[craigtaz]

I have a 3 year old un-neutered Chihuahua named Petey. He is not your average Chihuahua. He loves people and will run up to anyone, begging for love. He however hates other dogs and ties to pick a fight with every other dog he comes into contact with, despite their size. I am worried that one day he'll get eaten alive by a large dog that won't take his aggressiveness lightly.

How can I break him of this behavior?

Craig

 

[TooneyDogs]

Don't allow him to do that with other dogs. Keep him on leash. Unless there is a reason he is forced to interact with other dogs, ie; other dogs in the household, then you just keep him away.
The other option is to bring in a behaviorist to assess what is going on (fear response/dog aggressive/poor socialization, etc). That can be a long and expensive rehab.

 

[craigtaz]

That's what I've been doing all along. I scold him when he exhibits that type of behavoir, but he seems bent on causing a ruckus with other dogs.

What I don't understand is that he grew up with a large Lab that he loved, so I know he can be social with other dogs. My Lab recently died and I am searching for another dog to adopt. but I am worried that Petey will not accept him/her. I fear that I will have to stick with a pup so that the new dog doesn't hurt Petey when Petey starts his growling, which really limits my options.

 

[TooneyDogs]

That's what I've been doing all along. I scold him when he exhibits that type of behavoir..

Umm, that's the wrong thing to do. By doing that, he learns that when other dogs come around, he gets scolded so, he escalates the behavior...tries to keep them away so he doesn't get into trouble.

 

[craigtaz]

Umm, that's the wrong thing to do. By doing that, he learns that when other dogs come around, he gets scolded so, he escalates the behavior...tries to keep them away so he doesn't get into trouble.

Umm...ok, so what's the correct way to let him know the behavoir is unacceptable?

 

[TooneyDogs]

Umm...ok, so what's the correct way to let him know the behavoir is unacceptable?

You change his attitude. He thinks other dogs are 'bad'....show him that good things happen when other dogs are around instead. Play games, toss food...whatever your dog likes. You may have to do this at some distance. If you get too close and he goes ballistic training attempts will be futile.
Ignore him if he growls or snarls.....continue the play or tossing of treats. You're not rewarding him for that behavior....you're changing his perception.

 

[poodleholic]

You change his attitude. He thinks other dogs are 'bad'....show him that good things happen when other dogs are around instead. Play games, toss food...whatever your dog likes. You may have to do this at some distance. If you get too close and he goes ballistic training attempts will be futile.
Ignore him if he growls or snarls.....continue the play or tossing of treats. You're not rewarding him for that behavior....you're changing his perception.

GREAT response! And it works, too. My formerly dog-aggressive rescue was a lunging, growling, snarling, barking maniac towards other dogs, and a window terrorist, to boot. He's a perfect gentleman these days, and gentle and kind to fosters, and his "sisters" Maddy and Lucia, and Tommy the (formerly feral) cat.

 

[canteloupe]

I'm surprised no one else has mentioned this, but neutering could help. Is there a reason he isn't neutered? I can't imagine that there would be. Neutering can prevent some health issues and it often helps with behavioral problems, including aggression.
I think you should work on training before you consider getting another dog. If you get a dog before your dog is behaving better, it will be harder to resolve the problems. TooneyDogs gave good training advice.

 

[Dogstar]

Neutering might help, but in adult dogs with an established history of obnoxious behaviors with other dogs, it's less likely to succeed than training.

I would strongly work on not just associating other dogs with good stuff happening for Petey, but also work on his obedience training in general. You should be able to call him and have him return, no matter what is going on- this lets you prevent him from going up to other dogs, period. Leave its and just general good manners and obedience skills will help a LOT.

 

[canteloupe]

Oh, I agree that training is definitely number one. I just meant that neutering might provide additional benefits and make training easier.

 

[suzette]

I have a 3 year old un-neutered Chihuahua named Petey. He is not your average Chihuahua. He loves people and will run up to anyone, begging for love. He however hates other dogs and ties to pick a fight with every other dog he comes into contact with, despite their size. I am worried that one day he'll get eaten alive by a large dog that won't take his aggressiveness lightly.

How can I break him of this behavior?

Craig

My male keeshonden had the same habit. Everytime he met a dog he lunged forward and barked loudly. I pull him back turn him around as to break his eye contact from the other dog ask the owner of the other dog if they would mind working with you. Once he refocuses his attention and calms down (ears not perked and mouth open breathing sitting down) then I turn him around and walk him toward the dog and past the dog correcting him with a firm nudge when he seems to excite ( at the VERY first sign) walk him back and forth until he gets that he cannot lungle pull or bark.
Mine is neutered it a personal belief but I think you have healthier and calmer dogs when they are fixed. (can you imagine being sexually starved and then meeting another male or female) He is frustrated so would we be in his place! LOL.
It is your choice but neutering does not hurt them but will help them be balanced dogs in the future