I have a 2 month old Pomeranian/Chihuahua mix. She is already very agressive, nippy, and she bites, growls, and bears her teeth a lot. Is this a phase of a normal puppy? I don't want a mean dog!
2006-09-09 15:49:31 · 14 answers · asked by peytonpuppy 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Obedience class... and quick!! Small dogs are soooo cute and it's hard not to want to cuddle and carry them like cute little babies, but that's a mistake. They need to be treated like the dog they are. If they are being held, put them down immediately if they growl and don't let them back up... whatever you do be consistant with your training and listen to the professional trainers at your obedience class.
2006-09-09 16:33:17 · answer #1 · answered by tampico 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She is not mean she is being defensive....still not good though. Avoid any kind of extreme harshness with her, this could make the problem worse. If she is seriously intimidated...bribery always works if the cookies are good enough. Encourage her to meet as many new people as possible...All new people should meet her bearing cookies (really good ones like cooked liver). Do not hover over her or allow any one else to either. This is a very intimidating posture to a dog. Have people stoop down sideways to her and offer a cookie. Be sure to praise her alot for being a little braver. I would also sign her up for a reward based training program. Puppies in our classes can start as early as 10 weeks old. If she is already having social issues you cannot afford to wait with her. If you are not able to find a reward based puppy program in your area I have some suggested..urged heavily really...reading: Before and After Getting Your Puppy>Dr. Ian Dunbar or The Little Dogs Guide to Training..(or something like that, the book is pink) or a really good video on working with your puppy is : Sirius Puppy Training> also by Dr. Ian Dunbar. She needs encouraging socialization to help get her out of this funky zone...puppies have an open socialization window until about 12 weeks so time is of the essence. This does not mean that she is a lost cause after that it will just take a little more work. If you need additional help please feel free to contact. If it helps, one of my students had a 9 week old Pit Bull puppy that was already fear aggressive, she had many of the same issues that your little girl has. She did a few weeks of heavy, but friendly, happy, cookie-weilding weeks of socialization, and she is fine with everyone now. Introduce her to as many new situations that 'magically' produce cookies to help her change her association with new and scary things. Also try to avoid 'hugging' without having a cookie handy. Many dogs have a hard time realizing this is 'human' for I really like you, when they are already dealing with these issues.
Remember that little dogs know that they are small and many are easily intimidated and scared in these situations. It is very important for them to learn even their basic obedience because it will help build their confidence level and increase socialization
2006-09-09 16:12:33 · answer #2 · answered by madfly80 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No it is not normal. Every time you pull away from her when she does this reinforces this behavior, I am afraid. The best bet at this point would be to take her to an experience dog trainer! In the mean time, be fair but firm. No spanking, because this too will reinforce this behavior. A firm no will suffice until you get into a trainer.
Good Luck.
2006-09-09 15:54:55 · answer #3 · answered by wotana02 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Consider behavior modification school (sometimes known as obedience school). While the dog is still a puppy, bad habits can be unlearned and controlled.
2006-09-09 15:51:59 · answer #4 · answered by fla_dan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is she just playing tug of war, or is the behavior unwarranted? Get her to puppy classes, before you end up with a dog you can't handle. That behavior is not normal outside of controlled play.
2006-09-09 15:58:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
TRAIN THE DOG.
ALso, don't let it boss you around, crate trai the dog so when it's naughty, it gets a time out in the crate. Don't let it snarl at you, if it does, snarl back (loudly) and crate it.
Also, don't let the pupp think it's an alpha. Don't let it on the furniture. Don't feed it when you're eating. Don't let it on your bed (in fact, crate it at night). Don't spoil it either.
2006-09-09 15:52:19 · answer #6 · answered by draggardevir 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Basic Obedience and socialization
Take her to doggy day care a few times a week.
2006-09-09 16:03:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its a puppy !!! Give her 6 months before you worry too much. Sounds like a really fun puppy to have.
2006-09-09 15:55:44 · answer #8 · answered by John H 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Dog obedience school. It's worth it
2006-09-09 15:51:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a friend that had that problem. Used a squirt bottle on the dog, worked for her.
2006-09-09 15:55:57 · answer #10 · answered by Tim 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋