Aggressive Chihuahua

[jim717]

I have a 3 year old female chihuahua who does not get along with any of my other animals. She is not fixed and if any of my other pets come up to her to either sniff or initiate play, she growls, shows teeth or has even initiated fights! Has anyone have any suggestions? We are ready to surrender her to the Humane Society. However my roomate is very attached to her.. Help!

[Sneaky]

It sounds to me like you need to work together on this dog.
It needs some serious training.
First item of business: Get her fixed.
Work with her to develop her trust of you, then start by
using treats like sliced hotdogs to start training her.
When she bites you you need to gently grab her muzzle and
say very firmly " Dont Bite". Dont use No- it is an overused command the dog
may associate with some other wrong.
When the dog does behaviour that you like, immediate praise her
thoroughly and well.
Be consistent. Have your roommate and any friends that are over
use the same commands and motions, this will help the dog to learn.
Another way I have known people to have good success with is
Crate Training. When the dog does something bad simply use the correct command and then the crate command "Dont Bite. Go To Your Crate".
Then place the dog in the crate for a 30 minute time out in a quiet area by herself.

[Lizzie]

Get her fixed and your problems may go away.

[mona_b]

Never ever use the crate for punishment.


Yes,get her fixed.And talk to a licenced trainer.

[StaceyB]

Take Mona's advice and please don't hold mouth shut. This will more than likely bring about aggression. You need to do some social work and training with your dog. Get enrolled in classes. You can get this under control but it will take work and you should have someone who is qualified to help you. Be careful of bad advice so you don't create more problems or make the ones you have worse. Check out the trainers before you pick one, they are not all equal.

[Prin]

According to the stats from the CDC, 8 out of 10 biters are not fixed... Like everybody else said, start with that.

[Sneaky]

The first advice was actually given to me by a world reknowned
aggressive dog therapist.
The second is one I have heard work well for others, and have used some
with my dog too as she was very hyper.
It was perfect for "time outs"

[mona_b]

When a "time out" is needed for punishment,it should not be done in the crate.You need to find a different place for this.Be it in a closed off room or something.

The one thing I have learned on here about crates(I never crated) is that they are never to be used as a place of punishment.

[StaceyB]

The crate is meant to be a safe place(bedroom). It is to be a place of enjoyment, not punishment.

[mastifflover]

I agree with Mona never use a crate for punishment. Also get the dog fixed. This will help with socialization with other dogs females can be very aggressive if not fixed. These dogs need to be socialized early because they tend to be aggressive if not. Be consistent in your training and never yell just use a firm voice and tons of praise when she does what you want. Make a huge fuss over her they love the attention and will soon realize when I am good I get lots of lovin. When you choose the words for your commands always use the same one don't change the command word it will only be confusing if you use different words for the same command. Good luck and don't give up I am sure you can turn her around.