Our dog finds it so hard to cope with busy streets - cars dont worry him he will happily step off a kerb, but people coming towards him and from behind make him panic. He has been regularly walked in busy streets but he just doesnt seem to change. Also, we have tried squirting water at him and saying NO and shaking a tin with beans in, but despite this he still continues to bark at people who come to the house... any suggestions from any chihuahua trainers out there?
2006-12-30 14:46:09 · 9 answers · asked by icthus 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
All the chihuahuas I have known are very highstrung, nervous little dogs who constantly bark. And I don't blame them as they are so small they must be scared of everything lol. I do wish you good luck though!
2006-12-30 14:52:45 · answer #1 · answered by J. A. M. 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A dog should be allowed to warn but to an extend. He shouldn't go wild but a couple of bark and then you should tell him quiet so that he understands that you know of the situation and he has warned you and then praise after he is quiet. If like you say the two things don't even momentarily stop him them keep a leash attached to a training tool (gentle leader, collar, or harness) on him and when he barks give a quick jerk and say quiet. Just add enough power to be just over what he is exerting. In all three circumstances he should at least stop for even a second. And reward with praise or treats so that he understands that being quiet is good.
2006-12-30 14:57:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This tends to be a genetic problem in Chis, and there isn't much you can do about genetics, but you can help the dog overcome it's genetic issues to be better. First, discontinue with the water and shake can immediately. He is displaying a fear reaction, and you are creating more fear, thus aggravating the situation. The best way to give a dog confidence is to build his confidence in his owner. A dog that believes that his owner is always right, will react to situations the same way his owner does. The easiest way to do this is to enroll in a dog training class that uses positive methods of training. A trainer that uses treats and praise will help your dog learn to believe in you. Training class will also help your dog get used to unfamiliar sights and sounds, and help him deal with fears of people. If you can't go to a training class, train at home, pick up "How To be Your Dog's Best Friend" (one of my favorites) or "Dog Training for Dummies" from the library for guidance on training. Only time, training, and exposure to different situations will change his behavior and it will take time, but be well worth it. As for the barking, I have gotten great results from using a replacement behavior. Whenever my dog starts barking excessively, I give him a sharp no, ask him to sit and praise him for it. He has learned that I would prefer if he sit instead of bark, and now when he wants to start barking, he sits instead. I always praise him for it and it has cut down on barking a lot. Good luck!
2006-12-30 15:07:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like he was not well socialized as a pup. Our chihuahuas have been raised in the country so I am sure they would go nuts in the city. Can't blame them, I do too. Sounds like pretty typival chihuahua behavior to me. I would carry him when crossing the street. He is so small and the big feet can step on him and mash him. Maybe just walk him in a park. Take him to pet stores where there are other people and animals around.
2006-12-30 14:52:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think it may just be his personality. Squirt water at him, geeeeeeeee. That's not nice. How would you like it if someone squirted water on you when you were nervous? We have a blind shitzu and she gets nervous and we find if we talk lovingly to her she calms down.
2006-12-30 15:00:58 · answer #5 · answered by Zoey 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can;t stop them from barking about people coming to your that they don't knoe, that's their way of warning you.
My dog barks when people walk by my house she got good hearing and a sense of what's good and what's bad.
2006-12-30 14:50:22 · answer #6 · answered by alluremn 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/
Great site.
2006-12-30 14:55:05 · answer #7 · answered by Steph 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
puppy prozac.
2006-12-30 14:48:28 · answer #8 · answered by normlgirl@sbcglobal.net 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋
you don't, it's their nature
2006-12-30 14:53:35 · answer #9 · answered by Chris B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋