The puppy is 8 weeks old. He's a chihuahua mixed with a yorkshire terrier. I've only had him for 5 days but he doesn't seem to know the meaning of the word "NO." Any other dog I've had will stop whatever he's doing if I ever said NO. This one will retaliate back at me by barking and growling and snapping at me when I say no or attacking my hands! I've never hit him or plan to, so I don't know why he does this. Help!
2006-08-30 04:35:34 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
When I look into his eyes and pick him up, depending on his mood, he will lick me and then start biting my lip...sometimes, he will snarl when he is picked up...other times, he will just stay there peacefully
2006-08-30 04:48:41 · update #1
Well I didn't get him from a puppy store or puppy mill...it was just someone that had a yorkshire terrier and accidentally got mated w/a chihuahua that came to visit, and the mom was really sweet
2006-08-30 04:52:04 · update #2
I just wanted to say thanks to everyone...specifically Amber!
2006-08-30 05:02:57 · update #3
This is a chihuahua and it doesn't matter if it's a mix or pure breed because it's a chihuahua and those little dogs will do exactly what you have described in your question.
If this puppy starts our this way now I'm sorry to tell you this but that little guy may not be the puppy of your dreams but more like a real nightmare and I really believe you need to find another puppy and find a good home for your chichuahua.
These little dogs have a history for being snappy and barking a lot and they don't like to be told "NO" and will bite the hand that feeds it too.
No, do not hit the puppy because no one should ever hit a puppy because they will grow up to be nasty dogs and they will attack any one at any time.
If possible return the puppy and if this isn't an option then take him to the nearest shelter and they will work with him and find him a good home and they will NOT put him down so don't worry about the little guy, ok but you need to do this right away and then while at the shelter look around to see if they have a good, non biting, non barking well mannered puppy and they will tell you which is the best for you too.
Again I am sorry about this puppy but not every puppy will work out for each of us but there is a good puppy waiting for you to find him/her soon and maybe even at the shelter too.
Best of luck and please don't give up and don't blame yourself either cause the chihuahua isn't for everyone, okay.
2006-08-30 04:54:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
an 8 week old puppy is still a baby. It will take him some time before he associates "no" with "stop doing whatever it is you're doing." You need to watch him closely and intervene when he does things you don't want him to do - ie, if he's chewing the furniture tell him to stop and pull him away. Keep doing this and he'll figure it out eventually. Don't expect it the first time - how many people do you know who follow instructions exactly after one time? If everyone did that we wouldn't need police.
Your puppy is obviously very dominant so you need to show him you're the boss. You may have no intention of hitting him but he doesn't know that - maybe he had been hit by someone before you got him. You're also a giant compared to him, so that must be scary.
I suggest you get a puppy book - I found "Puppies for Dummies" to be very helpful. Even better get several books from the library. You can also go to a good pet store that has lots of training aids - eg a spray that discourages chewing. You can take him to puppy school or when he's a bit older you can go to regular obedience school.
Good luck. My puppy is four months old and she's starting to learn but still has setbacks. But like I tell my kids, they don't do things the first time I ask them either.
2006-08-30 05:00:11 · answer #2 · answered by Animal Lover 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like he is trying to take his place as the alpha. Dogs do not see us as "human owner" rather as the pack leader/ the alpha dog (so to speak). I would be concerned by his behavior especially if it is aggressive. You should differently get him neutered, it will calm him down and help with the aggression. You really need to make him understand you are the boss and do it while he is young. You may want to consider obedience class and at home do leash work frequently so you have control, even in the house. By controlling his movements you are also asserting your dominance over him. Did you ever do the puppy tests with him, the one when you roll him over on his back to see his reaction. You hold him like that for a few and see his reaction. A dominant dog will go crazy.
2006-08-30 04:54:48 · answer #3 · answered by TritanBear 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Welcome to the wonderful world of owning a Chihuahua! That's how they usually are...even though yours is a mix, it seems he has more of the personality of a Chi.
Maybe the person you got him from never taught him the word "No". I got my first dog at 5 1/2 weeks (too young, I know...I work at an animal shelter so I know how to take care of them that young) and I started working with her right away. You just need to work with him.
Go to this website and read their articles. You'll love the articles and the people on the website:
www.doggiebagonline.com/forum
This site will help you with teaching commands, housebreaking, aggression issues, and any other problems you are having with him. It is full of dog behaviorists and dog owners/lovers alike.
2006-08-30 04:56:10 · answer #4 · answered by Amber 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My 4 month old puppy is the same mix as yours. It is very hyper and does the same growling or biting when you try to pet her. When she starts in on that I either squirt her with water (don't look at them when you do this) or I catch her and pin her down on her back for a few seconds to let her know who's in charge. Both of these methods calm her down a bit. She has gotten better as she's grown.
2006-08-30 06:37:17 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The next time your chihuahua is being a menace say NO in a very angry voice, whenever your dog stops, reward him. Your dog will soon realise that everytime he stops when you say NO he'll be rewarded. Please remember that this takes time! Good Luck!
2006-09-03 02:47:20 · answer #6 · answered by Hanni S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Welcome to the world of the muttsforbucks dog. Two distinct breeds that should never have been bred together. Two different coat types, but one thing in common. TEMPERAMENT. Both breeds can be downright nasty when provoked. Good Luck...you're going to need it!!
2006-08-30 04:49:54 · answer #7 · answered by serenadepoms 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you must be patient.Every dog has a personality as we are.My advice is that you need to dedicate more time with him and use the''paper- method ''.It works. My Arisa is 5years old now and she listens and understands everything .I love her very much,and you must do the same with yours.If he doesn't feels that he will be wild...Good luck!
2006-08-30 04:56:24 · answer #8 · answered by voinea c 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it were my pup I would spank the hell out of him while telling him no. If this is not your cup of tea, them roll up a piece of paper and hit him on the nose but make sure you tell him no, no, no and so on. It wont hurt him and it should teach him to respect your more.
2006-08-30 04:43:54 · answer #9 · answered by Brock 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
watch the dog whisperer.. YOU need to be alpha.. That means you put his little butt on his back until he IS calm and submissive.
2006-08-30 04:42:25 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋