Answer to this Question
Answer provided 5/31/2005 11:29:31 AM
Q.
two chihuahuas diffrent personalities ones a lemmin to the other; a true male leader fiesty in personality; Levi(male) truely untrusting even durring petting sessions(GROWLING IS INTRODUCED) But alpha -male actions result in greater agression with resistance towards consistant scolding(seems to be patronizing:will listen but agressive) Strauss(female) just wants to be in the mix but anxiety rules with her and Levi antagonizes the situation making her a follower though she seems to recognize her wrong actions what do i do help I want my friends to enjoy my pets and see what i see when they truly are unconditional
A.
I can't spend time with your family so I'm not sure what the problem might be exactly, this is just a good guess. It sounds like you may have two dogs with confidence issues. Perhaps they aren't sure what their role in the family is. Sounds like Levi thinks the best defense is a good offense because he's not sure how to conduct himself, this can be a lack of confidence and fear of what might happen next or he could just be a spoiled little boy. It sounds like Strauss is picking up on the bigger issues, who is in control Levi or the human leaders, and that makes her anxious. The last time I saw behavior like this, it was because the dogs were not treated like dogs. It's easy for us to fall into the habit of treating little dogs like human children or dolls instead of dogs, it kind of messes them up. Dogs just don't understand why people don't act more like dogs and it can confuse the dogs. That doesn't mean we have to act like dogs. (big smile)
It's not unusual for one dog to be higher in the pack over the other, they generally have a normal pecking order. Some people think that they need to rule over their dogs with scolding, tough handling, loud yelling, or brute force (this is not alpha behavior) to get the dogs to mind and get along with each other and people. It's not only harmful to the dogs and the people, it's not necessary.
It might take a while or it might happen very quickly, you can help make a difference in your life with the dogs.
Here are a few suggestions that should help right away:
First, use only kindness in word and deed with your dogs. No more scolding. It is your house and the dogs get to live with you. Don't give them rewards like attention (scolding or touching of any kind) or loud or mean words (dogs think you're growling, too) when they do something wrong. Ignore bad behavior for the most part (you'll understand more with some of the reading I'm suggesting), dogs hate being ignored.
Reward good behavior whenever you see it, a little treat or a nice word or pet. This would be when the dog is resting quietly, not growling, not barking, or is not being a little stinker with the other dog or your friends.
Start hand feeding both dogs, everyone in the family should get a turn to feed. No more bowls until all is well and everyone is getting along and can be petted and in the same area without problems.
Visitors can also give a little treat if the dog sits quietly for them. Have your visitors ignore the dogs if the dogs aren't being good. Turn their back and do not look at the dog's eyes.
Obedience training is a must. A dog who sits on command rarely can also be growling and terrorizing anyone. We can't do a bad thing and a good thing at the same time. (smile)
Clicker training is a great way to solve problems and to teach tricks and other wanted behaviors. You can get any behavior without ever touching the dog. It's a perfect way to open communication with your dogs, same way the killer whales and dolphins are trained. I'd suggest our Getting Started Package, see it here
http://www.sitstay.com/store/books/clicker1.shtml
If you'd like to see our clicker training books and videos go here
http://www.sitstay.com/store/books/clicker1.shtml
You'll definitely want to read these books and in this order will get you the quickest and best information, get them from your library or from SitStay.com, they are excellent.
The Culture Clash (a must in my opinion)
Ruff Love
Scaredy Dog
Calming Signals (a must)
Dogs are From Neptune
Behavior Problems in Dogs
Don't Shoot the Dog
find them here
http://www.sitstay.com/store/books/solutions2.shtml
Your situation is one that may take a little time to remedy, you can do it. The best thing you can do is to educate yourself about dog behavior, why they do the things they do. Understanding why dogs do the things they do is the first step to helping them fit in and become a happy part of our family.
Dogs generally learn very quickly how to fit into a household when they understand what we want from them.
You may want to read the books, get the clicker training materials, then pretend that your dogs are brand new to your house. Just as if they have just come to live with you and you have never met them before. They'll "get it" most quickly if you do that and you won't be working on the premise that you think you really know these dogs. Pretend that you have just met them and don't know any of their quirks or bad behavior, your behavior will be different, too, so the dogs are in the same starting spot you're in. It really works.
Loving these little creatures and understanding them is the coolest thing in the world. You'll do great!
Darcie
SitStay.com
www.sitstay.com
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two chihuahuas diffrent personalities ones a lemmin to the other; a true male leader fiesty in personality; Levi(male) truely untrusting even durring petting sessions(GROWLING IS INTRODUCED) But alpha -male actions result in greater agression with resistance towards consistant scolding(seems to be patronizing:will listen but agressive) Strauss(female) just wants to be in the mix but anxiety rules with her and Levi antagonizes the situation making her a follower though she seems to recognize her wrong actions what do i do help I want my friends to enjoy my pets and see what i see when they truly are unconditional
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