Hi all,

I posted an intro in the general discussions section. I have a larger than average chihuahua named Buddy. Buddy at one time was a stray that was picked up by the local SPCA. I am having a little difficulty with some behaviors that Buddy does. One of these behaviors is barking and lunging for other dogs and people, he has gotten better but still does this with strangers. I do not know if its a protective of me behavior thats causing it or past stray dog experience. He goes into a zone when doing it and doesn't seem to hear any command that I give him. I try blocking his view so he can have a chance to gain control of himself which sometimes works.

a question I have is how can you tell play behavior from non play behavior besides seeing a play bow displayed? I was at the dog park with him and I say he was playing with a pit bull through the fence but I am not totally positive. Being legally blind I cannot catch every gesture that my dog displays. Any Ideas???

Off to go see what I can get done today.

Jodie and Buddy.

Thank you for your questions. Buddy is very lucky to have found you!

Buddy learned how to push unwanted people and animals out of his life as a stray dog. Aggressive displays protected him. Remember that dogs become good at what they practice. Dogs repeat what works and give up what does not work. To survive of the street he also developed communication skills to get along with dogs. Your job is to help him practice those skills.

What type of collar and leash are you using with Buddy? I would suggest a head halter. The loop on Buddy’s nose gives you the ability to turn his eyes away from what he is looking at. The halter also gives you the confidence to know you can stop Buddy from lunging and biting. Blocking his view is a good first step. Turning Buddy around and moving away from what he is barking at helps as well. Buddy prefers the object of his rage to move away from him allowing him to win. Moving Buddy away makes Buddy lose. Praise Buddy as he calms down.

Tell me about Buddy’s behavior in the house. Does he sit at windows and bark? Tell me at least 3 things that Buddy would ‘sell his soul for”.

Buddy communicates with his body. Watch his tail as he ‘talks’ to a dog. Friendly tails wag at the half- mast position with the rear end moving with the tail. The tail between the legs usually means the dog is fearful. The tail carried high even though it wagging usually means a dominance challenge. Observe Buddy’s tail and let me know what you see. I hope this is helpful Margaret Davis

Margaret,
All of those questions can be answered with ease. 3 things Buddy would sell his soul for? ME, Hotdogs and any type of human food.

Type of collar that he wears is a combo. Outside I usually put him in a harness because I use a long line to give him freedom while on play walks. or I will use a 6 foot leash for normal walks that he has to stay close to me on. The collar he wears is mostly for tag keeping which was just switched from a regular flat collar to a rolled leather one.

I have been staying away from the gentle leader or Halti because I assumed he was to little.

Tail... UP and Wagging mostly when around other dogs. In the house it is usually half mast or up but he knows I am "leader".

I understand what you are saying about the behaviors, and I do see it in him. He does have aggressive tendencies but to me appears to be more noise than bite. If I see another dog approaching I either attempt to get as far away as possible if no escape route is available or I know he is ok at a distance with a certain dog. Otherwise I will pick him up and take him through in my arms (probly not the most recoomended method)

I will not be around til late sunday so I will talk more with you then,

Hope you have a great day/night.

Jodie and Buddy

At moms house with Buddy and moms dog and cat. Buddy has met his match so to speak. My mother has a hot dog dog. (Forgot spelling) anyways when Buddy gets barking a moms dog Buddy has realized that moms dog don't move away from him. So he has had to give up and tolerate moms dog. While they are not friends buddy does not bark at moms dog any more and I have seen that Buddy is a bundle of nerves and fear. I have also found out he is REALLY bonded with me. He is very protective of me and that may be some of the undesired behavior cause.

Night
Jodie and Buddy

Hi Jodie, glad you had a good trip. It is good news that Buddy tolerated your mom’s dog.

Describe to me what Buddy is doing as he ‘protects’ you. How did Buddy respond to the cat?

Buy a Gentle Leader for Buddy today. The DVD that comes with it will help you learn to use it. You can train a dog on a harness, but it is like swimming upstream against a tidal wave. I have not met a dog that likes the halter at first. It is important to teach Buddy to tolerate it.

Take the first lesson of our online class (free). Practice that lesson today. Let me know later today how Buddy does. Use the collar instead of the harness for ‘settle down’.

You mentioned that sometimes you pick Buddy up as he barks. Do this only if his safety is at risk. Picking up your dog makes him the ‘big dog’. Holding him next to you gives him ‘pack support’ for what he is doing. In other words picking him up gives him positive reinforcement for being aggressive. Keep me posted on your progress, Margaret Davis