Help! My Dog Whispering Ways Aren't Settling My Chihuahua

Posted: January 2, 2008

Dear Miss Fifi:

My long-haired Chihuahua is very protective over me. He is fine when I am not around. When I am here he will bark and snap at strangers. What can I do to break him from this? I use the dog whisperer means of grabbing with my fingers on his shoulders, but this has done no good. I holler NO Buster, and this does no good. Other than that he is a very sweet dog and plays well with my grandchildren. It's only when he does not know someone he is distrustful. When I first got him, (about 7 months old) he would cower down whenever I would reach down to pet him. He no longer does this. He knows nothing but hugs and lots of love here in our home. Please advise...

Thank you for your time,
Nancy

Dear Nancy:

Well, I'm not surprised that your dog whisperer ways are not working with your Chihuahua. It's been my experience that the shaky, diminutive breed leads a life of irrational, erratic behavior ... and they can never sit still during high tea. I have always assumed that Chihuahua's suffer mostly from Small Dog Complex, or SDC. Because they are so much smaller physically, they prefer to puff out their chests and bark loudly to create a larger presence.

I would suggest that you check out some of the Pet Behavior Specialists that can be found on the WRAL.com Pets page.

Good luck. Woof!

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It's the outfit. I'd be hostile too.

rah-rah-rita
January 7, 2008 10:58 a.m.

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Actually, it is good that chihuahua's will not go to strangers! They are too easy to "take" being that small. It is a protective measure almost all little dogs have. My two are like that and it's much safer for them. But try carrying a small container of lemon juice with you and when they do it squirt them with it and tell him/her NO, this was recommended by a dog trainer.