First, let me say that this really has nothing to do with you...this is pretty typical Chihuahua behavior UNLESS they are broke from it. A chi that is allowed to be a natural chi, will likely do this stuff. The thing is, most people nip it in the bud before it is ingrained :-)
The thing to do is get stern. This is not the time to coddle and baby her, but the time to discipline and exert the alpha status of humans. At home, when she acts this way, a stern "NO" and a removal from the room (isolation) is good. Five minutes is usually good....much longer than that and they forget why they are isolated once that "NO" is issued, do not give her attention for a period of time.. Don't continue to talk to her about her behavior or repeatedly tell her no, ect. Dogs do not understand the meaning of what we are saying and as far as she knows, she now has your undivided attention as a result of the behavior...that is a good thing. So a stern no, an isolation and a period of no attention will usually start sending the message. In public, a stern no and if you are able, leave the place. But don't let her dictate if you are able. IF you have to get something, don't leave without it....but don't lily lag either. If she does bite, she must be reprimanded. a "NO" then Put her on her back and hold her down gently but firmly till she stops fighting against you, then move on to the isolation. Don't continue to talk while holding her. You only words should be "NO" or some other word you have chosen....but not sentences. Make each incident consume as little time as possible. The point is that you are not allowing her to manipulate your attention. Marsha Do not tell God how big your storm is. Tell the storm how big your God is. ----- Original Message ----- From: boogersbg To: [email protected] Sent: Tuesday, September 18, 2007 6:48 PM Subject: [Chihuahuas] HELP! I have a 2 and a half year old female chihuahua. She HATES everyone except me, my parents, my boyfriend, and SOMETIMES she will remember she likes my two best friends. But most of the time she barks crazily at them. Now, the problem is she WILL bite at people she doesn't know, in our home and when we go to petsmart. I am at fault for being an over protective mother when she was a puppy but I really wish I could take her every where with me and not have to worry about her freaking out and snapping at someone. She also barks crazily at nothing when she isn't in the bedroom with my boyfriend and myself. Any ideas of how to stop this behavior? And we don't have money for classes or personal trainers!!!
