How to make my dog less afriad and to stop growling and biting?

[ChiPeanut]

Hi, I have a 6 month male neutered chihuahua. He is fine around me, my partner, and my sisters family but can become scared very easily. When we first got him, he wasn't afriad of anyone and I let lots of strangers hold him and pet him and he was fine.

Now whenever he comes across a stranger he growls and today tried to bite. We went to Pet Smart, I had him on a leash and he seemed petrified, kept hiding behind me, tail between his legs etc.

And then he had to go to the vets as he had a suture sticking out of his neuter wound that didn't dissolve. He growled as soon as the vet walked in, and then the vet wanted to take him to the back and cut the end of the suture, and I tried to give Peanut to the vet but Peanut kept trying to bite the vet (I have never seem him try to bite anyone before). In the end I had to hold him and the vet cut the suture there. Peanut was not acting like he was in pain.

Basic oedience class starts this Saturday but I don't know if its going to help with being afraid of strangers and vets.

I don't let anyone pet him, unless they are an adult and they just put their hand out for Peanut to sniff. And I definately do not let kids try and pet him as I am so afraid he may try and bite them. I don't want Peanut put down. I don't know if what I am doing is good or making the situation worse.

When we are in places, I usually have him walking on a lead.

Any suggestions please?

Thank you

[Cassiepeia]

I can't really help you much, but wanted to ask...how do you react when he acts scared and when he acts aggressively? What exactly do you do?

Cass.

[CdnRottieMom]

I'm no expert in dogs but it sounds as if your puppy is going through his second stage of the fear impact period, from what I've read occurs between 6 to 8 months of age. It's good that you are enrolling Peanut into obedience class, this will build up his confidence. If he is reacting this way, I would continue to keep him enrolled in obedience class until he reaches 2 years of age. In addition to what Cass has mentioned, I would also like to add, to have some yummy treats on hand (hot dog cut up into small bit size pieces). When you approach a stranger, have them ignore peanut, and do not walk up to Peanut. Talk with the stranger, the whole time ignoring Peanut (ensure Peanut is on lead when doing this). Hand some hot dog pieces to the stanger and when Peanut calms down and voluntarily walks up to the stranger, praise Peanut and have the stranger offer Peanut a couple treats. The first time the stranger can just toss it on the ground to Peanut and as Peanut gets comfortable with the stranger, have the stranger hand feed it to him (but only when he feels comfortable). Keep this exercise up with various strangers who will assist you, and soon he will associate strangers approaching him as a positive experience.

[Rivsky]

I totally agree with CdnRottieMom - she has given you excellent advice.

You need to change what Peanut is perceiving as a negative experience into a positive one which will take time and I believe the process explained above is the best way to do this. I wouldn't let anyone approach Peanut while you're working on changing his perception towards strangers at all if you can help it - just give him the space and time to make his own decision that not everyone is bad and make sure you, yourself are not contributing to his fear by trying to sooth him - by doing this you are only enforcing the fact that there is something to be afraid of.

[ChiPeanut]

Hi,

Thank you for replies, they have been very helpful.

When he acts scared whilst on a leash, I usually ignore him, and I praise him on times when you has been good and a stranger has been nearby.

Today with the vet, I told him no and continued to hold him up whilst the vet was doing his stuff. He could probably sense that this was the place that hurt him last time (as it was where he was neutered 3 weeks ago). I wish the place was closer as I have heard of people going to their vets, just talking with the receptionist, giving the dog a treat and going home again. So the dog gets used to a visit to the vets isn't always bad!

I will definately try the stranger with treats trick. Maybe people at the obedience class will help out, as I am new to the area and do not know many people!

I am kinda new to the classes, but what other types of classes are there to do once you have completed basic obedience? I know of the Good Canine one.

Thanks!!

[Cassiepeia]

You could try freestyle classes. I want to get involved in that but it doesn't have a big following in Australia. It's basically advanced obedience but done to music (for fun and competition).

If you go to YouTube and search for 'K9 Freestyle' you'll find lots of videos of it. The Grease routine featuring Rookie the Golden Retriever is the best example of it (it gives me goosebumps watching it ).

Cass.

[ChiPeanut]

Oh wow! Those videos are amazing! They are like dog actors, I wonder how many hours of training that must take!! So fun though!

[kalija]

You have gotton really good advice already, but I wanted to add one thing. I have a dog who is afraid of people myself, and I have found one thing that really helps with him - when guests come over to our house they are instructed to completely ignore Zuki. No eye contact, no trying to pet him, no talking to him. When no - one tries to make advances to him he will relax and approach to sniff hands, maybe take some treats. Another trick I use, is to put him in his crate before I let anyone in. Usually it is chaotic when people first enter -loud talking, shoes or coats coming off, etc. So I put him in his crate untill everyone settles down, then let him out. Especially if kids are coming over - my nephews typically storm the house like an army and that can be scary for a timid dog. Especially a small timid dog like yours. Good Luck!

[ChiPeanut]

Originally Posted by kalija

You have gotton really good advice already, but I wanted to add one thing. I have a dog who is afraid of people myself, and I have found one thing that really helps with him - when guests come over to our house they are instructed to completely ignore Zuki. No eye contact, no trying to pet him, no talking to him. When no - one tries to make advances to him he will relax and approach to sniff hands, maybe take some treats. Another trick I use, is to put him in his crate before I let anyone in. Usually it is chaotic when people first enter -loud talking, shoes or coats coming off, etc. So I put him in his crate untill everyone settles down, then let him out. Especially if kids are coming over - my nephews typically storm the house like an army and that can be scary for a timid dog. Especially a small timid dog like yours. Good Luck!

Thank you for the added advice, that sounds like a good idea, next time I have people over, I shall try that! Thanks