I have a male, 1 year old, and he is VERY mean to other...

<< Back to: rec.pets.dogs: Chihuahuas Breed-FAQ

Answer by Chimama
Submitted on 9/9/2003
Rating:	Rate this answer:
I don't think fixing will make that much of a difference, although I personally recommend that any dog not being used in a professional breeding program be spayed/neutered. He may be trained out of it, but he will not grow out of it. Chihuahuas bond very closely to one or two people, and are Very Very protective of 'their humans'. They must be socialized to accept other people, usually starting in wee puppyhood. You may be able to make him less aggressive with strangers, but it will take time and a lot of work on your part. You will have to figure out how to make him understand that aggression makes his human unhappy, chihuahuas especially want to keep their humans happy. You are the center of their universe, their job in life is to love and adore and protect you. I don't mean to discourage you, but realistically the best time to do this is to start when he is a few months old, introduce him to new people, teach him that it is OK to bark at strangers but once you say "Enough" and welcome the person into your house, his job is done and he should Chill Out. You must never hit him, lock him away in a different room where he can't see you, etc., all those things will only make him more aggressive. Does he behave for you, walk at heel on a leash, allow you to clip his toenails, brush his teeth, take food or toys away from him without snarling or snapping? If so there is hope that you can change his behavior yourself. If not, I recommend you engage the services of a reputable trainer, since the dog seems to not understand that you are Alpha and outrank him. I suggest getting the book Chihuahuas for Dummies, which is the best book I have on the care and training of these delightful little creatures. Good luck!

FAQS.ORG makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of the posts. Each post is the personal opinion of the poster. These posts are not intended to substitute for medical, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice. FAQS.ORG does not endorse any opinion or any product or service mentioned mentioned in these posts.

<< Back to: rec.pets.dogs: Chihuahuas Breed-FAQ

[ Home | FAQ-Related Q&As | General Q&As | Answered Questions ]

Question by kim
Submitted on 9/9/2003
Related FAQ: rec.pets.dogs: Chihuahuas Breed-FAQ
Rating:	Rate this question:
I have a male, 1 year old, and he is VERY mean to other people..will he grow out of this? If I have him fixed, will this end his problem???

Answer by patti
Submitted on 9/16/2003
Rating:	Rate this answer:
I have a male he is very sensitive. But when people come over the only way he will except them is when they sit down my female who is older loves everyone when the sit down!Just get them or him solcialised

Answer by Layne
Submitted on 10/13/2003
Rating:	Rate this answer:
make sure whether it is agression or fear before you try to deal with it....

Answer by chilover
Submitted on 8/3/2006
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
umm...has it been around people since it was little??? cause if it hasn't he might be mean unless you get people to hold him and play with him and stuff

Your name or nickname:
If you'd like to create a new account or access your existing account, put in your password here:
Your answer: