How do I stop my Chihuahua from being so aggresive?

Question

My Chihuahua of 7 years now absolutely hates my wife. When I am in the house with my wife my dog sits on my lap constantly. When my wife comes near me, put's her hands near me, or even looks at my dog, she goes crazy barking, growling, and trying to bite her. I dont know what to do with this dog! I have been with my wife for 3 years, and my dog was with me alone the preceeding 4 years. When I am gone and my dog is alone with my wife, she is fine and dosent act up. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

If your wife doesn't change her energy, your dog will not stop being aggressive. Your wife must become more dominant than the dog. Her energy that she's giving off is not calm assertive. I'd hate to see the dog get so aggressive that you cannot keep him anymore. It's great that you're seeking help with this issue. Have you considered contacting a local dog behaviorist. They may be able to help out so much more than anyone here can. Is the dog's aggression something that is just now becoming a problem or has it been an ongoing issue for the 3 years you've been with your wife. I would suggest that when you're dog is on your lap or around you and starts showing aggression, you become calm assertive and make him get off your lap with a stern "no" and then walk away. That's how dogs learn. If you think about a puppy playing with siblings and/or it's Mom, when they play too rough, bite too hard, etc., the sibling and/or Mom will give a quick loud bark or yelp, and then walk away and refuse to play again for a short period of time. That's how they learn what the right amount of pressure is for "play biting" etc.

I would also suggest checking out Cesar Millan's webiste (better known as the Dog Whisperer. Here's the link for it: http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

OMG! I have a 4 year old Chihuahua, and I am her 3rd owner for this exact same reason! She hated the wife of her last owner, to the point where she could NOT be left alone with her. Luckily, the husband and I are good friends, so we agreed that I would take care of her, given he has visitation rights (yes, we have a contract and everything!) LOL. Seriously, most Chihuahuas are very possessive and selfish. Although there are some exceptions, they are best matched with 1 owner, with no small kids. If the situation is that bad, you may want to consider allowing a close friend or family member to take care of her. I've had my chihuahua for almost 3 yrs, and had to face reality that my dog hates children...with a passion. If your dog hates your wife, there's nothing you can do about it...especially if she's 7 yrs old! I truly wish you the best!

Answer 3

1. you need to stop this behavior as soon as you see it. you pup is behaving possessive of you and protecting her possessions from interlopers such as your wife. it's similar if you saw a dog standing over a favorite toy and warning off all other dogs. this behavior is NOT to be tolerated, neither the aggression towards your wife or treating you as her property. the way to do this is to establish discipline in your relationship with the dog. do not allow her on your lap for now until this problem has been resolved. practice obedience every day, and make her perform a task before getting fed or treats. a simple 'sit' is fine. also, even though she's a little dog, put a sweater on her (it's cold these days!) and take her for at least a 30 minute walk a day. do not allow her to pull you. think of it as PURELY walking time. if she stop to sniff something, you're gonna keep on walking, and she must keep up. this is how a true pack leader behaves, because they know what's best and the others must trust and follow him.

2. allow your wife and the dog to bond. this also includes cuddle time, but mostly it's more of what you're doing. she must also establish herself as co-boss over your dog, have her do the same things as you, or even better, WITH you, so that the dog will better understand that in pack hierarchy, you two are on top and she is beneath you. it's not sad like humans might think, your dog wants a leader, but because you're not providing leadership, she's taken it upon herself to try to do it for you. she will be much more relaxed and happy once you and your wife take over.

good luck!

Answer 4

As a person who has breed this breed for years, you are facing what many people do that did not socialize their chi's to others. This breed is very protective, a lot of dog in a small package. It sounds to me as if you are stuck. You can let your wife just sit close one day and closer the next etc. YOU should halt the aggressive behavior by telling your pet NO! When she begins her barking etc, this would be her ZONE. Have your wife stop her approach at that point. Try this over several days maybe even weeks, until your pet accepts you both together. Slowly because you are her master and she wants you protected. She is doing what comes natural for her and her breed!I have heard of chi's that don't ever get "over" it, but with love and a lot of time, you my make it!

Answer 5

Min-pins don't have Doberman blood in them unless they were bred to a Doberman (which if you imagine it would be difficult because of size... o.O). Small dogs, especially ones like Chihuahuas, tend to be aggressive, actually more so naturally than many breeds that have bad reps like pit-bulls or Rotweillers. Also, if he was skin and bones when you found him, he's probably been living a difficult life until now, possibly involving mistreatment as well as you suspected. He might not expect any different from you. Give him some time; be sure to be friendly and loving with him, though firm on discipline.

Answer 6

If your plan is to keep both the dog and the wife, you could consider seeing an animal behaviorist, you can get a referral through your vet or the local shelter.
Because the behavior sounds pretty entrenched, I would probably want professional advice - you don't want to do something that makes it worse...sometimes it's hard to figure out how a dog will react to changes.
The good news is that it isn't that the dog hates your wife because it's fine when you aren't there.
Best of luck!

Answer 7

I also have a Chihuahua and let me tell you, that they tend to be aggressive dogs. My dog is very protective of my baby, she will not let no outsider come near the baby. She will snap at the person that tries to get near him. I think your dog is only trying to protect you. Have you ever thought about how your wife treats the dog while your not around. The are very smart dogs and know who is evil and good! Just some thoughts!!!!

Answer 8

your dog was with you before her so naturally she is used to all of your attention and now this wife is cutting into her time with you just get onto her when she does it and hold her tell her calm words while your wife is around and like everyone knows if you could breed the heart of a chihuahua into a big dog you would have the charles manson of dogs

Answer 9

Watch Cesar Milan The Dog Whisperer On The History Channel

You are the dogs property and she is bothering his property. Watch Cesar he did a show on this very issue.

My method you would not like.

Answer 10

Chihuahuas are inherently aggressive and violent. If they bred them to be the size of Great Danes, they wouldn't be a nuisance any more... they would be monsters. They are really useless dogs. They are boisterous, vicious little creatures. I would just get a different dog. Labrador retrievers are good natured dogs.