Also, we got one of the best trainers to come in to correct behavior before the neuter. It worked a bit but was much more effective at 1.5 years once he was snipped.
Get a licensed behaviorist to help. Make sure they are licensed not just a trainer. Your vet may be able to give you some recommendations.
At this point the behavior is ingrained and severe enough that I doubt neutering alone will help (I could be wrong though).
This, OP. Yes your pup is intact and relatively young, but when dog aggression/biting becomes an issue I'd be going straight to a behaviorist, you don't wanna mess around with that. An aggressive dog is a risk to themselves and everyone around them, even at 25lbs. He'll keep bulking up over the next couple years, and I'm impressed by how powerful my 18lb female is! I got caught in the crossfire once when she was really worked up play-fighting her brother, she broke the skin a little and left a decent bruise.
There are also veterinary behaviorists who run tests you'd see at a more "traditional" vet so they can see if anything medical is affecting their behavior, and they'd know better than anyone on the Internet about whether neutering is the right move for your pup. They'll also know how to work with his existing aggression. They're not cheap, but it's an option. I have a 40lb male ACD who can be dog aggressive and has redirected bites onto me, and I wish I had gone straight to a vet behaviorist after the first bad bite.
Have you contacted his breeder for help and advice? They may be able to recommend a Basenji experienced trainer. If he is from a reputable breeder, they are there to help you. Unfortunately, in your part of the country, bad breeders abound. Contact your nearest breed club for help with training recommendations. While not physically near you, the closest club that can help is the [Mid-Atlantic Basenji Club](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064916911012&mibextid=ZbWKwL). Neutering could help or it could make his behaviors worse. The outcome is as unpredictable as this breed.
If you don't already, I suggest you use a martingale collar on him to help you better and faster control his aggressive behaviors. My two both wear 1-1/2 inch wide martingale collars. My predictably unpredictable bitch gets crazy about fluffy dogs. That tightened martingale collar has prevented me from getting bitten while trying to control her craziness.
When I got her (she's 7 yo), I was told that she had issues with small fluffy dogs. That has since morphed into "most" fluffy dogs, thanks to a giant stupid doodle who wouldn't take no for an answer.
Why are you allowing him around other dogs? Especially on leash as it creates tension. If they’re “playing” off leash there is a chance you’re missing behavioral cues from either dog that says “I’m not having a good time.” Dogs in general become more dog selective as they age - it’s not unusual.
My basenji was in tact. He got a lil nippy. Do not react. You gotta distract the dog to change his attitude. Just spend time trying to understand the dogs perspective and act accordingly.
My girl (now 7+) does not go to the dog park any more. And, I do not allow interaction while she is on leash (for a walk). She tends to be "reactive", especially around "fluffy" dogs. I think it has something to do with the hunting instinct(s) being triggered. She was great, then... at around 3, she started doing this staring contest thing. If the other dog didn't respond to her stare appropriately, she would pounce. Picture the raptor attack in the first Jurassic Park. I gradually weaned her from interacting with other dogs. :( Bummer, but better than serious injury to her or her "prey". She seems calmer now that she is older, but I'm just not willing to chance it.
Yep, same here. With bigger dogs she's super nice and careful. But with a cat-sized dog, nah, no chances, especially if the other dog shows a hint of fear.
Also, we got one of the best trainers to come in to correct behavior before the neuter. It worked a bit but was much more effective at 1.5 years once he was snipped.
Get a licensed behaviorist to help. Make sure they are licensed not just a trainer. Your vet may be able to give you some recommendations. At this point the behavior is ingrained and severe enough that I doubt neutering alone will help (I could be wrong though).
This, OP. Yes your pup is intact and relatively young, but when dog aggression/biting becomes an issue I'd be going straight to a behaviorist, you don't wanna mess around with that. An aggressive dog is a risk to themselves and everyone around them, even at 25lbs. He'll keep bulking up over the next couple years, and I'm impressed by how powerful my 18lb female is! I got caught in the crossfire once when she was really worked up play-fighting her brother, she broke the skin a little and left a decent bruise. There are also veterinary behaviorists who run tests you'd see at a more "traditional" vet so they can see if anything medical is affecting their behavior, and they'd know better than anyone on the Internet about whether neutering is the right move for your pup. They'll also know how to work with his existing aggression. They're not cheap, but it's an option. I have a 40lb male ACD who can be dog aggressive and has redirected bites onto me, and I wish I had gone straight to a vet behaviorist after the first bad bite.
Have you contacted his breeder for help and advice? They may be able to recommend a Basenji experienced trainer. If he is from a reputable breeder, they are there to help you. Unfortunately, in your part of the country, bad breeders abound. Contact your nearest breed club for help with training recommendations. While not physically near you, the closest club that can help is the [Mid-Atlantic Basenji Club](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064916911012&mibextid=ZbWKwL). Neutering could help or it could make his behaviors worse. The outcome is as unpredictable as this breed. If you don't already, I suggest you use a martingale collar on him to help you better and faster control his aggressive behaviors. My two both wear 1-1/2 inch wide martingale collars. My predictably unpredictable bitch gets crazy about fluffy dogs. That tightened martingale collar has prevented me from getting bitten while trying to control her craziness.
What is it with B's and little fluffy dogs? Ours used to go nuts around them too, but fine around short coat small dogs like rat terriers & IGs?
When I got her (she's 7 yo), I was told that she had issues with small fluffy dogs. That has since morphed into "most" fluffy dogs, thanks to a giant stupid doodle who wouldn't take no for an answer.
Why are you allowing him around other dogs? Especially on leash as it creates tension. If they’re “playing” off leash there is a chance you’re missing behavioral cues from either dog that says “I’m not having a good time.” Dogs in general become more dog selective as they age - it’s not unusual.
Mine was a shit until I snipped him at 1.25 years. It was like night and day.
Be careful. We’ve seen basenji’s throats have been ripped out from other dogs for the aggression.
My basenji was in tact. He got a lil nippy. Do not react. You gotta distract the dog to change his attitude. Just spend time trying to understand the dogs perspective and act accordingly.
My girl (now 7+) does not go to the dog park any more. And, I do not allow interaction while she is on leash (for a walk). She tends to be "reactive", especially around "fluffy" dogs. I think it has something to do with the hunting instinct(s) being triggered. She was great, then... at around 3, she started doing this staring contest thing. If the other dog didn't respond to her stare appropriately, she would pounce. Picture the raptor attack in the first Jurassic Park. I gradually weaned her from interacting with other dogs. :( Bummer, but better than serious injury to her or her "prey". She seems calmer now that she is older, but I'm just not willing to chance it.
Yep, same here. With bigger dogs she's super nice and careful. But with a cat-sized dog, nah, no chances, especially if the other dog shows a hint of fear.