Helping a scared Bichon

[jn527]

Hi, we just got our second Bichon, and he's a bit aggressive probably out of fear. When we visited the shelter he ducked and avoided us, then he was okay after an hour. We named him Mochi, he loves our other little guy Stefan. Our issues as that he will lunge and growl at strangers, particularly men. We're trying to figure out if we could send him to the groomer or if he'd freak out, he already suffered nicely through a bath and loves being brushed. We're thinking of attempting to shave him ourselves. He was adopted then returned because of his "aggressive" behaviour. She took him to the vet and he apparently freaked out, so we're debating trying to take him to the vet or waiting a bit. He's really passive-aggressive with us, if he doesn't want us to pick him up or move him, he'll roll over on his back and try to avoid it.

Do you think if we just keep patience it'll be enough to overcome Mochi's anxiety/aggression to strangers if we walk him with Stefan? Another little less weird issue is they both keep on trying to "hump" each other. We say no and push one off the other, I realize it's probably a dominance issue because they both are neutered.

 

[Brattina88]

Kudos to you for adopting a needy dog!
It sounds like you have your work cut out for you, continue to keep us updated and don't hesitate to ask for help!

First things first, I'd suggest implementing the NILIF Nothing In Life Is Free behavioral philosophies.
The NILIF program is awesome because it's effective for such a wide variety of problems in dogs. A shy, timid dog becomes more relaxed knowing that he has nothing to worry about, and that his owner is in charge of all things. A dog that's pushing too hard to become "top dog" learns that the position is not available and that his life is far more enjoyable without the title. Using this will help the day-to-day incidents easier, and the overall home enviornment less stressful.

As for the aggression towards / fear of men I'd suggest SLOWLY Desensitizing him to what he fears. Keep his attention on you when a man walks by far away. Play with him, ask for some simple commands, keep it low-key and fun. Catch your dog doing it right, and praise him lots for NOT barking. If the aggressioon and barking really is bothersome and out of control you can use a spray bottle with room temperature water. They spray bottle is used to interupt the behavior - no other corrections are neccissary, so you can get his attention back on you.

Do you have a current groomer with your other dog? I'd suggest calling him/her and discussing your new dog, your concerns and his behavior. Most good groomers are willing to work with you and your dog, they'll try thier best. Others might not want anything to with with a possible biter. If she'll work with you that'd be awesome, because Mochi might freak out more if your technique is off and he isn't groomed properly.

He'll have to be UTD on all shots before going to a groomer anyway.

I STRONGLY suggest contacting a professional trainer, or enrolling in dog training classes that us Positive Reinforcement!!

You can overcome these types of behaviors. It probably won't be easy, and it will not be quick, but it will be worth it

I hope that helps a little!

 

[jn527]

Nope, the aggressiveness is more fear and acting out. Mochi could have bitten both male neighbors hands they were holding them out for smelling, but he's just putting on a show. He's was a tried to be a little pushy with us at first, but it was over in a couple of hours.

We had a groomer, who moved away, and we moved to the area 1 year ago, so now we're stuck with trying to find someone else. I guess we should find a class for positive reinforcement, but I didn't want to pressure him into the Vet before he felt secure in the household. We were thinking a lot of this behavior will go away quickly if he feels like he has a real home, and he's not going to be given back.

It happened with Stefan, he was given to a couple of different families before being put with a rescue agency. So he pulled all his tail hair out and near the tail too, and constantly licked his paws and drooled non-stop (they were red). He then would bite the door, moulding on the house, and scratch the door, it took awhile, but he is much more relaxed and secure. I think Mochi is just insecure and being with Stefan and structured environment of walks, crate during day, will help.

But I'm stuck on him being smelly and matted and whether we'd ruin him if we just did it or if he'd prefer a professional groomer. And if we should force the Vet issue this weekend?

 

[micro202]

i'm dealing with a semi-similar situation at the moment. delia who is recently adopted has been showing some moderate fear aggression towards adult male strangers.

Brattina88 had a lot of good suggestions and is pretty similar to what our trainer is having us implement.

there is a pretty good yahoo group called shy k-9's that is pretty active with a lot of people dealing with similar issues.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/shy-k9s/

at this point you probably want to avoid as many situations as possible that will reinforce his fear. do you know what exactly was it at the last vet visit that caused him to freak out? would taking her to a female vet maybe help?

 

[jn527]

I don't know the shelter just said he was returned because the woman owner was afraid of him. I had to laugh because who'd be afraid of a cutie pie? He's quite submissive actually, after dealing with my hubbie's old dog they all seem a dream. I'm checking the yahoo group out. Thanks. I guess I'm hoping to rush him to vet to be sure he's okay, I don't want him to be sick or pass anything to Stefan. And I'd love him to be cooler in Boston, he's horribly overgrown and I started to take a scissors to him, but he looks mangy now and uneven.

 

[Roxy's CD]

His fear towards men is probably for a good reason. He was probably abused... HOw long have you had him? Give him a couple of months to settle in. Positive reinforcment. My girl is very aggressive towards strangers and this sounds really lame but everytime she meets someone new I have to shake their hand firmly, smiling and talking friendly with them. EX) Hey cindy!! How are you??? I"m fine, etc. This shows Roxy that it's ok, this person is alright.... Try that.. As mentioned some beginner classes will help you gain her trust and confidence.

But be very CAUTIOUS!! With dogs that you know are aggressive you have to be responsible! You don't want her to bite anyone and then get put down You know she's aggressive so that's half the battle. Now you just have to work on coaxing her out of that mentality and until that time be very careful, keep her on a tight leash on walks if other people are around or try to cross the road, the "watch me" is a good exercise so when your on walks if someone passes by get her to "watch you", this will take her out of the mind set of growling and barking at that horrible person and focusing on you!

 

[Kmh1]

This sounds similar to what I am dealing with with my new 10 monthold Manchester Terrier. Men defintely get the most ferocious barks out of him--particularly my husband!
I've been doing a lot of positive reinforcement and he does seem to be getting more confident and comfortable with people over the past few weeks. His main problem seems to be with people entering and exiting the room. I noticed last night as he was barking at my husband--if I picked him up and carried him over to hubby to pet--he would be quiet, still a little tense, but quiet. Then I set him down and he was fine--till hubby left the room again--I just kept repeating this a few times and for some reason it seemed to help--Can anyone explain to me what is going on here? Also, thanks for the reference that group.
Good luck with your dog and please keep the info coming! Thanks

Kerry

 

[pup-man]

There are a lot of dogs that fear or dislike a particular gender for one reason or another... .with that being said, this is how I would approach it if it was my dog.

You should get a male friend to come over. Make sure he has a treat in his hand before he enters you house. The both of you should have a nice, low tone, conversation with each other say on the couch. It's important that your friend doesnt make eye contact or anything else with your dog. If your dog starts to bark at him, he is not to pay any attention at all..... at one point of the other, your dog will want to smell him or the treat he has in his hand.. druing this part, you should continue having a conversation with your friend and not paying any attention to the dog... if your dog starts to eat the treat or wants it, have your friend just leave a small piece of it exposed and continue on with the conversation.... he is not to ever make contract or pet the dog until the dog feels more comfortable with him.

If you can get 3 male friends to come over (about an hour apart), and re-do everything that was mentioned and continue working on the training, you should have some positive results.