snappy dog?
by Jane
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
We are first time owners of a 5 month old maltese puppy named Oscar. Oscar is a super smart little guy who we love dearly, but has some behavior problems. Oscar is a very dominant dog which we are constantly working on. He snaps at our hands if he doesn't feel like being petted or runs away. At other times he is perfectly content to let us pet him, usually if he is on someone's lap. He knows the "sit" "stay" commands and comes when called. He also will retreive anything we throw and put it down at our feet. Another problem we are having is that he goes to the door when he needs to go out, but then snaps or runs away when we try to put the leash on to go out. He knows the words "pet" and "pick up" which I taught him so he knows what's coming next, but only allows this if he feels like it. Any suggestions from all of you more experienced owners?
DISCUSSION:
First thing you need to do is adopt a very stern - no nonsense tone of voice and use it for the word "NO" whenever he growls or snaps. This is totally unacceptable behavior and needs to be nipped in the bud - if the dog thinks it has the upper hand by doing this he will continue to do so.
Leslie R
Everybody on here has heard me say this so much they are sick of it, I'm sure, but coddling (in essence, treating like a child or pampering too much) rather than being a leader in the dog's eyes can cause this problem. Assuming he's been checked out by a vet and is okay, it sounds like your dog needs some leadership.
For several days do this very consistently, then a bit less if there is vast improvement:
(1) Don't free feed, but have scheduled meals, leaving the bowl down for only 20-30 minutes. Before you put the food down, have him sit or down, even stay if he knows that. If he doesn't this is a great time to teach it.
(2) Before ANY petting he must again "earn" the petting by sitting, etc. And then only pet for a few SECONDS.
(3)If there is ANY growling or snapping, immediately clear your throat in a loud and gruff manner. Then quickly turn your back on the dog and ignore for a few minutes. Walk away. Being ignored is punishment to a dog. Giving attention OF ANY KIND is a reward.
The dog gets NOTHING unless he earns it. Have him sit before he goes out the door to potty even.
(4)Now the hard part.......DO NOT make eye contact with him during the first four days. He is to get hardly any attention at all, no matter how much he may try to manipulate you.
Do this for four days an then you can make eye contact, but he still must earn everything. Carry on for a few more days then you can let up some, but you shouldn't ever go back to coddling and not earning along with it. You'll be changing from coddling to cuddling occasionally which is okay! And you shouldn't have an aggressive dog this way. If you let him continue on in the way he is presently, you WILL have an aggressive dog....I'd put money on it! Good luck.
annehudson
Jane: Is little Oscar trying to bite or is he just playfully nipping? My 3 yr old Pete has always done this. It his way of playing. If Oscar is sincerely trying to bite you that is another problem. Pete also begs to get up in my lap and onto my desk when I am on my computer but when I reach down to pick him up he slips back out of reach. He comes back and begs again and we go thru this routine about 6 or 7 times before he will let me pick him up. The same thing use to happen when we would get his leash to walk. He would get all excited but run from me when I would try and put the leash on. He finally outgrew that and now he just runs and jumps on the sofa and waits to be leashed. My 1 yr old Ty does not play the games that Pete does. If you reach to pick him up or pet him he just turns his little body around to be picked up and loved. Pete loves to be helded and loved too I think he just enjoys the little cat and mouse game we always go thru. Good luck with your baby and welcome to the greatest Maltese site you'll ever find.
Belle
I hope I didn't make Oscar sound too mean! He has never actually bitten anyone, but I don't want this nippy behavior to escalate. I do think many times he is trying to get us to play, but nipping is not an appropriate way in my eyes. We do expect him to follow commands before any treats etc. but probably haven't been strict enough. He doesn't respond much to the firm "no" even from my husband. He usually just starts barking! Our vet thinks he is trying to play but just doesn't know the limits or when to quit. Actually he is a wonderful dog who often plays very well. I will try all of everyone's suggestions. They sound great! Also, I failed to mention that Oscar is not yet neutered. His apointment for this is in a few weeks. Will this help his behavior or is this unrelated?
Jane
Belle, your Pete sounds just like my Squirrel and your Ty sounds like Moose! Anyone know why some dogs like to play that "come and get me" game and what is the best way to deal with it......Anne?? If I ignore Squirrel when he does this he will eventually come close enough for me to pick him up (I absolutely refuse to get out of bed to pick him up when I know he wants to come up) but it's a bit frustrating and I feel mean ignoring him.
Deanna (Moose & Squirrel)
Ellie does this "catch me first" game and sometimes it is so annoying! I play the game if I'm in the mood; otherwise I clear my throat gruffly and she stops and says, "uh-oh." I think they truly have a wonderful sense of humor and I'm sure part of it MUST be that they KNOW they're soooo cute !!! There's no harm in it!
anneh
Hi Everyone! I'm happy to report that due to your suggestions Oscar's behavior has greatly improved. He now rolls over on his back to have his leash put on or taken off! The turning away when he nips has greatly reduced the nipping to near nothing and when he does it it is a very meek attempt. He did bark and jump more the first days we ignored him but now is not doing that either. The change is great!
My next question: We have not dared to let many people especially children pet Oscar recently since his behavior has been so bad. When we first got him Oscar was around lots of people and held and petted alot. (They didn't mind if he nipped since he was so young). He had been improving, but we have since moved and he doesn't see as many people. When and how is it safe to introduce this formerly snappy dog to other people? I took him to a busy park a few days ago and he had his tail down and walked like he had arthritis the whole time! When two children tried to pet him ( they had been warned!) he nipped at them in a half hearted attempt. (This was before the four days Anne talked about was up). I want him to get used to other people but don't want to risk anyone's fingers. Any ideas?
Jane
Jane, read my mesagge I posted July 2 about being afraid of fireworks. That's the way...jolly routine....to work on being around children, or whatever else. Get the children to pet him UNDERhanded and under his chin...chest area. DON"T make him go to them or be petted....only let them interact if HE wants to. Just get him around them alot and let him watch in the beginning. This may take awhile, so be very patient. He's doing it because he's fearful.
You know, children excite dogs because they (kids) are active, hands flying everywhere, and lots of jerky movements and loud noises. That's why children get bitten so much...that and because they take liberties they shouldn't with dogs.
Ellie went thru a fearful stage with children and growled every time she saw one. Embarrassed me!!!! I flooded her life with children everywhere and it helped soooo much. She still does it occasionally if we're away from them too much. Socialization is an ongoing process.
The more things, people, and situations you get your dog around in a positive manner, the less fearful your dog will be. Have him sit when you meet something new and do the jolly routine.
You'll notice a big difference.
Hope this helps! Glad you're following advice....you'll enjoy your dog lots more.
anneh
| Please bear in mind when reading topics pertaining to health issues, that most of these questions were answered by helpful Maltese owners with no formal education in veterinary medicine. When in doubt seek a professionals advise. |
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