I know that is one of the traits of this breed, but she is 8 months old and is getting worse. She was, I think, well socialized as a puppy, untill it got too cold she went everywhere (that we could take her) with us, but now she would rather growl and snap at visiters than anything, esp if I leave the room. Doesn't matter if it is children or adults, and she really hates men. My hubby doesn't have much to do with her, he is not an animal person, but he has never been mean to her or even raised his voice to her. Any suggestions on how to socialize her or is it too late and she is just going to be anti social. BTW she is fine around all of my kids, she LOVES my youngest, my 4 year old, they are buddies and she gets along great with my Boston/Pug, but the Chihuahua is the dominate one. I don't want her to hate and be mean to people that visit my home.
2007-02-20 04:01:54 · 4 answers · asked by Katie G 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
You should work one on one with a behavioral trainer in your home and the dog. This is not a small problem it can and most likely get worse. If you do not take control of the situation now you could have larger problems that you now have.
When the dog is being nasty to someone you need to show that dog that the behavior is not the type you are happy with and restrain the dog so that you are in the dominant position. Until the dog gives up hold her in the lesser spot. Once she give let her up. She needs to learn that that type of behavior will not be tolerated by you.
By working with a trainer they can show you how to safely and carefully restrain the dog with out causing any one any injury.
Well other than the dogs pride. But with time and some effort you can have a well socialized dog.
Good luck.
2007-02-20 04:13:05 · answer #1 · answered by tlctreecare 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My Chihuahua had the sme problem. When she goes to bite are starts growling at visitors say"NO!".Dont pick your dog up or pull her closer to you. She's defending you!
If that doesnt work try Buy a pet taxi and keeping a blanket and toy in there. Everytime a visitor comes over. Put her in the taxi(in the same room) away from you. And just talk to the person and interact like usual when she sees they wont harm you. And she stops barking and growling let her out then. But only when she stops.
2007-02-20 12:14:43 · answer #2 · answered by lovethosedogs 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My dog is just the same. Sometimes small dogs get scared around people who are so much bigger than them and they don't understand that they don't want to hurt them. To get your dog to be more socialized you should sign her up for a group of dogs that meet on certain days and their owners. Sometimes the smaller dogs need something to be in control of.
2007-02-20 12:12:01 · answer #3 · answered by Ashley 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have your visitors give her treats that way associates visitors with something she likes.
2007-02-20 12:13:40 · answer #4 · answered by smiley 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋