I just got a new chihuahua that is about 5-months old. She loves to play with the shih tzu, but my shih tzu is extremely unfriendly (growls and barks) towards her (yet she is very scared of the chihuahua). This is the second time my shih tzu has ever been exposed to another dog. I wonder if it is because I haven't exposed her to other dogs that she's become like this. Is it too late for her to get along with other dogs? How can I get her and the chihuahua to get along?
2007-02-01 06:50:20 · 24 answers · asked by Milktea 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
It is never too late but it means more work. There is no time to lose; find a trainer, find doggy playmates and spend as much time as you can treating her like a dog.
2007-02-01 06:54:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
It is never too late, but make sure when ever your Shih Tzu is around your chihuahua that you are right there with them! Do not leave them alone together just in case one attacks the other. I have a 7 year old Rat Terrier and she is starting to socialize with dogs other than our two beagles...seems to be working alright! It is possible to teach an old dog new tricks! You may also try holding the chihuahua so the Shih Tzu can smell her without the chihuahua being able to "touch" her
2007-02-06 01:47:26 · answer #2 · answered by hockey_chick44 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all its not late at all they're both still both young puppies and haven't adapted their traits all the way yet. The shih tzu doesn't like the chihuahua probably because it's taking attention away from it. Best advice I have is too go to a park and let them play around with other dogs and see if your shih tzu will like any of the dogs their. Whatever you do don't let your dog be centered only on its life for too much longer or it'll stay like that for ever. Just cuddle with it more and not centered on the new dog for all your time.
2007-02-01 06:57:25 · answer #3 · answered by pooridiot007 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have shih-tzu too..he is people friendly than being with other dogs around..it has something to do with his fear.
somebody's dogs attacked him and he got this trauma if he heard or see any dog barks, he would growls.
I am not sure if yours has trauma with other dogs. but like what they say it would take a lot of work and time before they would get along with other dogs.. I am hoping to go to park and exposed him with other dogs again but try to be careful that no one would ever attacked him again..it was scary,,the owner didn't have a leashes on their 2 dogs at that time..mine was a puppy. but he likes to get attention most of the time with our guests in the house and he does not bark or try to get his own way when I was busy hosting.. I think it takes a lot of training too.
2007-02-01 07:05:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You really should not be unsure about getting a puppy. A puppy is a lot of time and work. We have two puppies, a 9 month old and a 9 week old. and I will say a couple of years ago I would not of had the time for them. Make sure your timing is right. With that said, The fact that the other dog liked your brother more, should not of been a question. All a puppy wants is for you to love, play, and most of all be the leader of your home (pack). If you do these things a puppy will love you. It may miss its other home or owner, but it sounds to me it also needs a home!!!
2016-05-24 02:34:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's never to late to get a dog socialized but it may be a little harder. You're going to be breaking a habit that has been established for months now and retraining an old behavior.
You need to learn to become Alpha. Where there is a strong and calm Alpha present the dog won't be fearful. They will rely on you to dole out aggression and protection.
In any instance your dog does this behavior, whether it's from fear or actual aggression you need to intervene immediately. No spanking, no cooing, petting, or anything - you're encouraging the behavior either positively or negatively.
You need to simply tell your dog to down. Down is the dog submitting to you. Make sure the dog is relaxed and not stressed. Don't let the dog be to clingy. You need to give commands for everything, going in and out of the house, when to eat, when to get on the furniture, to get off the furniture, when you're ready to pet them. This will maintain your status and build the dog's confidence in you as a strong leader.
You witness growling order the dog to lay down and to stay. She shouldn't be allowed to get back up till you say.
You can even snap a leash on her in or outside of the house and give a small tug to redirect the dog's attention to you. You can use a shaker bottle to get the dogs attention. (Shaker bottle is simply a bottle w/ rocks or marbles in it). Once you have the dog's attention you can accomplish your next task.
You may want to consider hiring a trainer to come to your house to address your specific training needs in your dog's own environment. They can give you some great tips for taking your dog out into petstores etc for further socialization.
Good Luck
2007-02-01 07:01:54 · answer #6 · answered by sillybuttmunky 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a mistake alot of people make. They bring a new dog home without letting it meet the other pet. Take them both to neutral ground and let them get acquainted that way. Your shih tzu is most likely just feeling like his place has been violated.
2007-02-01 06:56:51 · answer #7 · answered by KathyS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a shih tzu is not a really loving dog even where people are concerned very independent. But did you have them both fixed, if not that would help. It will take awhile but they will get along in time. They are not that good of a mix both are strong willed.
2007-02-01 06:56:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not too lae, but it won't be as easy. Try taking your shih tzu out to parks where it will encounter other dogs, and have you thought about puppy school? It's a great way to socialize you dog, and give it some proper training?
2007-02-06 23:48:53 · answer #9 · answered by victoria r 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a german-shepard golden retreiver mix, and she used to socialize until our other dog died. I take her to the park every chance I get, and I have to tell you, I have not seen her actually "play" with any of the other dogs. She is getting better, though. She is 7 years old, kind of set in her ways, and I have been doing this for four months now. I think, because your dogs actually live together, taking them to nuetral territory and training may help. Just don't give up, it takes dedication and patience.
2007-02-09 05:10:39 · answer #10 · answered by FlowerChild 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A dog is NEVER too old to learn socialisation techniques, it just takes a little longer with an adult dog, You need to take the dog with you outside to meet other dogs in the park , keep leashed at all times, this is so very important to enable the dog to start its life again......
look at the link I have sent it will be invaluable for you
2007-02-05 20:29:34 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋