I was given a chihuahua and it keeps growling at me when i pet it....?

Question

what should i do? I can't pick it up or else it tries to bite me. Serious answers please.

Answer 1

You might be expecting the dog to be affectionate sooner than he's ready to share it with you.

By the way, chihuahua's can be great pets. I would never want one because I prefer big dogs but there have been many in our family who were adored by all. Don't let anyone on here convince you that they can't be great pets.

Does he let you put a leash on him and walk him? I'd start with that. If he growls as you approach him with the leash, just be confident and keep move forward. Chihuahua's have sharp teeth so if he snaps at you, it can hurt. Try and calmly get the leash on him.

Then, take him for a nice, long walk. Don't let him pull you. Keep the leash short enough (but don't keep it tense/tight) so that he is at your side. The walk will help establish a connection between you and set you up as the leader.

As for petting him, he'll come to you when he's ready. You don't even necessarily have to address him. Make sure he knows you're the one in charge by your confidence and leadership. When he's ready, he'll come over to check you out. When that happens, let him approach you. You don't need to put out your hand to let him sniff. If he finishes sniffing and stays close to you, then reach out to pet him. (As someone else said, probably not best to reach OVER his head. Reach under his head or pat the side of his body.)

Sounds like it'll take some time but he'll probably warm up. If he was owned by the person that gave him to you, you could ask him to sit with you for a little while and talk with you so that the dog starts to see that you're OK.

You can rent episodes of The Dog Whisperer or check him out on National Geographic tv. There have been some episodes about dealing with dogs who growl/snap when you get close. Very good info.

Answer 2

The dog is acting "snarky" because it doesn't see you as an "alpha" (the top "dog" in the house). It's taking on an alpha role itself by growling and snapping at you and putting you into the position of doing what it wants. The only way to combat the behavior is to get the dog to respect you as the "top dog".

Dogs do not respect weak or overly aggressive owners, so you need to establish yourself as neither of those. You can't be a "push-over" but you can't be an "abuser" either.

Try this:

1) Rather than seeking the dog's attention and affection yourself (which puts the dog in charge, not you), make the dog come to YOU for attention and affection. Whenever you enter a room where the dog is IGNORE it completely until it comes to you. Stay calm and quiet, and don't seek it out. The dog will learn that if it wants to interact with you, YOU will be in charge of the contact (not the dog).

2) Beyond its normal daily feeding regime, don't give it any treats if its being snarky. Make the dog WAIT for a treat until it's seated, quiet, and not snarling or growling. This tells the dog that YOU are in charge of its food and treats, and it needs to behave to get those things from you.

3) Never let the dog enter or exit a room/door in FRONT of you. Have the dog WAIT and then have it FOLLOW you. This again reinforces the fact that YOU lead and the dog must follow.

4) Don't yell at the dog. Dogs don't respect that.

5) Be consistent. Don't make the dog wait one day for attention and then give in to it the next... or all you'll end up is a confused and paranoid pet who doesn't know what you want.

Try those things and let us know if they work for you.

Answer 3

He's scared of you. He's in a new place with a new person and he's only doing what he thinks he should. Let him warm up to you. Let him decide when you can pet him. Don't bring alot of chaos into the house it will only confuse him. Act very casual and say things to him in a sweet voice.
You might also want to take him to the vet to make sure he's ok and stable. If you'll remember Old Yeller turned visious after being bit.
If it's an older dog then it's possible he's lived a very hard life and is untrusting of people. Just be gentle with him and let him know that you won't hurt him. Also give him treats at random times so he knows you bring the goods and that you love him. Find out what kind of toys he likes? The kinds that squeak? Or the ropes? Small balls that easily fit in his small mouth? Or bones to get his aggression out?
Always aknowldege him, never ignore him because he will feel unwanted and that you don't like him. But you should know to give him his space when he's in a mood. No playful pokes, or anything like that. GENTLY pet him when he allows you to, don't pat or scratch. Also keep him away from other dogs until he is stable and maybe even then he should be away from them.

Answer 4

Perhaps the problem comes from the fact that you jump away from the dog when he growls at you. I'm not saying to stick your hand out and let it get bitten, but if you yield to the dog every time he growls at you, he's gonna keep doing it to get what he wants. You have to play the dominant role. Pick him up, hold him and pet him anyway, and after awhile, when he realizes that the growling and biting isn't working anymore, he'll stop. But as long as you keep giving in to the dog's tantrums, you'll never be in charge.

I know it sounds harsh, and everything...and I'm not saying you should be mean to the dog...but at the same time, if you give him treats and such, and he gets over the anxiety and gets used to YOU, what's gonna happen when you have guests over? From what you've written, it sounds like he's likely to growl and snap at them too. You should give him some treats and some time to get used to you, but you'll also need to put an end to that behavior before he's introduced to other people.

Answer 5

Those cute little Chihuahuas are mean little dogs. You have to get one when it is a baby so that it knows you from the start. I believe you should give it back. Tell the people you are sorry but, it just isn't gonna work out. Then you can go to the animal shelter and pick out a dog that you are kindred with.

Answer 6

Honestly, this has nothing to do with this dog being abused in the past, that a very common myth. And little dogs don't really seem to understand how small they are. Your height only bothers them if they're nervous. You'd know if this dog was nervous, he's be cowering from you. My old Jack Russell used to regularly scrap with Rottweilers and Dobermans in the park. Their size never bothered him.
This dog is dominant and snappy. It has been badly trained, and this is probably why it was given to you.
It could be re-trained but you'd have to put in a lot of work and go regularly to dog training classes.
I would give the dog back with a polite 'no thanks' and treat yourself to a pup. Take it to puppy classes and you'll have a very rewarding pet instead of this stroppy little monster.

Answer 7

Now you understand what can happen to a dog and an entire breed when they have to screw with their genetics to keep them that tiny. There is always a sacrifice. i do not like little ankle biting dogs for that very reason. There are more vicious chihuahua's in the world than vicious Rottweilers. There is more inbreeding in smaller dogs because they are more popular than larger breeds and there is more of a demand for them. You got a lousy pet, it's doubtful the dog will change. I feel bad for you and wish you luck.

Answer 8

How old is the dog?

When you go to pet a strange dog you should not pet it over the head. It could have been beaten before and would assume that the hand coming down on it was going to hit it.

Your should get down to his level as much as possible (mighty low in your case) and extend your hand to him palm down so he can sniff you. Then you can pat him on his chest.

I would forgo the picking up for now. I have a young (resued) cat that does not like to be picked up. If you sit on a chair or on the couch she will jump on your lap and she likes to sleep cuddled up at your feet. She just wants to be with you on her own terms. Perhaps you dog is like that. Just give him time.

Answer 9

Well try and feed some treats maby it will like you more. Also try and leave her get the smel of your hand. Go easy on the dog and give her time to get to know you.

Answer 10

Well now you know why it was given to you. haha. just kidding. no that really sucks, uhm I suggest just love it as best you can, walk it, pamper it so it likes you...dont yell or pop him/her for a long time untill it can get used to you. My best friend has a chihuahua and shes so outgoing and nice, they are fiesty but loveable as long as u love them back!