He growls when we pick him up or are about to pick him up, the previous owner warned us about this. Are there any ways to help calm it down or is this just how chi's are?
2007-10-03 14:30:48 · 15 answers · asked by Wenders! =]] 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I just got one on Monday & we were told by his previous owners that he would growl & bite, .... but as soon as we see that he is about to growl we sternly say NO, and he won't do it... We really haven't even had a problem with him... Just catch him right before he does it... And make sure you stop him every time so that he'll know that this behavior is not acceptable..
2007-10-03 14:54:55 · answer #1 · answered by Xxjustanotherday_latinaxX 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Okay. If the previous owner warned you about the growling - then, I have to ask, why are you picking him up?
Please listen very carefully to instructions that people in the know give you about your dog. They're not just saying things to lecture you. The warnings that the previous person gave you were for a reason!
You may wish to attend puppy or dog training classes - help your dog to realize that noone wishes him harm. Learning just a little bit about dog body language will help you too - swooping down and scooping up any dog is offensive to them. Take your dog's warnings seriously, please.
2007-10-03 21:54:52 · answer #2 · answered by Misa M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From what I've seen, it is common for chihuahuas to be that way; but I don't see any reason they couldn't learn to behave. (Of course if he just growls and never snaps or bites, it's not so bad; my toy poodle does that, and I let it go because he never goes beyond growling.)
A lot of people are afraid to discipline a toy sized dog; but if you don't, you can have a little monster. First, he needs basic obedience training, if he hasn't had it. Lead him around on a leash and make him sit, stay, and heel on command. Dogs enjoy this activity, plus it gets them into the pattern of obeying you. Praise the dog every time he does the right thing. If you say "sit" and he doesn't sit, say "No, sit." Don't scold, just correct him, and make sure he does it. When he finally does, say "Good dog! Good sit!" Do this frequently.
Then, when he growls, put him on a leash and put him through an obedience routine. This distracts him from his bad attitude and reinforces obedience.
Give him sincere affection when he is not misbehaving; this is important to a dog too.
2007-10-03 21:45:15 · answer #3 · answered by The First Dragon 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
He was probab;y mpt well socialized as a pup. He does not know how to trust you. Chihuahuas are little lap dogs. They love to be on you, with you, touching you all the time. Sit down on the floor with him and let him come over to you. Do not push it. Let him set his own pace. Chihuahuas are not all naturally like this. Our chis are barkers but not biters. They love people and not just me and my husband. They are some of the most well behaved dogs anywhere, chihuahuas or whatever breed. It is all on how they are raised. None of my dogs have ever had any professional training either. They are just GOOD dogs.
2007-10-03 21:54:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The previous owner told you about this and you took the dog anyhow.. Are you some sort of Master Trainer and you figured you would be okay with this aggression? Or you figured everyone at YA could solve this for you??
Or maybe you want to hear..
Don't worry, just hug him and love him, give him some treats, he'll grow out of it.
2007-10-03 21:38:09 · answer #5 · answered by DP 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I agree with DP, took the words right out of my mouth.
Never have second thoughts on a dog before you buy one. Make sure you get one and you are really sure about it. You are not going to get help from here you need to get physical help. Some people have had Chihuahuas but don't know how to even spell one, what has this world come too..................
2007-10-03 21:49:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I own a chi and I can tell you, that is not the way everychi are. some chis can be grouchy like that, but my chi and others that i know are like golden retreivers in a tiny body.
How old is your chi? maybe if he's less than a year old he can be trained. I don't know how to train them tho.
2007-10-03 21:35:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Thats how alot of them are,but not all.
My Chi loves me to death and I can do anything to her, but she growls at pther people.
My chi mix is pretty much thr same way.
You will just have to show her, you are the boss.
2007-10-03 21:37:36 · answer #8 · answered by Akasha 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Ummm... Do you have any doggie toys and other things... oh and if the owner told you he had problems like that then WHY THE HECK DID YOU GET THE DOG?
2007-10-03 21:34:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Chihuahuas , Have a very bad temper
they pick one person to be their master
They will snap at children , I recommend these kind of dogs for
Two single couple , who do not plan or not able to have children ..
We had one , his name was "Quincy"
he was beautiful , and he got my
Cockerspaniel pregnant with pups .
She is not a big dog , but , she had
10 puppies , We found homes for all
of them .. But yes, that's their nature
to be snappy and aggressive ..
Also , I heard Dachshunds , our mean
dogs too .. We had friends , that, had
one that was old ., She had no teeth
but would still try to snap! Well , good luck !
2007-10-03 21:45:02 · answer #10 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋