How can I stop my Chihuahua from biting?

Question

My 16 month old Chihuahua attacks visitors that come to our house and even my husband. He is very protective over me. He sleeps in our bed and my husband is very careful if he makes sudden moves at night because he will attack! He is always angry and barks at anyone or anything he sees. We need help before he does something REALLY bad.

Answer 1

towards you & your hubby: each time he does that, isolate him for about 30mins...example: send him out of the bedroom, no eye contact.

barking:
First and foremost, we need to define excessive barking. Dogs bark. It’s a simple and natural fact. When strangers arrive at your door step, Fluffy will most likely voice their arrival out to you. This is acceptable. In fact, you should praise Fluffy for being such a good guard dog. However, if Fluffy’s yodeling continues non stop til your visitors had long gone home, that is excessive. Really excessive. Barking in the dead of the night is deemed excessive as well. And frequent barking for no apparent reason is excessive as well.

Before you start the training, please find out the cause of Fluffy’s excessive barking. Once the cause is determined, you are halfway to success.

Now we recommend some basic training tips for your dog. Remember, for each different cause, a different type of training catering to that cause will be more effective than others. The basic training tips given below are very general.

Method 1 - Fill a spray bottle with water. Whenever Fluffy gets too vocal, spray him with some water. Most likely, the surprise element will make him stop. Praise generously as soon as there is silence.

Method 2 - Fill an empty can with coins or pebbles. When Fluffy barks too much, shake the can vigorously. This should silence Fluffy instantaneously. Praise. Take note that dogs get used to the sound quickly, so this method may not work after a while.

Method 3 - Teaching Fluffy to bark on command can be your solution too. Create a scenario whereby you are sure Fluffy will bark his head off. As soon as he starts, praise him. You can keep saying "Speak" as Fluffy yodels away. As soon as he stops, say "Stop"” and praise him generously again. If you are patient and consistent, Fluffy will get the hang of it soon enough. With that, you should be able to start and stop Fluffy’s barking with the appropriate commands.

Answer 2

You need to take charge of this situation or it will not get better. Your letting this little guy rule the house..You and your hubby need to set up situations and practice several x's a day with the dog until he realizes that "he will not win" You call the shots! When dog reacts to situations you must correct IMMEDIATELY!! DO NOT BACK OFF when he goes to snap, you are just feeding his "power" and he thinks he's won. A firm NO BITE and continue on. Continue this as much as needed. And if the bed is a problem, why is he sleeping on the bed?? Because of his dominence about the bed, I would make the bed off limits for him completely. Put him on the floor and tell him a firm NO. Have a bed for him next to yours or his crate. My chihuahua does not sleep in my bed but I have his crate with a bed inside for him, at night I tell him " night night time" and he automatically goes inside. Even if I am reading at night in bed and he's with me, when I say those words he jumps down and goes in his own bed. You must be consistant and stronge with these little guys. Because they are so cute owners seem to let them get away with behaviors and then you have a nasty cute chi. Patience and time hopefully will correct the situation. Be Stronge!! Good Luck.

Answer 3

First off try using a spray bottle whenever she does this biting or growling lightly and say 'No!' sternly. If you have the time and money take her to a training session where a specialist can look at her and analyze her and train her better. They have a lot of programs at places like Petsmart, etc. You may also try to reward her if she does the right thing with a treat or some kind of toy, etc. You may want to check if it continues you may want to check if it is an advanced behavior problem caused by a dangerous condition where you may want to take her to a vet in case she is sick or injured without you knowing it. Hope this helps. I hope your dog is okay, just try not to kick it or hurt her that would make her more aggressive.

Answer 4

My mother had a Chihuahua like that, bit a lot of people over the years including me one night in my own bed. I moved and my hand touched him so he bit me. He was a nasty little creature and he never changed. If it hadn't been for my mother he would never have lasted in our house as long as he did. Sorry, but I don't see yours changing either, they either are like that or not.

Answer 5

Well this may work before he's about to bite distract him by clapping or saying ah ah! and if he calms down tell him good boy if he doesn't take him out of the room and repeat the method time will tell but if it gets to out of hand you may have to get him put down as sad as it seems but hopefully it wont have to come to that good luck to the both of you and best wishes.

Answer 6

I have a chihuahua that acts like that too. It's just their nature so I suggest either training or putting up with it. Mine does bite sometimes but they can't do any real damage,at least mine doesn't. He very rarely bites just barks.

Answer 7

lose the dog, when you're married you have to think of your husband too. I'll tell you it's only a matter of time before he's had enough of that dog. Nobody should have to put up with that.

Answer 8

get a muzzle and put it on him when he does bite and tell him he is bad and when he calms down take it,and if then tries to bite put it back on leave it on for a little longer this time he will learn eventually.it will take a bit of time because he is protective but he will learn.

Answer 9

Wire his mouth shut....KIDDING...If its a serious issue you might want to get rid of him b4 he bites the wrong person and they take you to court and ruin your life

Answer 10

Kick it across the room like a soccor ball. He'll get the point eventually. ^.^ I HATE chihuahuas