1: I have a Chihuahua who is kinda mean. He snips at people a lot. He is seven years old and gets really cranky. He won't go outside to use the potty sometimes and he doesn't like to be put on the leash. I don't know what to do. I want him to behave w/o biting, growling. I need him to be cooperative. What do I do?
2006-11-17 09:27:36 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Ok one question sorry. Now I know I have to disipline him but how. He always runs under the bed! I want to keep ALL my fingers too!
2006-11-17 09:34:08 · update #1
Also how much does it cost to get a trainer at PetsMart?
2006-11-17 09:37:12 · update #2
Chihuahuas tend to be rather bitey with people, but that doesn't mean he can't be trained. Aggression requires the assistance of a private trainer. It is important that an expert in dog behavior observe the dog to know what to do and when to progress to the next step. If you move too quickly he will get worse, not better. Might as well have the trainer help with the leash and housetraining, issues, too.
2006-11-17 09:32:24 · answer #1 · answered by melissa k 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Has he always done this? If it started recently, I would take him to a vet, he's getting older, and pain from arthritis will very often make dogs do this. If its not that, I would go to dog training class. Even a seven year old dog can learn new tricks, and training will help you open up the lines of communication between you and your dog. Usually that's all it takes to get a dog back to cooperation with you. Also, a trainer could help you with problems more in depth. Some quick fixes, whenever he nips, give one loud stern no. Reward, reward, reward for good behavior like potty outside and good walking on a leash.
2006-11-17 17:35:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Chihuahuas tend to believe they are big dogs, hence their attitude LOL
Has he been neutered? If not perhaps start with that. Taking him to the vet is also a good idea to rule out any physical problems.
After all of that, I would suggest you start with the lead problem. Get a hands free lead, one you attach to you - on your belt or pant's belt loop. Put a harness on him rather than using a collar. Let him run around the place, to start with, with a lead dragging behind so he realises it isnt going to bite him!
Then when he is comfy with that attach him to you. With him attached to you, you will know when he wants to go potty and you can take him out.
Also being attached to you, if he misbehaves you can then discipline him. One way of discouraging snapping and the like, is to just pick him up, say NO, and put him in isolation/time out for a while and just ignore him. Dogs hate being away from the rest of the pack.
When he doesnt growl, nip or bite people, praise him.
With the harness it doesnt interfere with his movement and is more comfortable than a collar.
Good luck with him
2006-11-17 17:57:26 · answer #3 · answered by Feline Female 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your dog needs dominance training. Chis are "big dogs" in a tiny body. They think they could take on the world. They want to be alpha, and yours obviously is.
Petsmart training is inexpensive (about $90 for 8wks) but it's also ineffective. You need a REAL dog trainer... preferably one who specializes in both dominance training and small breed dogs.
One of the basics of dominance training is this: At various points throughout the day, flip the dog (gently!) onto his back. Hold him there until he stops squirming/growling/etc. Once he "submits", let him go. Once he lets you do this easily, start growling while you do it. Again... make him stay on his back until he submits. It sounds dumb... but it works.
Also, make him "wait" for his food or for treats. Make him sit, then put his food in front of him while telling him to wait. If he's snappy, you might have to use a leash for this at first (step on the leash to keep your dog out of reach of the food). Once he's waited for a couple seconds, say "get it" or some other release command (you can pick the word, but use the same one each time!) and let him eat. If he goes for the food without being released, start over. It takes several tries each feeding for the first week or so... but they catch on very fast. The point of the food thing is that the alpha dog controls the food (in the wild) and the submissive dogs have to wait their turn. This is your way of making him wait his turn, thus acknowledging YOU as the alpha.
Email me if you want to... I did dominance training with a Lhasa rescue I had and it worked really well. Good luck!
2006-11-17 17:43:37 · answer #4 · answered by kittikatti69 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I've had alot of experince with Chihuahua's. I have one mixed right now. I have been bit many times by Chihuahuas. They tend to be VERY cranky, and timid around people especilally when they get older. What I would do is, well I've never suggested this but take him to a trainer. This is something thats hard to break a dog off.
Good Luck! And Hoped I helped!
2006-11-17 17:33:07 · answer #5 · answered by Jessica 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Go to obedience classes.
Be careful about *how* you are disciplining him. There's a big difference between good discipline and bad punishment. A firm "NO" is acceptable discipline. Smacking him, swatting at him, spanking him, screaming at him, hitting him, kicking him, rubbing his nose in poop or pee, throwing him outside, etc are not acceptable forms of discipline and will usually result in additional behavioural problems with the dog. It teaches them that you are what they should fear, not the act.
It's not odd for a Chi to be cranky. That's one of the breed traits. This should have been considered before getting one. Obedience class may help train *both* of you and may help with the situation. I think that I paid $99 for like 6 or 8 weeks of class. Make sure you get someone who believes in positive reinforcement, not someone who believes in negative punishment.
Good luck to you! : )
2006-11-17 17:42:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have two Chihuahuas. My younger one gives me some of the same problems. She snips at anyone she doesn't know, freaks out, and starts barking at everyone. You have to be really stern and strict with them. I force my puppy to socialize with people, of course I'm extra careful to make she doesn't bite people. I dicipline her when she does start barking at people, and praise her when she doesn't. Even if your dog doesn't "like" to be put on a leash, you have to him that he doesn't have a choice. It's difficult, especially if you see your puppy as your baby (I know I do), but it's really the best for him.
2006-11-17 17:37:49 · answer #7 · answered by Hehe 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find a dog trainer. Or disipline him when he does snap or bite. And reward him with dog treats for good behaviour. I'm in the middle of training my puppy and finding it very hard, you have to be consistant and not lazy. (like i am)
2006-11-17 17:29:59 · answer #8 · answered by jade t 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it's about $100 for a course at my Petsmart
2006-11-17 17:43:15 · answer #9 · answered by raz p 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to dog training classes, it will teach him to socialize better with both humans and dogs... you will also get plenty of tips from your fellow dog-owners.
it sounds as though your dog doesnt know its place on the hierachy... maybe you are too soft. you must be firm, you must be consistent - and i dont mean cruel - but both of you need help.
2006-11-17 17:31:24 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋