[bretthighland]

I met my girlfriend's dog yesterday for the first time, and he took a chunk out of my ankle! When I arrived at her apartment, she had him locked up in the bedroom, and he was barking furiously and scratching at the door. After 10 minutes of this, he calmed down a bit, and I recommended that she let him out so that he could get used to me. I planned to ignore him in hopes that he wouldn't feel threatened by me. I've found that ignoring dogs at first usually works, and after a while they get curious and initiate contact.

Well that dog charged out of the room when she opened the door, ran straight for me and bit my ankle. Even though it hurt, I stood completely still. He let go briefly, but then bit my jeans and started shaking his head around. My girlfriend ran over and grabbed him and locked him back up in the room. I surveyed the damage, and was bleeding pretty badly from the bite, and the blood ran down my leg into my socks.

He's a little guy, around 15 lbs. He's 12 years old. I want to make friends with him but I'm not sure what to do. Ignoring him didn't help at all, he was determined to take my leg off! I've read that I need to assert dominance over him, so I have thought about grabbing him and pinning him down on his back until he stops. But I don't know. Can someone give me some advice on this?

 

[cookieface]

Welcome to Dog Forum! Sorry you're here under such distressing circumstances.

I've read that I need to assert dominance over him, so I have thought about grabbing him and pinning him down on his back until he stops. But I don't know. Can someone give me some advice on this?

Uh, no, just no.

Given the severity of his reaction and per forum rules, my advice is to consult a qualified, force-free professional. If this is unusual behavior for him, start with a vet check.

Finding a Trainer, Behavior Consultant, or Behaviorist

 

[KateBren]

Oh my goodness. Yeah, definitely call in the professionals on this one.

He's small, what breed is he?

 

[McCourt]

probably meeting outdoors next time as well.

 

[jagger]

Yeah, you're going to need a trainer. In the meantime - for the safety of the dog and people around said dog...

First thing I'd be talking to your girlfriend about is a muzzle - it's not meant to be mean, it has a calming effect if done correctly and they can't bite. Lots of videos online on muzzling correctly - done wrong, it can cause alot more stress in the dog. The dog should likely be muzzle trained anyway if it's attacking like that, even for a trip to the vet.

Have her leash the dog when you're around and keep the dog back from you. It'll eventually calm down, let it smell and visualize you - take off a sock if you need to and let the dog smell it.

 

[Cymmie]

Keeping the dog locked up when a stranger is in the house just causes further stress related to you. However he should not be allowed to run around loose. How much training in general has the dog had? It sounds like it either has severe behavioral and possible medical issues. Or she has done absolutely no work with it in anyway and so it have developed issues because of lack of structure. He should be on a leash when first meeting you and I also highly recommend you meet him outside first and you and your girlfriend take him on a walk together. Also I agree to consult a professional.

 

[Bexille]

I've read that I need to assert dominance over him, so I have thought about grabbing him and pinning him down on his back until he stops. But I don't know. Can someone give me some advice on this?

I just want to specifically reiterate...do not do this. It will make the dog feel threatened and will more than likely lead to an increase in aggression. Think about it from his perspective: if a stranger visited your house and, say, pushed you up against a wall and pinned you there, your instinct would probably be to defend yourself in some way, right? You certainly wouldn't trust that person anymore.

 

[bretthighland]

Thank you everyone for the replies. My girlfriend's dog, Charlie, is a Chihuahua mix. He hasn't had any training of any sort. He is her late father's dog, and she has been caring for him since her dad died last year, so she has a very strong attachment to him.

I mentioned professional help, but she isn't open to it. She said Charlie has never bitten anyone before, and implied that dogs can sense good and bad in people, so there must be something about me he doesn't like. So I am going to have to solve this myself.

I think meeting him outside, keeping him leashed, and taking him for a walk together are all good ideas. I really don't want him to be locked up in a room while I am there - I agree that will just stress him out further, and I feel it makes my current "boyfriend" status temporary.

This is the only time I've ever had a problem with an animal, so I am pretty sure I can make friends with him. I'm a big guy (6-2, 220 lbs) and he's so little, so he can't really hurt me too bad. I'm going to wear boots next time I go over, so if he bites again he won't be able to get to my skin. Do you think he would wear himself out on my boots and give up if I just ignore his attacks?

Also, does anyone know what the root of his behavior is? Is he being territorial? Is he threatened by me? Is he protecting my girlfriend? Can he sense we are together and is jealous?

 

[KateBren]

Ah a Chihuahua mix. You might want to read up on them a bit.

Here is a little blurb on what might be going on...

Suspicious by nature, Chihuahuas need extensive exposure to people and to unusual sights and sounds. Otherwise their natural suspicion can become shrillness or downright nastiness. Many Chihuahuas will put on a display of excited ferociousness (aka "they pitch a fit"!) when other people or animals approach what they consider to be "theirs." Which, for some Chihuahuas, extends to the entire street. It sounds funny, but it's not, because if you don't curtail it, your Chihuahua may end up suspicious of everyone in the world, which is a short step to biting them when they unwittingly instrude on "his space.

This is the link

Chihuahuas: What's Good and Bad About Chihuahua Dogs

I'm not sure about the rest of the site, but I find her summaries of breeds to be quite accurate.

Good luck!

 

[jagger]

Also, does anyone know what the root of his behavior is? Is he being territorial? Is he threatened by me? Is he protecting my girlfriend? Can he sense we are together and is jealous?

You have a choice to make just like I did when I met the ex. I couldn't watch the dog simply exist as part of our life, and I wanted to bring her minpin out of his shell.

Have a talk to your girlfriend, explain that you're willing if she is - and she should be. Many times it's getting the dog out and about, let it experience everything, take it for walks, spend some time with it. But it has to be done as a team, figure out a game plan and go from there. I would definitely start with a muzzle, then start in on walks.

Chi's and crosses don't have to be like that, they have the capacity to be a powerful little dog. I've met many chi's that run parks off leash, totally confident and fearless even around large dogs. It's generally the way they are raised.

 

[esuastegui]

Well... I get the sneaky suspicion that your girlfriend thinking he needed to be locked in the room when you first got there gives a big clue. Something to discuss with her and a professional trainer...

I mentioned professional help, but she isn't open to it. She said Charlie has never bitten anyone before, and implied that dogs can sense good and bad in people, so there must be something about me he doesn't like. So I am going to have to solve this myself.

Well, if you do, yes, meeting on neutral ground might help. Unfortunately, if his issue is with guarding your girlfriend ("protecting" her from you), a neutral/strange locale may not help. Best thing I can suggest for you is to ask what treats or toys he loves, bring some as a peace offering, and hope for the best.

 

[DriveDog]

I have thought about grabbing him and pinning him down on his back until he stops.

I don't blame you after taking some teeth from an out of control dog that bit you to that extent considering the size. I might have done that or more as I don't take very well to being bitten by dogs

Some good advice has been offered. I'd start with the dog attached by a lead to your girlfriend and maintain a distance where the dog can't get to you. Chill and go about your business and see if the dog finds a calm, it might test some patience but it's a place to start.

The walks and meeting outdoors in a more neutral territory are all great suggestions as well.

Your comment " so there must be something about me he doesn't like." I'm sorry but that's a cop out in the owner's relationship with a dog as I can't imagine you have done anything to earn this position. It's not up to the dog who it bites and doesn't bite, that's up to the handler

 

[Cymmie]

Many owners of chi and small breed dogs don't really treat them as dogs. They treat them as objects or children. Either never taking then out for a walk, never training then correctly, never exposing then for the fear they'll get hurt, all these things are extremely detrimental to dogs in general not to mention a chi when not trained or exposed correctly kind of becomes a raving maniac and is convinced the world outside the house is out to get him or her. Personally chi and chi mixes are my top favorite breed because when cared for correctly they make amazing companions. I have never met a dog that clings to one or a small group of people harder than a chi and is so loyal despite its size, it would put itself in a stupid amount of danger just to protect those it loves. They also are incredibly independent yet amazingly smart. They will take what you teach them and apply it to problems they have to solve themselves as if it's second nature. Often when you have a good bond with a chi and you know you've taught it right, but it decides not to follow what you say.... Well sometimes I just follow what they want if the situation is safe, a lot of the time what my guy decides to do is a better solution than what I told him.

 

[Lielu]

I think the first mistake was to lock him up when you arrived. To him that must have felt like he is being punished, and as he did nothing wrong that meant (in his brain) that YOU are the reason. And like you saw, he is not scared of your size at all even though you must be a giant to him. These little guys really are fearless, they are known for it.
All the advise given so far has been very good. If it was me, I would not have muzzled him, I would have let him protect his kingdom. I would have started off by leaving something of yours, like a sweater or a T-Shirt, close to his favourite spot in the flat. (his bed/ Crate) I would have done that for a day or two just so he can adjust to your smell. then when you enter the house you are not totally "strange"
then I would have gone in with very high value treats. deli meats, his favourite. Ask the girlfriend. If he is food motivated half the battle will be over before you can say "hotdog"
Then lastly, don't be overly affectionate to the GF the first while infront of Charlie. Let him adjust to you completely and give him all the attention and then teach him that you guys can share the GF.
Good luck!! let us know what happens!

 

[Sabina88]

Something else to think about too, is that chi's/ chi mixes are small, so from his prospective your height/stature might be a little intimidating to him.

Have you asked your girlfriend, if he's never bitten any one before why he was locked in a different room?

I do agree with others suggestions about keeping on leash when you interact for now. Being some were other then then your girlfriends house/apartment might help. You could try waiting outside and having your girlfriend bring him outside and you can all go for a walk together (her walking him the whole time and you ignoring him/giving him space), as long as the dog would be comfortable with this.
Again touching the height/stature difference aspect, if he's more comfortable outside and doesn't imidiatly try to bite you again even on leash, you could see if he feels more comfortable when your lower to the ground (ie. sitting).

But as others have said, a trainer would be a good idea.

 

[Rain]

Personally I think a few things may be going on.

He is probably fearful, fear does not necessarily mean that the dog is going to tuck tail, go belly up, or run. It may manifest as a need to protect his territory or his self, by trying to drive off the perceived threat. My own fearful dog chooses to do the last thing. He will do his utter best to try and chase off people if I allow him to do so.

I also think he may be resource guarding his home and owner. The thing about resource guarding is that it is usually rooted in fear and insecurity. The dog is fearful that someone is going to take what he values and loves the most so he guards it.

Y'all need better management. Knowing how upset the dog was by your appearance in the house he should have never been allowed into the room with you without a leash on. When I have company over that my dog has not met, or I know he's not 100% comfortable with, he is confined to the bedroom, and the door is blocked by a babygate. I give him a very good chew, or stuffed kong, in there so that he learns that he's safe when company is over, and that company = extra special treats. The bedroom is his safe spot, he knows that strangers do not go in there, so to him it's not a punishment or a trap.

Start working with him outside the house, he'll feel less of a need to try and chase you off. What you and your girlfriend need to do is start teaching him that you cause great things to happen to him. When I work with my boy to teach him that someone is safe I'll start at a distance from the person. My goal is to have him look at the person, then back at me for a very high value treat. I use treats that he loves the most and he only gets them when he sees people. If my boy is pitching a fit we move further back from the person till he's comfortable. Once he's completely relaxed at that distance then we move closer. I keep doing that till I can stand close to the person and not have him react. Once we are close enough I start having the person drop the treats on the ground. When he's happy to see the person and is happily running up to him or her, I'll have the person start hand feeding him the treats. After that I'll have them give him treats and pet him on the chest, or shoulders, NEVER his head (he does not like his head handled by anyone but me). After he's comfortable with the person outside, and is happily receiving attention from then, I'll try having them in the house with him loose.

The whole process can take anywhere from a week to a month or more. It depends on how often I see the person and can work on my boy's behavior towards them. With us it also helps that Zody LOVES car rides and going to the park, he's never tried to attack a person while riding in the car so if I can convince the person to take us for a couple of rides, or better yet drive us to the park and walk around with us, they'll steal his doggy heart within a day or two. Sadly not every dog likes the car, or the park, but if you can figure out what the dog adores and be the one to give it to him, it does help alot.

 

[McCourt]

Many owners of chi and small breed dogs don't really treat them as dogs. They treat them as objects or children. Either never taking then out for a walk, never training then correctly, never exposing then for the fear they'll get hurt, all these things are extremely detrimental to dogs in general not to mention a chi when not trained or exposed correctly kind of becomes a raving maniac and is convinced the world outside the house is out to get him or her. Personally chi and chi mixes are my top favorite breed because when cared for correctly they make amazing companions. I have never met a dog that clings to one or a small group of people harder than a chi and is so loyal despite its size, it would put itself in a stupid amount of danger just to protect those it loves. They also are incredibly independent yet amazingly smart. They will take what you teach them and apply it to problems they have to solve themselves as if it's second nature. Often when you have a good bond with a chi and you know you've taught it right, but it decides not to follow what you say.... Well sometimes I just follow what they want if the situation is safe, a lot of the time what my guy decides to do is a better solution than what I told him.

I think you've got a point. Before we got our two tiny dogs, I did quite a bit of reading about them. I read that the worst possible thing one can do to a small dog is treat them like a small dog. They don't know that they only weigh 5 pounds, so if you treat them like they'll break, they do tend to grow up with psychological trauma, for lack of a better phrase.

 

[bretthighland]

I wanted to give an update. I have tried various suggestions, but haven't made progress.

On Monday, my girlfriend took him to the park on a leash, and I met them there. As soon as he saw me, he went crazy barking and lunging at me. I stood a few feet away and talked to my girlfriend for around 10 minutes, and he barked at me the entire time. A few minutes into this, she tried scolding him but it had no effect. I totally ignored him and didn't make eye contact, but that didn't help either. He got to me once, even though he was on the leash. He tricked us by being quiet for about 20 seconds, and then out of nowhere lunged and tore my pants. It got increasingly embarassing as time went on, other people were staring and moving away with their dogs and kids, so we finally gave up. We went back to her place and she crated him, and we watched a movie.

I went to my girlfriends again yesterday and took bacon and some other treats, but he ignored him when I dropped them and just barked at me the whole time.

He would definitely kill me, given the chance and if he were bigger!

I'm going to keep trying. I'm hoping that repeated exposure will eventually put him at ease.

 

[KateBren]

You must really like this girl

Just kidding, I don't mean to make light of it. I can't believe he even refused a bacon offering. Wow.

 

[jagger]

I'm willing to bet that it's not just you, anyone that enters the dogs' premises would get the same treatment? And there definitely won't be a trainer involved...

I posted some time ago about my ex's sisters dog, 5 pound ball of fury. First time I met the dog, it did it's default, attacked my ankles, barked etc. I reached down and picked the dog up in such a way that it couldn't bite me.

That didn't go over very well here. Terms like shutting the dog down, should have fed it treats and make friends etc. When a dog is doing something detrimental to itself or others, I do tough love. I'm not scared of dogs, and I have risked bites in the past for the sake of a dog - but that's just me.

By me picking that dog up, I'm giving the dog respect and trust, I'm telling the dog that I'm not afraid of you, I'm telling the dog that you don't need to be like this, it's not necessary. I didn't have a problem with the dog for the rest of the night or on later meetings, everyone else did. That little dog came to me looking for affection, on my lap, everyone was stunned. Why is that?

I'm not telling you to pick up a 15 pound ball of fury intent on tearing your ankles apart. But how do you let this dog know that life doesn't need to be that way? The dog doesn't need to act like this...? It doesn't know any different and needs to be shown that calm is good.

Here's the way I've handled dogs like this in the past, don't take it as advice. The dog is going to do it's default anyway, it's a dangerous dog at this point - if it was a hundred pound rottie, it would be a serious issue and likely put down.

A dog (and people) can only stay in that state of mind for so long - and it's going to be there anyway. It might take 5 minutes, might take 15 but at some point the dog is going to stop, it's going to realize that being angry isn't working, being angry isn't getting the negative reward it's used to. Being angry and negative is tiring - we know that as people - and it breaks my heart to see a dog that feels it needs to live that way - it's going to wear the dog down, so use it to your advantage.

Here's what I would do - and it's not forceful and it's not advice, just me. I would ask the gf to leave, then use a tool to block the dog. I'll cut the tabs off a box and stand in it, a box that I can move in, it's to protect the legs. Release the dog, but use whatever tool you have to block the dog, I wouldn't hit the dog, wouldn't get forceful with it, just move forward and say nothing. The dog needs to back up, I guarantee the dog will get tired and calm down. When it calms down, just stand there and relax. You will see a different dog. I'm showing the dog that I'm not afraid of it, I'm not backing down, this isn't going to work any more - I'm not going to allow you to live like this.