Two Little Rescues - BIG Problem

Dog5 · 11-20-2009, 04:44 PM

Hi Everyone...I haven't been here in forever but I'm hoping I can get some advice. We have two new rescue Chihuahuas. They have both bonded to me, but one of them barks constantly at my dad and nips at his feet, and the other one barks and barks non-stop when either of my parents enter, leave or even move too much. I've tried "no" and trying to soothe them that "it's okay" - I'm at a loss...any help at all would be tremendously appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Reina · 11-20-2009, 06:23 PM

What do your parents do with them? Do they take them for walks, or feed them or anything? At meals, let your parents give the dogs their food and get them to give the dogs treats or toys, anything to get them to associate your parents with something good. Get them to take the dogs for a couple walks. The dog will eventually calm down, and your parents will have control over the chi with the leash (so no feet nipping C: )

Don't try to soothe them, like petting or anything, because that can reinforce the bad behaviour. Try a firm "no" and when they back off, reward them.

Dog5 · 11-20-2009, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reina

What do your parents do with them? Do they take them for walks, or feed them or anything? At meals, let your parents give the dogs their food and get them to give the dogs treats or toys, anything to get them to associate your parents with something good. Get them to take the dogs for a couple walks. The dog will eventually calm down, and your parents will have control over the chi with the leash (so no feet nipping C: )

Don't try to soothe them, like petting or anything, because that can reinforce the bad behaviour. Try a firm "no" and when they back off, reward them.

My dad has tried giving Kegan treats - and he takes them, gladly! He will even sit next to my dad on the couch, but if my dad is up moving around that's when he goes ballistic-so I don't know if the feeding thing will work with Kegan. But I will definitely try it with Kendall - he's a puppy mill rescue that was very thin when he got him so he is extremely food motivated. I'll have my parents feed him. Thanks Reina!