What is wrong with my dog?

Question

I have a small four-year old teacup chihuahua, ever since she was about a year old she became over protective and mean. I was always very nice to her and I have no idea why she does this. I have dealt with it for the past couple of years but I just can't stand it anymore. I now have two other dogs, one being her mate and the other her puppy, and she hardley wants to have anything to do with them. Most of the time when I come around her she growls and tries to bite me, she does the same to the other dogs. I now have to put her in her own room and leave her in there so she won't get upset. I feel bad for her but I don't know what I should do.
PLEASE HELP!

Answer 1

watch the dog whisperer on the national geographic channel. It sounds like you have a dominant dog in your family! I had one of those, ended up, after spending all kinds of money, having to turn him over to the animal shelter. They wanted to save him and send him to a humane society, but he was too aggressive! He was the only dog I ever had that problem with. I do know you can get some valuable info from Ceasar!!! It did NOT work for my dog, but maybe you can turn this around. Your key sentence was "I was very nice to her!" You have to be the dominant person in the household FIRST, then nice!!! This does not mean you need to beat your dog, just need to let her know you will not back down! When she growls and tries to bite, what do you do?! I would try being dominant over her and see if that helps. Dont be afraid or nervous when doing this, she can sense that! I have seen Ceasar take the dog and put him on his side and "bite" the dog around the throat. Just put your fingers around and bite gently down (do not hurt the dog). This is what dogs do in nature. She should get the idea she is no longer the alpha "dog". If she tries to bite one of the other dogs put her in the same position and let the dog she tried to bite sniff her. This shows her that dog is dominant over her. Good luck!!!

Answer 2

It sounds like your dog's behavior may be the result of a couple of things. One is puberty. According to your description, the behavior started at about a year old. Have you considered spaying your dog?

Another is that it seems the dog is acting like the Alpha dog (the boss). Dog packs always have an Alpha or Leader. This leader should be you. My local SPCA gives free classes on dog training and obedience when you become a volunteer. You may want to check into this first if you have an SPCA near you. It's free and eye-opening. There are also a lot of good books on this. Just do a search on dog obedience training. Avoid anything that mentions shock collars or other pain-inflicting methods.

Here's a few tricks you may want to try in the mean time. In a dog pack, when one of the dogs exibits bad behavior, he or she is punished. One of the ways they are punished is by being forced out of the pack and left on thier own. There is safety and comfort in the pack (dogs are naturally very social) and this is taken away from them. When your dog misbehaves you can "seperate it from the pack" by putting her outside or as you've already done, putting her in a room by herself. When she asks for attention, i.e. jumps up on your leg or sits by you waiting to be petted, don't pet her immediately. If you do, you are giving in to her "dominance." Instead, call her to you and when she comes over, reward her with a rub, a treat or playtime with her favorite toy. Patience and persistance is the key here. Good luck!

Answer 3

You need to correct the dogs behavior every time it becomes aggressive. The reason she is mean to you is that she doesn't see you as the leader.

Like one of the posts there was an episode that focused on an aggressive chihuahua, but most of the episodes deal with dogs with aggression.

You may also want to get a trainer to help you, but you need to start first with yourself and not feel bad about making corrections. Dogs need boundaries first, then love. The source link may provide you additional info.

John
http://www.zonadiva.com - Your place to feel like a Diva!
http://www.johnmessinaenterprises.com

Answer 4

my friend and i both got chi's from the same breeder (they are actually brother and sister) they were very sweet when we first got them but now they are both mean. they growl, bark and bite people. mine only likes me and her's only likes her. the dogs both hate each other. mine gets a long with my other dogs but no other people. i think it is just something to do with the breed. our's are two and they didnt start acting like this until they turned a year old. i am not sure if there is anything to do. my dog will warm up to people but it takes a really long time and he still sometimes snaps at them.

Answer 5

are the others picking on her?maybe she is sick?do you raise your voice at her and scare her? I have 3 jacks,and the smallest is the one with that attitude!she thinks I am all hers and not for any other dog!!starts some vicious fights if I am not careful? she will bite the other dogs if I have one of them in my lap! I try to make her feel special with more attention but I think its sorta like a "napoleon complex"?small dog syndrome?it doesnt do any good to punish them for it but some dogs are just over reactive or just one person dogs?

Answer 6

First I would try some professional training with her. If that doesn't work, then I am not sure what to tell you other than euthanasia. I know that sounds harsh, but who wants a mean dog? She is a lawsuit waiting to happen. Good luck!

Answer 7

First get a vet check-up.
Then find a good dog behavior trainer. Your vet may help with this.
Between the two of them, they should be able to help you.

Answer 8

You know, you can bake them like Cornish Game Hens. Quite tasty-a bit spicey, though.

Answer 9

buy a normal dog