Chihuahua aggression to other dogs

[pogostick.co.nz]

Does anyone else have problems with a Chihuahua being aggressive towards other dogs? Is this a breed-specific thing? We have three dogs and the other two are fine when we are out walking them on their leads and we encounter other dogs, but the Chihuahua (actually has a little Bichon-Frise in him as well) goes nuts and champs at the bit (literally!) to get at the other dogs.

He is fine with our other two but it just seems any other dog he wants to engage. We've tried a few techniques like distracting him with treats or carrying him (disempowering) or simply ignoring it altogether but there has been no improvement.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

[DogGirl]

I don't have any suggestions. There have been a number of them that various family members have owned. They were all both kid & dog aggressive. Only one that I've encountered doesn't have this problem. Their aggression is the reason why I won't get one, even though I think they are completely adorable.

If it were my dog, he would be restricted to the yard. I wouldn't want to get rid of him bc he's part of the family, but I wouldn't want to open myself up to liability should he bite another dog or a human.

It's hard when you love them so much.

[uberglamorous]

As a breed, there have been many well-documented cases of aggression in Chihuahuas. There are just some of their kind that displays a natural aggression towards strangers. Some of them are inherently possessive of their food, toys, or owners. In general, any breed of dog who acts this way needs basic obedience training and socialization.

These are the two key steps in reducing any dog's aggressive tendencies. On a broad scale, he'll need to get into the habit of following basic commands from you. Assert yourself as the alpha dog so that he'll learn to stop unwanted behaviors after you scold him.

If possible, take him out for a daily walk to give him a chance to get acquainted with other dogs and people in your community. This is especially important in reducing his fear of strangers. You can actually find more information in the Secrets to Dog Training book (formerly Sit Stay Fetch). This book really helps me whenever I have to deal with any problem concerning dog care.

[melody]

Chihuahua's are really cute dogs and sometimes it's really hard to imagine that they are aggressive. I read somewhere that they do not get along with other breeds and they are not suitable if you have small kids because they have the tendency to bite when they are scared.

I agree that with proper training, I'm sure you'll have fun with your dog.

By the way I found this article about a Chihuahua protecting a 3 year old girl from a mountain lion.

Chihuahuas save 3-year-old girl from mountain lion - KSBY 6 Action News San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara

Just thought you might want to read it.

[Mary]

hi. we have the same problem with our chihuahua. very aggressive is an understatement. he once attacked a group of 7 poodles and a jack russell (and won!!) or at least he was still the dominant one until my son came to the rescue to whisk him away. he also bit 2 of my kids already -once by accident as my son panicked when he saw him eating a chicken bone and tried to take it away from him and got bit in the process-then another time he bit my daughter in the mouth when she was kissing him (funny because he normally doesn't mind being kissed but all of sudden snapped at my daughter when she kissed him this time). i was so angry and afraid that he might bite them again that i wanted to give him back to where we got him from, but my 3 kids were devastated and begged me to give him another chance. they just love him so much i couldn't break their hearts by sending him away.

we still experience dominance and aggression problems. he bullies my daughters ages 10 and 9 by barking and growling at them whenever he sees me hugging them. he doesn't bully my husband and 14 year old son though.

what is the first step in solving the dominance and aggression problem? it is impossible to even walk him outside without him picking fights with other BIGGER dogs. he is not afraid of them. i on the other hand am terrified one of the bigger dogs will surely bite his head off so i have stopped walking him outside and have confined him to our yard. my kids long for the day they can walk him outside and bring him to the mall.

help?