Telling visitors in advance to ignore them actually works if you can outlast them. If they don't make eye contact or try to make up to them, the furbabies don't see them as a threat. Then they will sneak around and sniff at them instead of yapping endlessly at them. I dont mind a little yap and then a settle, but when they are getting off on it and not listening, then quiet room..They even know it by the quiet room lol..I will say "Quiet room and point" and they slink off pitifully lol
________________________________ From: C.M. <[email protected]> To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, January 22, 2012 9:58 PM Subject: Re: [Chihuahuas] cranky behavior PAM Thanks Pam. Great advice. So, I'll pick up both of my little ones and put them in the bathroom and in a couple of minutes - after my guest or repairman has settled in, I'll let the pups out. Right? Some repairmen, like the Cox Cable guy, just shoo them away and pay no attention. The dogs immediately calm down. Interesting, huh? When my son comes over, the little dogs jump, run around and bark, but he pays no attention to them. I ask my son to tell them to stop, but he doesn't, so it's just me barking at them like they're barking at him. I think maybe somebody needs to be in control here........LOL ________________________________ From: Pam Dean <[email protected]> To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, January 22, 2012 6:45 PM Subject: Re: [Chihuahuas] cranky behaviot Usually that type of behavior is fear, although they behave like they are ferocious.lol.. I think they must totally trust in you and know you will protect them..as Alpha. I take mine to the vet and they know I will protect them and they have never reacted negativelty. The vet and staff can do anything to them as long as I hand them over to them and tell them it is ok. Of course I have had my dogs from puppies so there are no abuse issues in their history and I have developed this trust. If people come over, they do bark at the door. But then they are ordered to quiet. If they do not listen, they are removed to the quiet room. They hate that because they miss all the fun and they are nosy. After a few minutes, they are let out again. I think they have to understand that negative behavior has consequences and positive gets rewards. When they are let out, and are quiet they get treats. Most of the time they behave. ________________________________ From: C.M. <[email protected]> To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, January 22, 2012 7:08 PM Subject: Re: [Chihuahuas] cranky behaviot How did you teach him not to growl at people? My boy won't let anybody get near him except me. When people come over, he barks his head off and nips at their heels, but calms down in a little bit. How can I fix that? When I take him to the vet, I have to open his mouth so the doc can see his teeth. When I adopted him from the shelter, they said they couldn't exam him because he was too fierce and wouldn't allow it. You know, "writing this out loud" makes him sound like a little terror, but he's not really. He's protecting his property and his mom. But at the same time, shouldn't he be more calm once people are welcomed inside? C. ________________________________ From: Pam Dean <[email protected]> To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, January 22, 2012 2:46 PM Subject: Re: [Chihuahuas] cranky behaviot My little one is a little skitzy about people sticking their faces in hers..Perhaps because he is very tiny and fearful. Sees it as a sign of aggression. He is fine with me..probably a mix of trust and being alpha but a little skitzy with others. I have taught him, however, no growling and aggression with any human, but you can tell he doesn't much like and I warn people.
