Biting Doxie (read) Hi! First, let me stress that I am not a professional; I am merely the owner of 3 dachshunds I adore. That being said, I had a BIG problem with a BIG (30-lbs.) red standard, Louis. He came to us sweet (and not neutered), and as he grew, he went nutty. Very territorial (the world is his fire hydrant), would hold a grudge for some terrible crime like stepping on his toe by accident - he'd go under the bed and growl. He bit guests, like yours, and bit us too; but the worst part was that he would snap into the "red zone" if he was in the middle of chaos and particularly upset, and go for the throat of our little male mini dapple, Henry. Louis was 3 times Henry's weight, but he's a tough little bugger himself, and even after having his throat ripped open a couple of time (thank goodness we live close to the Univ. of PA Vet School!). I've found the key for managing Louis' aggression after I studied him at length; figured out the triggers, and, as Cesar Milan will instruct, became very aware of what was going on in Louis' mind so that I could re-direct him before he could snap. Little Henry and I both were very aware of Lou's "voice," and if we sensed a snapout coming, Henry would immediately come to me to be picked up. We used a crate at that time (we no longer do), so Lou could be put in a time out if he was going off - he really didn't mind. I believe that "snapout" kind of aggression is not unlike a toddler having a tantrum; if you've ever gone through that with a toddler, empathy is key - the child is completely overwhelmed by an emotion or behavior and not only does he/she not understand it, there are no skills to stop it. It's like drowning in a huge wave of emotion. After each time it happened with Louie, I would go to him wherever he was in exile, and make sure he was ok, make contact, and I could tell that he was frightened to death - of himself. That's where you come in; you have to stop it before it starts. Put your guy on a leash if you're expecting company, and, until he's settled, keep him separated so that he can't hurt anyone. Then, while on the leash, little by little, in a very controlled way (first slipping your guests some of his favorite little treats), introduce him and allow them, if the dog's behavior is appropriate, to give him a treat and praise him. Praise is essential; calm is essential as well. He looks to you to show him the right way to be, so if you provide positive feedback he'll associate a positive outcome with new people. It takes time, vigilance, and lots of patience. I used to tell Lou when we were alone as I stroked his beautiful red head that I knew he was a wonderful dog with a beautiful heart, and that we'd get it together. I had faith in him, and it paid off. I should also mention that if your dog is not neutered, definitely run to the nearest vet and get that taken care of; I've owned male dogs of other breeds all my life and have never had to have them neutered. My two boys still, even though they're both neutered, go mark-mark-marking their way all over the house. Dachshunds are tough cookies; their funny construction belies an extremely intelligent, fierce dude who can melt your heart with a glance. Louis is also on an anti-anxiety med which is inexpensive and helps him greatly. Now that he knows exactly what kind of behavior is expected of him, the mere thought that we're disappointed in him sends him falling over on the floor to get a tummy scratch to make sure we still love him. And boy, do we ever! All that chaos has been replaced by the positive feedback of constant love, approval and tummy scratches from everyone. It worked for us. It takes strength to be his leader, and love to get through to him. I hope it works for you too. Let me know how you make out; I know it's hard, but don't give up on him! Posted by barbara318 - August 9, 2010 at 12:34 pm The following message was in reply to the "parent" topic above.

Great Advice :) I just cannot praise your advice enough !!! kudo's to you !!! I Love Ceasar Milan , if you ever get a chance , to go see him on tour ... go !!! :) Posted by RUBY-TUESDAY - February 23, 2011 at 7:26 pm

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