--- In [email protected], "Julio Fuentes" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> Hello, so glad to see a Group like this exists. I am having one hell
> of a time with Chico. I met this Lady who own Chico and he was 4 years
> old at the time. I take him for walks because she never had time to do
> anything with him except feed him and bath him. It has been just about
> 8 months now and for the first time he growled at me when I put a
> towel around him to dry him off. He did it to (owner) a couple of
> times and she just stopped bathing him and drying him off. He is
> scared of everything. When we are walking he damn near runs into the
> trees because of the sound of the cars. We took him to a class at
> Petsmart for Chihuahua's only. That didn't work and we took him to a
> class for Puppy's and that is only partially working. We are trying to
> get him socialized as much as possible but at 4 years old I think he
> has his own mind. Now he pulls this stunt where he won't take treat
> unless we pet him and almost praise him and then he eats. Damnest
> thing I have ever seen. I have heard of the Horse Whisperer but what
> about a Dog Psychologist, any such thing? Something has to give here.
>
Hi,
I would first say that the little fellow likely doesn`t get enough
exercise. He learned all his bad behavior from his previous owner, who
didn`t excersize him. Yes, you walk him now, but he needs to walk
until he gets tired. His behavior is typical of any animal, including
humans, that are cooped-up all day. He goes a little stir-crazy. His
training should be done post-walk when he is tired and more receptive.
He won`t be all squirrelly feeling inside. Also, keep him on a shorter
leash when walking, so he can walk to the side and slightly behind
you. A gentle tug will correct him. He is actually testing you. You
must assert that you are the leader, not him. You must go in front. He
must follow. This is what he wants. All his training should be done on
the short leash and collar, fitted higher up under his jaw and not
around his throat.
A slight correction by way of a tug on the leash then is the basic way
to train. Takes time, but seems to work. Remember...you are the big
dog. Not him. He is only looking for some structure, with you as the boss.
Terry
" Lets talk about our wonderful little friends!
Join today! "
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