My dog is part chihauhau an part terrier. When we have company she barks and growls the whole time they are at our house. If they come near me she bites at their legs and ankles. She has never bit hard, but I'm scared that she might one of these days. How can I break her of this? She also goes potty in the house at times. When I find the mess she tucks her tail and literally cries. What can I do??
2006-06-27 10:02:51 · 13 answers · asked by ANIMAL LVR 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
...wow. Your pup has a whole lot of issues. First, take her to a trainer. An obedience trainer.
As for making a mess in the house, it sounds as if she may have been violently abused when she was younger when she did that. Just talk to her, tell her 'no' in a soft,gentle voice and take her outside to go to the bathroom.
2006-06-27 10:06:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I definitely say go for the obedience classes.
As for the scruff rolls recommended by a previous post, this could make problems worse. Your dog is already seeing strangers as a negative thing and adding a dominant gesture to the situation is only going to make the dog see the situation as being even more negative! Instead, try to switch the situation to a positive one. Make it so that your dog will look forward to visitors instead of fearing them.
Try giving your visitors treats to offer the dog. If the dog won't accept the treats right away, have the guest get down to the dog's level, preferrably head lower than the dog's and do not look the dog in the eye. Any time the dog is near visitors, soft praise should be given to the dog by the owner.
As for the potty training, obedience classes can help. But for now, make sure you ALWAYS catch her in the act. If not, you've missed your opportunity. Always supervise so you can catch her during the behavior. And NEVER hit your dog...not with your hand or anything else. I'm not saying hitting isn't effective, but this can lead to agression later on. It's just not worth it!
And again, definitely check out those obedience classes!
2006-06-27 10:43:28 · answer #2 · answered by waitin4payday 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's a terrier....this comes with the territory most times. If she's agressive, you have to think, she's as big as your thumb and probably feels very threatened, terriers and most small dogs, especially chihuahuas are known to be very temperamental. Thats why they're dubbed "ankle-biters". try using a leash when people come over, give her tiny tug, just to correct her behavior and let her know in a mild manner that it's unnacceptable. As for the potty training...another wonderful aspect of a terrier. Does she get out enough or maybe she has a UTI or something related, she may just have a weak bladder if she knows immediately t was wrong but can't seem to help herself. see a vet. good luck
2006-06-27 10:12:49 · answer #3 · answered by noname 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure you are not holding her when there are other people over - she should be on the floor. Tell the people to totally ignore her. After a while, if she starts to relax, give the people some small treats to gently toss over to her. Gradually get her used to people.
She has learned that she gets punished when she goes potty in the house. When she does, just ignore her, clean it up when she is not looking. Go with her outside and when she does go potty, right then praise her and treat her.
Go onto yahoo group Clicker Solutions and learn about clicker training. Get Dr. Ian Dunbar's book Everything you need to know before and after you get your puppy.
2006-06-27 10:40:28 · answer #4 · answered by sim24 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like she's very defensive for you, I have a chihuahua and he's protective of everyone in the house and he will bark at guests but just to get attention- he's never bitten anyone- I think your puppy needs training. When you know your going to have guests put her outside until they arrive and then when every one is settled let her in see how that helps, the bathroom in the house thing is something all dogs go thru, my dog acts really playful when he has to go outside, and I don't always get the hint. When she puts her tail between her legs and whines she obviously knows she's done something wrong.
My advice, talk to your vet and get the "training puppies for dummies" book. It has a lot of great tips in it.
2006-06-27 10:36:50 · answer #5 · answered by Bethann 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your dog is the pack leader in your house....YOU need to be the pack leader.
when you dog goes for ppls ankles...grab her by the back of her neck *the skin on her neck...like a momma dog would* then firmly but gently pull her neck down to the ground. hold her there until she rolls over on her back in a submissive position...on her back tail between legs.
wild dogs and wolves do this in their packs to show dominance over each other.
if you have a few brave friends *that wont HIT her* have them do the same.
she needs to learn that YOU ARE the pack leader.
this does NOT hurt the dog in any way. ppl tend to put human emotion into the way dogs behave...you need to learn to speak dog!
as for potty training....consistency is the key.
take her out side and wait for her to go..then reward her with attention, or a toy, or treat.
if she goes in the house...*and you have to catch her in the act, a dog wont remember doing anything 5 mins ago.* say "No." and take her outside...wait till she goes and again reward.
it takes time, and patience.
don't worry...you'll get it...and so will she.
2006-06-27 10:16:28 · answer #6 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chihuahuas are very protective of their owners. You may have to pen her up when you have company to keep her from biting. It is hard to break them from the habit. As for the potty training, maybe keep her crated or in a non-carpeted room when you cannot watch her, when you are at work or somewhere else. They have to go out more often than larger dogs. Cannot hold it as long.
2006-06-27 10:08:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should try putting her in a pet crate when you have company...give her a toy or two to play with while she is in it...or you could put a stair gate up to block the door way of what ever room you are in so she can't get to the people yet she can still see you and what is going on...small dogs tend to potty on the floor when they get nervous...
2006-06-27 10:35:29 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your Chi is a typical one a spoiled rotten brat.
Most people do not bother to train them much as thye are "so cute" SO cute only goes so far in life.
Get into some classes or work one on one with a trainer for tips on how to teach you dog manners.
This is something your dog desperately needs.
2006-06-27 10:22:26 · answer #9 · answered by tlctreecare 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Obedience school and- I hate to say this- but a kennel for when you have company. That could save you and your dog a lot of grief.
2006-06-27 10:41:08 · answer #10 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋