Why does my dog behave like this?

Question

My dog is a 5-month old mini maltese, and has been with us for almost 2 months.

whenever we take him out for walks, and try to socialize him with others dogs, he always growls or barks at them, no matter how much bigger the dogs are compared to him.sometimes he tries to bite or scratch the dogs, no matter how friendly the dogs might be to him.

For instance,earlier today, we took our dog out to a dog cafe where a maltese gathering was held. There were about 15 maltese dogs there, about 10 or so of other different breeds. we tried socializing him with almost all the dogs, except the really big ones. They tried sniffing his butt and playing with him and so on, but he snapped at every single one of them, and almost bit off the noses of quite a few dogs.

He has no problems with humans though. He gets really excited when he meets a human stranger, but he has got huge problems socializing with dogs.

Why is my dog behaving this way?
And what can we do to correct his behavior?

also whenever we hold him in our arms and pet other dogs, he starts growling?

Answer 1

Seems like your little puppy thinks that he's the owner of you instead the other way around. I have been watching the Dog Whisperer on National Geography Channel for few weeks now as we own two dogs ourselves, and most of the dogs (especially the small ones) have behavioral issues due to people (the owners) not as so much for the dogs themselves. When it comes to little puppies, the owners find them so cute and cuddly, the dog.. literally ends up geting a big head. In order for the dogs to be trained and balanced min, it needs to start from the owner. When you dog behaves bad, you need to be firm and let the dog know that you are the master. This doesn't mean that you have to do it physically. Start with pulling (more like yanking) the leash and help the dog mind to be snapped away. Another thing that I noticed from watching the show was that the owners will have to be consistent in being firm with the dog when it behaves badly and be strong about it. Again, it;s the owners that have to understand their responsibility more than the dogs because dogs feed energy from their so called people.

Answer 2

At what age was the puppy removed from the mother and litter? If it was prior to 10 weeks it's probably an association problem in which the dogs natural instincts have been diminished. Before introducing him to a new dog make sure they are both worn out so they are calm. They should be allowed to gradually get to know each other. Start with both on leash and a fence between, then take away the fence but keep some distance, and then allow them close enough to sniff each other, finally once they are still calm and relaxed at this point you can let them play off leash. Keep in mind that dogs will display dominant behavior to establish boundries. You might also try to play games that will involved both. Maltese where origionally used to flush out fowl from brush. You might try tieing a rope to a bush and shaking it and when they investigate toss a small ball for them to chase. This helps with psychological stimulation and gives the dogs a method to bond because they are seeking out "prey" as a pack.

Answer 3

You need to correct this behavior firmly. Every time you don't correct it, he'll think he's doing something good. You need to leave no room for doubt that it is unacceptable. If he growls, say "no!" in a deep, loud voice. If he snaps at the other dog give a quick tug on his leash, combined with "no!" Do not pick him up if he seems uncomfortable with other dogs and if he growls while you're holding him, correct him with the "no!". If he snaps while you're holding him, give him a slight jerk, while saying "no!".

Someone may tell you to put him down if he does it while you're holding him, but this won't solve the problem. My dog barks and growls at other dogs while I'm holding him but if I put him down, he'll wrestle and play with them. Therefore, if I put him down when he growled, he'd learn that he gets out of the situation by growling- he growls because he's trying to protect me, not because he dislikes other dogs.

Answer 4

He was probably totally overwhelmed at the Maltese gathering. That was alot to ask for a 5 month old puppy.

Has he been neutered yet? Five months is also the prime age for obedience classes.

Neutering him in conjunction with enrolling him in puppy obedience lessons is the way to go with your dog. Sounds like he (and you) could benefit from professionally supervised socialization and interaction. Your puppy has clear boundaries and you need to know what they are in order to work with him and help him extend his comfort zone.

Answer 5

I would suggest trying to find a behaviorist. It sounds like he has some anxiety about being around other dogs. Also I recommend "Cesar's Way" by Cesar Millan and his show "The Dog Whisperer" on National Geographic Channel Monday at 9pm. But I think to change this behavior you need a dog behaviorist to help him become a more balanced dog. Good luck.
If you are having problems finding someone to help ask your vet who probably knows someone in the area who other clients recommend.

Answer 6

Forcing your dog to interact with other dogs is not going to help. You need to slowly desensitize and counter condition your dog so that he not only gets used to other dogs, but enjoys them. You do this by changing the way he feels around other dogs. Learn about triggers and thresholds. A good book is the Cautious Canine and another is Click To Calm.

Don't punish your dog's behavior. Reward with great treats when other dogs are around, but not close enough to scare it. This is how you start.

www.fearfuldogs.com

Answer 7

Dogs have no concept of their size. They can be jealous and possessive. Your dog sees these others as a threat to his family (you). The only way to stop this is to reward good behavior when he does not act this way. At the first sign of a confrontation, take him away from it. Tell him in a low firm voice "no."

Answer 8

Yea. It's just a property thing. HE thinks you are HIS. You need to fix that. For instance, watch the show on Animal Planet: It's Me or the Dog... it has a pro trainer on it that can help you with that. She has amazing skills in the dog training business. Watch that show, and it should give you some tips. And also try and train your dog to be able to be off the leash on a walk... it's a trust thing.

:)

Answer 9

He may think that you are his property so when another dog is around he may be trying to 'steal' you from him.

He may also think that he is the 'Alpha' dog so any other dogs around him need to be kept in line, hence him growling and snapping at them.

I suggest reading some articles about dog aggression.

Answer 10

Hi,

I have 3 dogs, all 6 months old. I note that you don't say what your reaction is to this hostile behaviour. For my dogs, most of them are appriate most of the time. When not, I discipline them firmly - I need to immidiately communicate that X (whatever it happens to be) is NOT acceptable behaviour.