Hello & Help!!

[Desperado]

Hi all,
I apologise as I am new here & nt yet gone into intro section. Am desperate for some advice initially.
Basically we 'inherited' a shih-tzu male (I think a cross & not a thoroughbred as too big) about 3 months ago. He is nearly 2 & as a rule very affectionate. He came to us as he had turned & bitten a family member whilst he had a paw infection. We all put his down as a one off. He was house trained but not much else. We have gradually got him onto dog food, slowly training him & got him into a proper routine.
However a couple of days ago, as a family member was holding him, he suddenly turned again. There were no warning signs & he was very aggressive. Thankfully no serious injuries were sustained. Im in bits over it, he's become our baby & is so loving normally. We're getting mixed advice over what action to now take. I dont want to lose him but dont want to risk this happening to someone else.
He hasn't been neutered & I am wondering will that be enough to stop this.
Please help!!!

[allymack]

neutering will defiitely help, and i suggest booking an appointment as soon a possible! also you should take him to obdience classes, so he will learn to listen to you and see you as his leader, hope this helps

[Frenchy]

Originally Posted by Desperado

as a family member was holding him,

Neutering is the first step , and please , don't hold him. Too many people do this with small dogs , and I don't think it's right. They can get too spoiled and overprotective , or they can just feel trapped.

[luckypenny]

Hello Desperado, welcome to the forum .

I recommend you take your dog to the vet to see if there is not something that may be causing him pain. You do mention that the first time he bit, he was suffering from an infection. Makes me wonder if this behavior is pain related.

Although I don't believe that neutering/spaying changes a relationship between dog and owner, it is still something you should seriously consider to avoid all sorts of other behaviors (mounting, wandering/running away, aggression towards other dogs, and yes, even cancer, to name a few).

May I ask why your dog is being picked up and held?

After neutering, I, too, suggest you attend obedience school or consult with an experienced, qualified behaviorist. You'll be amazed at all you'll learn and have fun at the same time .

[clm]

I agree on not holding the dog. People have a tendancy to tote little dogs around and carry them and hold them all the time. Sounds like this little guy doesn't like it. They probably find it hot and confining, not to mention intimidating considering how small they are.

Cindy

[Desperado]

Hi there. Thank you all for your responses, all advice is much appreciated & will be taken on board. Sorry if I rambled bit, cant think straight at mo. So many people are telling me to just get rid of him & I cant bear to think about that option.

I havent explained the situation very well, he's about the size of a King charles spaniel. She wasnt actually carrying him, they were sitting on couch together.

Do you think that the neutering & then classes will be sufficient? I dont want to lose him but am frightened of it happening again?
Many thanks
Helen

[bendyfoot]

If he's being agressive while on furniture, then that privilege has to go. Don't let him up on the couch, bed, or chairs until you've established a good leader-follower relationship with him. Sounds like he thinks he's boss.