The vet told us to keep her inside til she was fully vaccinated.BIG mistake we know.She barks and snarls at everyone and everything.My male Shih Tzu doesn't.All research indicates she is a lost cause.Can anyone help?We take her to lease free park but she goes on attack mode even with does a couple of hundred pounds ,she's not even 10lb.Help PLEASE..but please don't tell me my only choice is obedience school....
2007-01-14 11:03:14 · 9 answers · asked by m m 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Have you either watched Dog Whisperer or read Cesar Milan's book? If not, you should.
Your shih tzu needs a leader, and like it or not she's looking to you to be the leader. You need to establish yourself as the pack leader and until you do you will have no control over your dog, your dog will remain agressive, and frankly, obedience school is not going to help her. She doesn't listen to you now, she won't listen to you then.
You can start simply by walking out your door first ahead of her. This sets the tone. I have a 2 yr old dachshund and he's stubborn as hell but smart as a whip---I've noticed when I make him sit away from the door and exit the door last he's more prone to pay attention to my commands when we go for walks.
Also, whenever she acts stupid...DO NOT in anyway encourage her by bending down saying "it's okay it's okay" or give her any attention. This only reinforces the behavior. Instead--stand between her and the other dogs, yank firm on her leash and tell her "SHHH" or something YOU can remember and be consistent with that will be her que to know to knock it off. This also tells her you've got the situation under control and don't need help from her. Until her behavior changes I would not let her roam leash free--she could get hurt.
Dogs want to be lead--they are dogs and they want to be treated as dogs. Start with this and see how it helps and in the meantime, watch the show or read the book. It makes complete sense.
2007-01-14 12:02:34 · answer #1 · answered by bundysmom 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's never too late to socialize. Start small in places she is comfortable. Have a friend or two over and let her be around them. Don't push. Gradually, move on to more people. After she is comfortable with this scenario, start taking her out of her comfort zone. If you have friends that would be comfortable, take her to their home. Take her with you as much as possible and orient her to as many different places, people and things as you can. But never push her. If you feel her becoming more "grumpy", then it's time to be done for the day. Basically, you are doing the same as you wold for a puppy, but at a slower pace and being conscious of the fact that she is not a pup. Do this very gradually, and hopefully she will become more socialized.
And btw - I would recommend a new vet. ALL dogs need to be socialized from a very very early age. Most breeder start before they leave mom. To wait to socialize a dog till they are a year is terrible advice - especially from a vet!
2007-01-14 11:15:41 · answer #2 · answered by chownrott 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off, DO NOT TAKE HER TO THE DOG PARK... So many ignorant dog owners are at dog parks and this will lead to trouble. Not to say all dog owners at dog parks are ignorant. My dog was attacked at a dog park because the owner was trying to force his dog to play with other dogs... It doesn't work that way. Start off with taking her places with you. If it is somewhere that other dogs may be around, either carry her to make her feel comfortable or muzzle her so there is no risk of her biting out of fear. This is tough to over come, and takes time and patience. The more exposure to comfortable situations, the faster she will come around. Most likely, attack mode is stemming from fear. If you can pinpoint her fear, you can work on her socialization.
In short, no, obedience school is not your only hope. And no, she is not a lost cause.... It is all in time and patience.
2007-01-14 11:32:28 · answer #3 · answered by krystin_54 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is a problem. I would spend time with her playing brushing and petting and introduce her other dogs very slowly. And you know sometimes dogs just don't like other dogs. It sounds like she is jealous. I have a shih tzu also and when she is on my lap and our other dog comes around she just snaps and barks by the way the other dog could eat her for dinner. Keep trying different things with her they are worth it. Good Luck
2007-01-14 11:35:43 · answer #4 · answered by thmsnbrgll 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
take her on constant walks she will see other dogs and will be on a leash along with the other dogs on leashes. there is really no easy way to solve this. my dog had the same problem. as soon as she saw another dog she would go straight for there throat. we never relized how many dogs we had in our neighborhood. with two toy poodles, a yorkie, a spaniel, two labs, a golden, and 4 other muts all within 2 houses away from us we couldn't keep her. we gave her to a nice farmer with acres and acres of dog free land for her to run around on. she was the nicest dog ever. sorry that you got stuck with an alpha female too. good luck!!!!
2007-01-14 11:15:40 · answer #5 · answered by momo! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take her to the pet store, and walk around the store and buy her some treats for a bit. and take her to the dog park, also bring some company over, and walk around the neighborhood with her. little things like that will help, and if someone wants to pet her, then let them. but if you know that shes prone to biting,or nipping. then ask them if she can just smell them. i hope this helps :)
2007-01-14 11:19:34 · answer #6 · answered by ♥Cristina♥ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't take your dog to obedience school or the dog park.
That's just asking for trouble.
Some dogs don't tollerate other dogs.
2007-01-14 11:10:31 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Have company over, take her with you when you visit friends and family...
2007-01-14 11:07:45 · answer #8 · answered by cherokeee51465 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
have friends comeover a few nights a week
2007-01-14 11:26:53 · answer #9 · answered by puckbunny03 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋