Does anyone else own a Shih-Tzu? My grandma has one, it's a great dog. I usually hate small dogs because they are hyper and yippy, but apparently this breed isn't. The problem is sometimes it throws a tantrum and gets violent, usually without warning. He's very aggressive, and he bites but never breaks skin. The following things usually set him off:
If you put anything on him (like a sweater) the dog throws a fit if you try to take it off. He's worn a sweater for a week before because he was such a problem...
He doesn't really like his feet being touched
Sometimes he'll randomly go berserk
My grandma tells me it's normal for this breed, they want to dominate. I find it unacceptable, especially considering that other times he behaves himself perfectly. Is there any way to cure this problem?
2007-03-01 02:43:10 · 7 answers · asked by Pfo 7 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Note: I don't condone putting a sweater on the dog, I think it's wrong. Dogs come with natural sweaters, it's enough for them and it's enough for me!
2007-03-01 05:38:51 · update #1
Note #2: I live with my grandma, so I take care of the dog quite often, so in the meantime it's partially my dog too.
2007-03-01 05:41:03 · update #2
The main thing is don't allow him to dictate to you. If he throws a temper tantrum, muzzle him and use gloves if necessary but continue doing what you were doing. He's only doing it because it works. ("He's worn a sweater for a week before because he was such a problem...") If it stops working, he will probably escalate at first ("obviously I'm not making enough of an impression") but "out-stubborn" him and make sure YOU win every time.
I come across this when I'm grooming, the dog will have a tantrum, try to bite, throw itself around, have a shrieking fit, whatever. I just make sure he can't hurt himself or me and continue whatever I'm doing (with a smile), sooner or later the dog gets tired and figures it's too much effort for something that's not working.
2007-03-01 03:06:14 · answer #1 · answered by DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The sudden violent behaviour sounds worrying, the other causes of his temper such as the sweater and feet are due to lack of training the dog to accept being handled, particularly the feet which is very common in a lot of breeds.
In view of the dogs sudden violent temper I would seek prefesional help. The sweater problem and feet problem can be resolved with a suitable training programme but the uncontrolled biting may take a bit longer.
2007-03-01 10:52:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
OK, my dog acts the same way! OK first off I have only ever meet one dog who likes to wear things. I think that it must just bother them. Second i have never meet a dog who likes there feet touched when i asked my vet about my dogs similar behavior (nipping and getting mad when someone touched her feet) he said that dogs pads are very sensitive and said basically how would you like it if someone came and pinched your toes with out warning. Now for the "randomly" going berserk my dog does that to but i have found that's its not so random as it first may seem. For instant my dog would follow me into the studio and start be fine for a min then go berserk i found that the cardboard stand ups made her freak out. Some other things that make her freak balloons, fish tanks, posters with people on them, fans, the current from the air conditioner (like is she is asleep near the vent and it kicks on) she will jump up and start going nuts. Small sounds that you and I may not even notice like the hum of a computer fan or the TV. Loud mans voices on the radio. So i would suggest to look for a pattern in the randomness and then try to eliminate what ever is bothering her.
OK and the best and kindest ways i have ever found to make a dog calm dog and stop nipping is holding it and telling it in a soft voice everything will be OK. And if you cant hold it a small squirt bottle with water in it. And when they start snapping at people a small spray. It sounds mean but it is not harmful to them and it simply makes them stop and think hey what was that. And eventually they will learn that there behavior is wrong and to stop doing it. And you want to stop biting while it is just nipping.
Hope that helps.
2007-03-01 11:05:07 · answer #3 · answered by Sarah S 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
My pug does the same thing with the whole taking her bathrobe off. She had to wear her bathrobe 24 hours a day for almost 2 weeks one time. She never bit though she would just bark and pout until you gave it back. Okay it was sort of cute. Now I squirt her with a water bottle when she does it and she gets over it and stops barking. She will pout for about 5 minutes and than crawl back into my lap. It is a small dog thing. They all have Napolean syndrome
2007-03-01 10:49:18 · answer #4 · answered by puggylover 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
For one thing this is your grandmother dog not yours..so you have no business saying that this is unacceptable. For Two ..why are you putting a sweater on a dog, dogs weren't breed to wear clothes they have their own. For Three a lot of of dogs don't like their feet touch. Mine sit on them.
Have you ever thought maybe this dog is going berserk because of you being around. Shih Tzu's are very loving dogs. They are made to sit on someones lap and be petted. They are not breed to wear clothes or bother their feet.
I really don't think I would want you around my dogs.
Ok, thumbs down stalker I am ready for my thumb down.
2007-03-01 11:54:51 · answer #5 · answered by china 4 · 0⤊ 4⤋
my friend has one thats always (for years and years) been very friendly, except for one occasion where it sporadically, for no apparent reason, went crazy and tore a hole in their wall O.o
2007-03-01 10:47:28 · answer #6 · answered by tonberry79 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Quit putting sweaters on dogs! Queer trend gone terribly crazy.
I hope he kicks both your a$$es.
Just bend over, and let him prove himself to be the alpha male that he is.
2007-03-01 10:48:47 · answer #7 · answered by Duque de Alba 3 · 0⤊ 5⤋