She has had Gizmo for 3 years, she rescued him from his previous owners who used to kick/beat and set him on fire!
He generally is a happy dog now, loves meeting people, has learnt a few commands which he does well, he just seems to have a problem when she tries to get him to lie down or to sit as he starts growling and showing his teeth, he has gone for her before as well.
I dont think its a question of dominance as he is quite a submissive dog otherwise. Does anybody have any ideas on what to do? Any tips/tricks etc.. gratefully accepted!
Thanks in advance!
2007-02-11 10:06:34 · 7 answers · asked by Unhinged.... 5 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
****-zus are inherently stubborn and it's rather like trying to train a mouse. ****-zus do as they want when they want and if your friend can accept/understand that, she'll find they are the most loveable dog ever. They are known as the comediens of the dog world and so make you laugh if you allow them to be who they are. Not so much discipline, they just can't get it. I have never known a ****-zu to be aggressive, it is just not in their genes. Much love and cuddles and praise are the order of the day. Don't be strict with them and they'll be your best friend for years.
2007-02-11 10:22:18 · answer #1 · answered by Angelfish 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he is probably still reacting nervously to having to do things he does not want to. Lets face it, he's had a real crap time of it before he was lucky enough to be adopted! I would be amazed if he didn't have a few emotional problems. I really think your friend should organise some specialist dog behaviourist advise, on a one -to one basis. He or she will have a much better idea about what the dog is thinking and feeling and will be able to sort it out.
meanwhile, lots of love and treats. no smacks or shouting, just ignore bad growling or defiant behaviour and really praise and reward good behaviour with chicken or yummy good treats.
2007-02-11 10:19:01 · answer #2 · answered by rose_merrick 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
poor Gizmo!! kewl name...anywayz, my friend rescued a dog that owners b4 had put ciggies out on him and kickd him. he won't lay dwn when told 2 either. when Gizmo was being beaten he probably laid down to minimize the danage done, or he may hav only been kicked when he was layn dwn so this may be where the problem stems from. get ur friend to lay down on the floor 2 show Gizmo there's nothing 2 b afraid of, then put his fav food on the floor wiv the command 'lay' or 'down'. prehaps seeing other dogs being told to lay or sit by ur friend will help as he can then see that she will not hurt the other dog when she's telling him what to do so wont feel as scared. imagin it as one of ur fears n sum1s got 2 help u over come it. it may turn out tha he simply will never sit or lay down like ur friend wants him 2 becuse of how he was treated b4.
either way, good luck, n its really nice 2 hear that Gizmo is finally in a safe n loving home n away from those horrible sick ppl who hurt him b4
2007-02-11 10:15:28 · answer #3 · answered by evilbunnyhahaha 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The dog is remembering that when the previous owners kicked him or hurt him ..he was told told to sit still or lay down .or keep still...and so associates those commands with pain..use a different worded command for these actions ..or try to praise him to make these actions feel good things will happen..like biscuits treats etc..
2007-02-11 10:19:12 · answer #4 · answered by silver44fox 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
that's often confusing to coach an abused animal and would take sum time! besides the undeniable fact that, attempt while the dogs is fed to hold the bowl above his head and slowly take it back this would desire to make him sit down. compliment him and repeat known and slowly introduce the sit down command. optimistically, this would permit him no that as quickly as he sits he gets something in return. For the lie down command attempt sitting on the floor with the two knees slighty up, coach him a cope with and steadily convey it in direction of ur knee and then under if the dogs needs the cope with then he would desire to lay down and circulate slowly via your legs. Repeat and eventualy introduce the lay command yet dont do away with him shih-tzus make super pets!
2016-11-03 04:33:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think maybe the terrible owners before might have gotten him to lay down before setting him on fire. THAT IS SO SWEET OF YOUR FRIEND!! I Would teach him to lay down.
-I love Jesus-
2007-02-11 10:48:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not dominance he just does not understand, train him with chicken or something tasty!
Mine does that defence stuff too, ignore him!
These people who treat dogs badly are disgraceful.
2007-02-11 10:17:24 · answer #7 · answered by oceanwaves 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋