about pack leadership. She needs to learn it is not her job to be fearful or protective of you, because you are her pack leader and she can depend on you to give her good behavioral skills. Hope this helps. Please leave me some feedback, and follow up with me if you run into any problems or need more advice. Thanks for writing. Regards, Susan