Hi, I have a chihuahua, zen. When he is with me he is the softest and most loving dog but when someone he doesn't know comes too close to me he goes bonkers and tries to bite them. He'll even bite me if I get in the way! He turns into a different dog, snarling and snapping (similar to the exorcist scene). He stops only when they go. He does it to house guests and people in the street. He is totally normal to my family and only turns on strangers.
When he was a puppy I did all the socialising thing and these problems only arose when he about a year old. Zen is two now. He constantly barks at people walking past the house and has a 'watch post' by the window.
It's such a shame that he is like this because being such a small and cute looking dog people want to stroke him and they run a mile when they try.
Could anyone advise me on what methods I could try to stop him from being so angry at strangers. My partner suggested a muzzle but I think it's cruel on zen to have to wear it in his own house when guests come. Plus it's not really a solution. I've been quoted by a dog behaviourist over £200 to have this corrected and can't possibly afford this treatment. Any help is greatly appreiated!!
Vickie xx

Hi Vicki,
I hope you register so that you can answer back our questions & suggestions. It's free & we really don't bite.... much :D

Is Zen neutered? If he's an intact male, he's reacting to situations by trying to dominate them & you. Even if he is neutered, this dog has a definite problem with accepting his place as the one not in charge. Remember, no matter how small & cute he is, he still is a dog, thinks like a dog, & reacts like a dog. He doesn't think he's human at all.... just that you are funny hairless looking dogs that can't talk :D

He is seeing himself in charge of 'protecting' you and the family. This is not good regardless of his size. I hope that no one thinks of it as cute and actually laughs at him. It doesn't help the situation. It could get himself killed one day by another dog or even a human who smacked him back.

There are several things you might try. Basically you have to let him know that ONE you (humans) are in charge of all situations AND that TWO his behavior is completely unacceptable.

First things first
This is a daily exercise to let him get used to the idea that Zen is not in charge [$ needs to be more Zenlike. This is from AKC basic training to use as a first step prior to the beginning of training --- called Dominance-Down. It's worked on mine and other 'rescued' dogs to kind of relax them and acknowledge who is in charge. This will likely help for any dog to accept you as leader. If you're talking about dealing with other dogs, that's another tactic..this just deals with humans. No pain, no stress...well, not for long on the stress bit, at least ]-) It can help the dog to realize that you will take command in situations and it doesn't have to react.

Figure out about a half hour of free time on a daily basis. This is at first, as things start to get better, you can ease up to every other day..and so on. Don't schedule it around feedings or walks. You and your dog go into a room away from others. Be relaxed about it. Put tv or music on. Take a book/magazine with you. If you think you need his lead, use it, but make no issue out of it. Have him/her sit and then lie down.

Don't talk to her other than to give the stay command just one time. Then slowly rest yourself so that you are lying with his neck under your right or left arm. (with him being small, you might be over his shoulders & back, too.... Keep his head out. Might want to put him on a pillow & then drape yourself over him. Whatever you can do to become comfortable & your body is slightly lying over his, kind of as if he's an armrest. This has to be manageable for you to be here for about 15-20 minutes.. At least, that's your goal to work up to. He might lie quietly for 5 minutes and then decide to get up. Don't let him, but don't say anything. Just pull him back down by the underneath of his collar or where the leash is hooked in.

Your dog is there at your convenience, not his. He could go to sleep. Doubtful at first, but let him, if that's what he chooses. Use the time to read and relax. If s/he does struggle, make him do what you want until he physically relaxes. Then just give him about five minutes to let himself get used to the idea. Then sit up. Work up to the longer time.

Don't let this end on a negative and stressful fight. Thats why you work up to the longer time period. Make it positive for both of you--that's why you adjust her start time for this.

When you end this time alone with him, just sit up, but continue to ignore him. When you leave the room, don't say anything to your dog. Let him think about this new change of status for a bit. If you have any other problems with him not understanding that he is lower than the family members, have everyone do this on a regular basis. Just keep things as calm and low key as you can.

This has basically worked for everyone that I've known who has had problems with their dogs and placement in the pecking order-- all sizes, ages, and genders. (around 40+ in about 6 years since I've known of it).

There are several things that I like about this method.
1) low key & daily interaction -- helps to build a bond
2) Face is not near dog's mouth
3) Looming & making a dog uncomfortable is not used
4) No force or stress involved (anything that requires a battle of wills is trouble, in my book)
5) Results can be seen usually within first two weeks.
6) Freely given information & not trying to sell you a program :D

Second
Zen learns that bad behavior is not acceptable.
Various ways ---

Anticipate that there WILL be a problem before it happens. Have him in another room when the doorbell rings & someone enters. When everyone is settled, then let him in. You might want to put a leash on him just so you can get a hold of him (do this before anyone comes over/rings bell/etc....) Have everyone ignore him, including you.

When he acts up, take the leash or pick him up carefully so as not to get bit --- eject dog out of room -- close door. When he becomes calm on the other side of the door, let him in. Don't say anything while you're doing this, other than a firm "No!".

Keep doing it. Give him about 10 times before he stays out permanently. & just enjoy the visit. Next day...ditto.

This is just one method. I'm getting really long now. I'm sure others will have wonderful suggestions too. Just think of it this way.... Your dog became a spoilt teenager [$ now he's a spoiled adult. Sorry, but it's the truth :( When he barks & carries on at the window....close the blinds, or put him out of the room.... I do it with mine & tell them "TV has been turned off" ]) Oooh, they react to that one quickly now :D

good luck
toodles

I would like to add: make sure you don't pick up the chihauha (sp) when people come over. It may make the dog think that he/she is at a higher level of dominance than he is. I don't have a dog yet, so take this as coming from someone who doesn't know much. Maybe someone else can confirm this and explain why it's important (if in fact it is important).

Sorry to babble on. Hope it works out.

Butter

Butter.....
I hate to contradict you... but in certain circumstances picking up the dog can help the situation.

The reason why: It takes the dog off of the stance that he has made against the outside world. It is a definite show of dominant power by the owner. (think about how it would make you feel if you were lifted up easily :) )

BUT there are definite caveats to this:
1) If the dog is unaccustomed to being picked up when upset
2) If it is already in a high state of agitation & adrenaline, just looking for an excuse.
3) when being picked up somehow got hurt or pinched
Any or all .... it can make the situation much worse --especially since face is near to upset dog with teeth ;)

For instance:
Samma has a long back. If I were to catch & pick her up by her stomach instead lifting her by supporting her chest. (it's painful to her by the first way).. & she was already in a seriously out of control mood, it could be the switch to put her in snapping mode. (not likely, but if she had serious control issues going on.... )

She is a good example of calming by picking up though: When someone comes in here...like the electrician, she won't stop barking. She's not out to be agressive though... just unsure of the stranger in my house. I've tried water, cans, ejecting over the years. But if I pick her up, she instantly quiets & becomes calm. Go figure. If my husband is here... she's also much quieter. When I was in a cast.. she never left my side :D

Chienne has never liked being picked up ever since she was little... so we had to do an alternate method. I lean down, tap my right forearm, she flops her front legs over it & I scoop her wigglebutt right up :D She'll also shimmy up my leg if she's really freaked. Just doing her training exercises can quickly calm her down.

Personally, since Zen is already on the warpath... I'd try ejection first. Picking him up is already pampering his ego & telling him that he's important. Right now... he needs to be ignored for a while imho :D :D Just suggestions & thoughts though. Hope everything works out for the best.

Hi everyone!
I'd like to thank you for the advice you have given me, I am so grateful. Zen is neutered and it was the most heartbreaking thing I've ever done, it was like my own baby in the operating theatre! I couldn't stop crying when I saw how spaced out he was after the op!
I did the armrest lesson yesterday and will do it later on today. He whimpered and whimpered, I swear he is like a baby. It actually hurts doing it and ignoring him but I know it's for his own good.
I've not had many willing volunteers for the second lesson! I'm going to do that one pretty soon though.
Thank you once again and I'll keep you posted with the results soon.
Vickie and Zen xxx

Vic...welcome to the forum :D
Zen actually whimpered during your time with him??? Amazing. I wonder what it would have translated to if he had been a larger dog & able to compete with you physically.

When you're doing this, I hope you are staying quiet [$ not making any soothing noises or talking to him. You're contradicting yourself if you do & he'll get more confused about his position :) After that first "stay"...that's it. no conversation verbal or otherwise. You sound like such a softie :D Think of it as being for his own good ])

Good luck & keep updating. Probably after a week or two... you might get volunteers for the second exercise :)
toodles

I had poms myself years ago they thought they were the hounds of the baskvilles :D
Little dogs dont know they are little . and that is why they are so brave as little dogs are full attitude.I never worried too much about them barking when anyone came in but if it was attacking then they went outside to the run I had for them when I was going out as i lived in a avenue adjoining the main road and I was always scared some one would let the door open.
The run was great when I had deliveries re coal , because gates were open and they were screaming . etc.
I felt that was the best I could do for them . put them away from the situation . I would scoop them up say out with Abbie and Tia as someone is coming . I have to say they realised after about three months that if they were quiet they stayed if not they were out . so and this is the truth , sometimes they were quiet especially if it was raining and sometimes they threw caution to the winds and had a good hysterical time . I am convinced most little toys are like this , I suggest you put zen in another room untill he learns manners , and if he dont just make a habit of putting him in another room before guests or friend arrive . Mari

Shows how much I don't know about dogs. Heaven help me, when mine comes!!! :D :D :D

Butter

You'll do just fine Buttercup!!!! Just go with your guts...usually it's the most "right" thing about this whole process. ;) :D :D

:)