A spoiled dog...what to do?

Question

I have a chichuacha... a very spoilt one. To begin with, he always likes to sleep on my pillow. He eats only the best food, a dog food is a total no for him. He does what he wants and never listens to me. The worst thing is that if I try to teach him some manners so to say (without any hitting or smth like that), he gets back at me by peeing all over the bed or carpet. What to do? It's annoying already.

Answer 1

The problem you need to fix isn't just your dog, it's you -- but you already know that, since you've admitted that you spoil him.

Some suggestions:

1. Obedience classes! Sign him up, commit to the training. Obedience training is the easiest way to establish dominance, which you don't have.

2. Crate training. If the dog is in his crate, he can't pee on your bed. When you can't watch him, this is where he needs to be. This topic will be covered in detail in an obedience class.

3. High quality dog food. Eating your food isn't healthy for this dog. People food has more fat, salt, and artificial ingredients in it than any dog needs or should have, and it generally lacks the nutrients that dogs require. Put him on a premium quality dog food (i.e. Nutro, Eukanuba, Royal Canin, or a holistic kibble such as Canidae or Solid Gold). Give him access to the kibble, and don't feed him table scraps. Dogs will not starve themselves on purpose. He will learn to eat the kibble.

4. Be the alpha. You're the boss. Act like it. He eats when you want him to eat, sleeps where you want him to sleep, and does what you ask him to do. If you let him have his way, things won't change.

Discussing this on a message board is all well and good, but not nearly as useful as talking to a trainer in person. Seriously consider obedience classes, or at least speak with a private trainer. They can give you more ideas.

Good luck!

Answer 2

To punish him you can put a leash on him and tie him up somewhere(for a while). There is no way he can go to your kitchen open up the fridge and somehow get the 'best food'. Stop giving him 'best food'. Try buying new dog food that he hasn't tasted. Once you have gave him human food, dog food will taste nasty for them and they will not eat it. Try buying dog snacks and give him a snack every time he does something good. You usually cant teach spoiled dogs manners. If he doesn't listen to you then do the same thing back, don't listen to him and he will realize that he needs you. Try calling the Dog Whisperer :P

Answer 3

Try to slowly transform him. Mix normal dog food in to his current one by adding just a few pieces then progress untill that's all he/she has. Does he/she have a cage? If he/she does something wrong when you try to instruct him/her, like peeing in the wrong places, stick em in the cage and put them in a seprate room for an hour or two. IGNORE HIM/HER WHILE DOING THIS OR HE'LL SHE'LL NEVER LEARN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

EXAMPLE: My wiener dog always gets into our used tissues. She almost never does it anymore because every time she did, we would find them, get her, pick her up, bring her to the tissues, practically shove her face in the pile, and say something like LOOK WHAT YOU DID!!! or NO!!! or WHAT IS THIS!!!???. Then we would give her a spank (nothing harmful) and stick her in her cage. She would stay for at least an hour. Snapping at us is INTOLERABLE!!! The more she snarls snaps and bites, the more time in the slammer. Toght love trust me. We stuck to this and she stopped within months.we also prevented the problem by buying garbage cans with lids. She knows how to open them but she seems to feel it wasn't worth it cause she's so light it's hard to do.

This is just an example so maybe you dont have this particular problem but here's how you should punish any rule breaking.

If all else fails, hire a dog trainer.

Keep in mind that your relationship with this dog should be a loving one, not a war. Congradulate him/her when something right is done, and the sooner the propblem's gone, the sooner you will be able to enjoy ur pet again.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 4

There is a show on the national geographic channel called the dog whisperer.He deals with a lot of conflicts with owners and thier dogs.From agression to being spoiled.And he always soves the problem.You can either watch the show or visit the web site and ask him directly.He is an expert in this field.He should give you true advice.I put the web sit below.But just type in "the dog whisperer" on yahoo search and it will open up.

Answer 5

Sounds like your dog is in charge. For starters, keep him out of your bed until he has learned his place. Make him work for the things he wants like going out, eating, and toys, even if its just sit (down would be better though). You need to control these things. He should also not be going through doors ahead of you. Make him sit and stay until you are through and have invited him to follow.

Take a class at a good training club, NOT from Petsmart or Petco. Your dog will NOT benefit from bribing type training. Pack leaders do not bribe their pack.

There are also some good books and online articles, but there are also some crappy ones. I will give you a couple links to start.

Answer 6

Consider taking him to some basic dog training...they can help you put yourself in the position of being the top dog in this relationship again. If you can't afford training check out a book in the library about dog training. Right now, in your little pack of 2, it is your dog who is in charge; what you want to do is gradually switch it around so it's you in charge. If he his peeing, etc. then it's time to tough love him - he may have to live in the kitchen or other tiled room of the house for awhile until you can trust him enough to behave. Your dog needs to prove his trustworthiness. I know he'll probably yell and howl and be annoying for awhile while you make the transition. But if you can stick with it and get professional advice, you'll be glad you made the effort.
Good luck!

Answer 7

well there are lots you can do, here's the list:

a. take him to a dog training (obedience) school.
b. fill up a spray bottle with waterand when he does something bad squirt him in the face.
c. it's the tone in your voice they listen to, the firmer and harder your voice, the more likely the chances of them actually listening to you. That is why dogs tend to get along with men better cause guys already have a deep firm voice. lol as ridiculous as that sounds
d. when he does something bad put him in his kennel for 15 minutes, no matter how much he crys to come out do NOT allow it.
e. if he pee's or poop's in the house and you are there to catch him in the act stop him, and shove his face in it! and say firmly "No!" and repeat it like 200 times. and then bring him to his kennel for his 15 minute punishment.
f. put him outside for an hour by himself. (w/ water OF COURSE!)


there are lots of tricks of the trade.. it takes alot of work especially if he's getting older and he's used to being spoiled.. goodluck! =)

Answer 8

You are not alpha in the house and the dog knows it.
Keep him off the bed get him one of his own. You don't have to hit, just be consistent about it. Put him in his bed or on the floor when you catch him on the bed or block him with your hand when he tries to get on the bed.
When you catch him starting to pee, smack your hands together to get his attention then put him outside. Or you could offer to play with him, something to distract him from his current actions.
It sounds silly, but while you're playing with him, roll him onto his back and gently hold him there until he doesn't squirm and squiggle around. You're proving to him that you're the alpha while you're playing and it'll carry over into the rest of his life.
It's gonna take work and time since he's thinking he's the alpha and you have to be consistent.
It worked for me with my hubby's two beagles when they thought they'd take over the house. They ran the house for about two days until I stepped in and let them know I was the alpha.

Answer 9

Sorry to say, but YOU created the problem. He is the Alpha dog and is doing exactly as he pleases because he's the leader. I suggest you consult a trainer for tips on how to re-educate him. It's not gonna' be easy, I'm afraid.

Answer 10

Institute NILIF (Nothing In Life Is Free) Training. Here's an article to help you start http://k9deb.com/nilif.htm