My 2 year old dachshund is really agressive toward other men and other dogs. How can I get him to calm down?

Answer 1

Become "the pack leader" :)

You are in charge and what you "think", your dog will pick up on. If you remain calm and "in charge" he will listen to you. If he is really agressive, you may need professional help. But, try changing your attitude towards the whole thing...thinking "I am calm and in charge." Don't let on one bit about being nervous that he "might" become agressive. He may need to be socialized with dogs and men more.

I really recommend watching Ceasar Millan on the National Geographic channel show, "The Dog Whisperer".

He deals with your problem quite often and if you listen to what he says, I bet you will get results. :)

I have a neighbor dog who likes to stay with me often while her people are not home. Sometimes she would not leave and I couldn't make her go outside.

I listened to Ceasar's advice, stood up straight, shoulders back and snapped my fingers and said, "Outside."

Dog gone if she didn't walk right out the door!!! LOL

Watch Ceasar or get his books, DVDs! He's knows what he's talking about!

Good luck with your little one! :)

Answer 2

If you know Dachshunds, you would not expect otherwise. I had two, and they are the curtest, cuddliest, and utterly devoted dogs, if not all creatures on the face of this planet, that live.

As another person has mentioned, sit them down next to the person you would like them to get comfortable with, tap them lightly on the neck when acting aggressively, start talking and interacting with the person, so that your Dachshund becomes assured that you and him/her are in the company of a friend. From that point on, this new person would beg you for time to spend with your Dachshund.

Do not try to change the biological character of your Dachshund.
Otherwise, even if you succeed, you will have circus dog on a leash, Not a Dachshund.

The female one of mine, would make a pit ball run away for his life, the male one, would have made the pit ball piss on as he was running away.

I miss them both SO much, and that is what a Dachshund is.

Answer 3

Do not "comfort" the dog when s/he does this: you are rewarding the undesirable behaviour. If you have taught the dog a warning word or phrase (bad dog etc.) use it ONCE.

If the dog continues to behave agressively place it gently but firmly on it's back, while asking the person to whom it is behaving agressively to back off a little and hold it on it's back until the tail is no longer between the legs but flat to the floor. Repeat as often as is necessary. I suggest also buying a good book on dog training and/or following a course with your dog: you will BOTH learn a lot

Answer 4

Is this a recent thing or has it always been going on?

If it is recent, you may have to do some detective work to see if any man has hurt him recently. That would definitely account for the behavior.

If it has always been a problen, then you will have to work with him to teach him some new behavior.

I know it will probably make some people mad - but dogs and little kids really are alike:

you have to be consistent. (always punish unwanted behavior)

you have to be clear about what you want.

You have to be loving. (reward good behavior!)

You have to have patience.

Neither dogs nor little kids has a really good understanding when a whole bunch of words start flying at them.

It will help to have a friend who your dof growls and act aggressive towards be willing to help out at first.

Before your friend comes over, have your dog on a leash. Give him some pats or praise words. Have a small food treat (a piece of kibble) handy where you can get to it quickly.

When your friend comes over AS SOON AS your dogs does unwanted behavior say "NO!" in a deep "mean-mommy" voice. The tone is really important. Then idmeadiately tell him something you would like him to -- such as "sit"

As soon as you can get him to sit or calm down, start telling him he's a good boy in a sweet nice voice. (Again the tone really matters more than the words) Heap on the praise here.
Be sure and pat him a lot and give him a kibble.

Have your friend come near again and try again.

Always say "No!" Wait a second then tell him the same one word command you used before. He will learn over time and frequent repetition, that you don't want him to do aggressive, growling, or whatever.

At the same time he will learn that if he sits down orcalms himself, he will get lots of positive attention and a treat.

After a while you can probably phase out the treat and just give lots of extra attention. Otherwise you can risk an over weight dog.

Over time work on introducing him to people.
What I did with my Lab(all 95 pounds!!) was take him out through the neighbor in the evening when other people and their pets were walking.

He would start barking as if there was no tomorow EVERY time he saw anybody or pet. I would tell him to "hush!" Then tell him to sit. I would praise him for sitting. Then I would ask the other people if it was allright to help me with training my dog. I asked them to come over while I held him on his leash and introduce them selves. I would then pett him for remaining calm and tell him he was good. I would use the mean mommy "No!" If he kept barking. Eye contact is important as well.

It really works but takes time and patience and practice practice.

Part of it is your dog thinks he's top dog in the house. He needs to learn that YOU are in charge of the pack. Then he will be less likely to be dominant over others.

If you can have him fixed (if he isn't already) it may help as well. If you plan on breeding him -- Then go ahead, and then have him fixed. A lot of times that really helps out.

Answer 5

He needs to be socialized more. Let him see other dogs from far away (maybe 50 feet), and after he gets used to them being that close (a few days of doing this for 10 or 15 minutes), take him closer to other dogs. Continue this, getting gradually closer and closer until he can get used to being with other dogs. There are also a lot of training books on this kind of issue. Good luck!

Answer 6

i own a dachshund and they are very teritoral dogs they donot like anyone else comming near there owner and thats just how they will be.You might try and ask your vet if there is anything that you can do to hel your dog not be so agressive.

Answer 7

Call the Dog Whisperer.

Answer 8

Is he neutured?
Could be a jealousy problem.
Reassure him it's okay and pat him and the other dog and say lets be nice.
Towards the men on the otherhand, could be a jealousy matter or instinct telling your pet trouble is ahead and for you to steer clear of this man.

Answer 9

this is not uncommon there are many dogs that are this way it could be that the dog has been raised with no male figures around, and the dog is very protective of you, but that is good, just watch him close when there is somone or another dog around, but being that old the dog will PROBABLY not chenge.

Answer 10

Keep him on a "short leash" so to speak, everytime he gets a little wild yank him down and firmly say NO! but you have to be consisten, if it doesn't work call the Dog whisperer